I HATE going into Harvey Norman

[Quicksilver]

This is one example of why I sent this off to their complaints dept today apparently it goes straight to the franchisee. And before you ask yes i wanted a headset with lights as it would keep my son busy . Was I too harsh or is that justified?


Yesterday I purchased a Star Wars branded Razer gaming headset from instore. A key selling point of these is that you are meant to be able to change the colour of the Led lights on them as seen in this review video on youtube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=tIpZlaRMpmk#t=126s ) However this function did not work on either of the computers at home with the latest Razer software and updates. I returned to store today with my partner to either get a refund or the defective headset replaced.

As I had my daughter asleep on me my partner was dealing with the sales staff member (after waiting 10 minutes for attention after being directed to "just stand in the comuter area by a member on the registers). The staff member who server her tried to giver her incorrect information on the headphones after a 30 second look at the website on the computer in the office. There is also a function that changes the color of the lights depending on events ingame HOWEVER this is an added option within the Razer software and totally unrelated to the issue I was having. After I informed him of his mistake ( I spent around two hours researching and reading about these headsets yesterday) I proceeded to continue browsing the shop figuring as he now knew the problem there would be a favorable outcome. However he then repackaged the headset incorrectly and got someone else to come out and tell my partner that we were both wrong and there would not be an exchange or refund.

Having spent $186 I am now stuck with a headset with a key feature that is inoperable and rude and dismissive sales staff that have no idea about products they are selling nor will to help customers who have bought defective items.

All around quite a disappointing shopping experience. I was considering buying some other computer equipment but after this I think officeworks will be the way to go.

Cheers
Rhys Evans

 

[anakinleo]

And Gerry Harvey blames the GST for a lack of profit. Go figure.

 

[Quicksilver]

Haha just got a Callback from the manager who apologised and offered to exchange or refund. Why i had to complain first i'll never know.

 

[WoobieZarz]

ha ha, nice work, glad to hear it worked out (or will be at least).

Personally, I don't like the Razor stuff, I had a guy from the Cambridge store (Hardly Normal) down here tell me that they're not THAT good. If you havent bought anything yet, and want quality (thinkin outside the flashing lights bit, lol), I'd be looking at the Turtlebeach XP500 ($239), or possibly one of the new Black Ops 2 branded TBs. Few bucks more, but definitely have the quality of sound that come with them!

 

[jonnov0007]

Harvey Normans sucks!!!!! Always a last resort for me.

 

[Matt26]

Let me just say, a lot of the Harvey Norman Sales people are motivated by one thing and that is not whats best for you, but whats best for them in terms of what kick backs they get from the manufacturers that they are tasked to sell.

One piece of research I have read (that relates to the industry I work in) says that most people will go online for hours and research an item to find what they want, then and go to buy it only to be swayed to an item of another manufacturer by someone who has less knowledge on the subject than you do.

All this for the sole purpose of whats best for them in terms of benefits for them, not you.

All part of the path to purchase!

 

[ooneil]

Don't forget the kickbacks from the "interest free" companies like GE. They get a commission on every sale from them.

 

[Matt26]

Don't forget the kickbacks from the "interest free" companies like GE. They get a commission on every sale from them.

Not to mention that Harvey Norman get paid straight away by GE Finance and they pay their suppliers 120 days later. The interest earned on that is massive!

 

[KyleP]

Harvey Norman are horrible, not to mention they are usually expensive. Gerry Harvey is also a massive wanker. To be honest i don't expect great customer service when i go shopping in Australia, a lot of places are terrible but it doesn't bother me too much because i think if i had to resort working somewhere like Harvey Norman i would probably want to kill myself. However, Australia is really bad. When i go shopping in Japan i get great prompt service and people are very knowledgable about the products. You can also get great discounts every time. And workers there get paid less than here...

 

[Brplat]

This is one example of why I sent this off to their complaints dept today apparently it goes straight to the franchisee. And before you ask yes i wanted a headset with lights as it would keep my son busy . Was I too harsh or is that justified?


Yesterday I purchased a Star Wars branded Razer gaming headset from instore. A key selling point of these is that you are meant to be able to change the colour of the Led lights on them as seen in this review video on youtube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=tIpZlaRMpmk#t=126s ) However this function did not work on either of the computers at home with the latest Razer software and updates. I returned to store today with my partner to either get a refund or the defective headset replaced.

As I had my daughter asleep on me my partner was dealing with the sales staff member (after waiting 10 minutes for attention after being directed to "just stand in the comuter area by a member on the registers). The staff member who server her tried to giver her incorrect information on the headphones after a 30 second look at the website on the computer in the office. There is also a function that changes the color of the lights depending on events ingame HOWEVER this is an added option within the Razer software and totally unrelated to the issue I was having. After I informed him of his mistake ( I spent around two hours researching and reading about these headsets yesterday) I proceeded to continue browsing the shop figuring as he now knew the problem there would be a favorable outcome. However he then repackaged the headset incorrectly and got someone else to come out and tell my partner that we were both wrong and there would not be an exchange or refund.

