Halfords have found a new way to annoy me

[Candaules]

They sent me an email announcing a trade-in event, with 10% off new bikes. "Great!" I thought "Now I can replace my clunky old MTB with that Boardman MX Comp I've had my eye on." (The one my wife wouldn't let me buy because I already had a bike, and there wasn't room for another one.)
So I went along, checked out the bike, liked it, etc. But they didn't have one in stock. "No problem! We'll get you one from another branch!" They rang round: none in stock anywhere in the UK. And no deliveries expected before the end of May, when I will be away on holiday, and after the trade-in event ends. So, if they have any left by mid-June, I might be able to buy one.
To be fair to Halfords, the manager was very apologetic, and said he would give me the 10% anyway, (I've got it in writing) though he wouldn't want my old bike by then.
I now feel vaguely dissatisfied, though I'm not sure who's to blame, Halfords or Boardman.

 

[zizou]

So they are going to honour the discount when they get them back in stock...Im struggling to see why you are annoyed as that seems perfectly reasonable!

 

[welsh dragon]

You got what you originally went in there for which is a 10% discount. So you will have to wait for the bike. Big deal, they will honour the deal. Be grateful they are doing that. I dont see what your problem is.

 

[vickster]

Join British Cycling you may be able to get a further 10% off. And there's also cashback via quidco

 

[Candaules]

Yes, you are both right: I have got the discount, if they have the right bike in stock when I am able to buy it.
I'm just a bit disappointed that I'm not riding my new bike today. And before anyone points is out, that probably is a bit childish.

 

[Archie_tect]

No, I understand your frustration entirely and it's a completely normal reaction.... take no notice of Welsh Dragon and zizou!

 

[welsh dragon]

No, I understand your frustration entirely and it's a completely normal reaction.... take no notice of Welsh Dragon and zizou!

And a very good morning to you Archie _tect i can understand the OP frustration at not being able to have his new bike right this minute, but hey ho he has his discount and his new bike to look forward to.

 

[Cycleops]

And a very good morning to you Archie _tect i can understand the OP frustration at not being able to have his new bike right this minute, but hey ho he has his discount and his new bike to look forward to.

But you don't know what the price will be in May, that is if he waits for the Boardman. I am a believer in buying product rather than discount. If you can get both so much the better! Some of these retailers have all sorts of pricing tricks up their sleeves.

 

[welsh dragon]

But you don't know what the price will be in May, that is if he waits for the Boardman. I am a believer in buying product rather than discount. If you can get both so much the better! Some of these retailers have all sorts of pricing tricks up their sleeves.

There is little point I think in thinking along those lines unless or until it happens IMHO. For now he has his discount. He can cross that bridge if the price increases. But I can see your point of view. And he can take vicksters advise as well. Its good to know someone like her.

 

[Archie_tect]

+ It's the excitement of taking the decision, getting organised, going, looking round then that sinking disappointment when you are told it's all off, go away and come back in 2 months.... then you think, ah forget it, I'll not bother!!

 

[welsh dragon]

+ It's the excitement of taking the decision, getting organised, going, looking round then that sinking disappointment when you are told it's all off, go away and come back in 2 months.... then you think, ah forget it, I'll not bother!!

Yes. I can understand that.

 

[spen666]

So they are going to honour the discount when they get them back in stock...Im struggling to see why you are annoyed as that seems perfectly reasonable!

Not only that, but he gets to retain his old bike as well.

Sounds like Halfords have acted very properly

 

[Candaules]

+ It's the excitement of taking the decision, getting organised, going, looking round then that sinking disappointment when you are told it's all off, go away and come back in 2 months.... then you think, ah forget it, I'll not bother!!

Yes! That's it!
And the fact that they won't let me actually order the bike I want, but expect me to wait and see if any are available.

 

[vickster]

Have you looked at Paul's cycles for deals on hardtails? They quite often have big discounts on older models

 

[glasgowcyclist]

So I went along, checked out the bike, liked it, etc. But they didn't have one in stock..

What about the one you checked out? Was that not your size or something? Maybe you could do a deal for that one as an ex-display model..

GC