Having spent $186 I am now stuck with a headset with a key feature that is inoperable and rude and dismissive sales staff that have no idea about products they are selling nor will to help customers who have bought defective items.

All around quite a disappointing shopping experience. I was considering buying some other computer equipment but after this I think officeworks will be the way to go.

Cheers
Rhys Evans

Mate, don't stand for this. Take them back and demand a refund - or get the ACCC involved. I have had my own run in with Harvey and they just expected me to accept it! (Now im on my rant i might as well tell the full story).

Ok so i was in the market for a new computer, i went into the Indooroopilly Harvey Norman store (i was down in Brisbane for the weekend and found a good deal) and purchased one with CASH, i drove back to Bundaberg at the end of my weekend and i plug it all in, and to my absolute disgust the computer boots up to a blue error screen, then restarts, it did this over and over and would not go any further.

So first thing the next morning i take it into the Bundaberg Harvey Norman, i explain where i bought it and the problem, and they offer to repair it. I agree, even though i do not like the idea of a new computer being repaired right away. So they say they will call me once its done, i wait 1 week, then call them, they say its not ready. i give it afew more days then finally i go out there to see whats going on, i get out there and its 'fixed' i take it home and inspect it. There was scratches, and a dint to the top, like something heavy was sitting on it. This was definitely not like this when i took it in. I boot it up, and it works (finally) i put my files,games etc on it, and after a week, the blue screens return!!! i take it in again and i was angry by this point, they offer to repair it again!

I say "it is a brand new system, a repair is not good enough", so they contact another store (i believe it was rockhampton) and get another computer sent in, it took 2 weeks to come, then finally i took that one home...and 2 weeks down the track BLUE SCREENS! ERRORS! CRASHING! I take it in again, and i fly up them, i say i want my cash back and i will not accept a replacement or repair - they seem to not take it seriously, despite the fact i was making a scene. I tell them i will get a refund no matter what and storm out.

That night i contacted the ACCC, and explained it all, they reviewed my case, and in a week i had Harvey Norman calling me up offering me a full CASH refund.

It pays to complain and know your rights the computer in question cost me $2000 - so it was not a cheap system

EDIT: forgot to mention EVERYTIME i went in they ACCUSED me of breaking the computer on purpose

I will not walk into another Harvey Norman store again after this

 

[chaddy42]

I went in to HN two weeks ago to pick up an Apple TV. I picked one up, asked the guy if the deal including a $20 itunes voucher was still on...he looked at me like I had two heads, smirked and said that finished weeks ago. I walked out to the front, picked up a catalogue, took it to the counter and said I wanted the Apple TV + itunes card deal that was in the current catalogue. She looked at me like she didn't know what to do, called over the same guy I asked earlier...they check out the dates, conditions, etc, and eventually the kid said "just give it to him".

I felt so privileged to receive a deal they are currently advertising...HN wouldn't know service if it bit them on the ass!!

 

[jonnov0007]

2 years ago, i bought a computer at HN Mackay, 3 months later had an issue and went to get it fixed at HN Cannonvale(Whitsundays) and they told me they wouldnt accept it as i bought it at another HN and i had to go to HN Mackay!!!! Fu%Kers!!!
Got my IT guy at work to fix it!!

 

[Quicksilver]

2 years ago, i bought a computer at HN Mackay, 3 months later had an issue and went to get it fixed at HN Cannonvale(Whitsundays) and they told me they wouldnt accept it as i bought it at another HN and i had to go to HN Mackay!!!! Fu%Kers!!!
Got my IT guy at work to fix it!!

Man there was never a HN in Cannonvale when I lived there :0D

So i went back in and they went through the whole rigmarole of testing it again before concluding that Yes it was borked half an hour later I walked out with yet another apology and a replacement headset. Went the same ones again as they are damn comfy, plus i'm a sucker for Star Wars.

I usually don't bother going in there but for the sheer time saver it presents it was really unavoidable. The initial guy that served us is a pushy little runt who tries to take advantage of people. Have dealt with him and put him in his place in the past when the other half and her mother bought laptops. Once i dropped a knowledge bomb on him in the initial meeting he got all flustered. Once the complaint rolled down (it goes through the franchisee according to the website) i got the call very very quickly.

 

[matty83]

ha ha, nice work, glad to hear it worked out (or will be at least).

Personally, I don't like the Razor stuff, I had a guy from the Cambridge store (Hardly Normal) down here tell me that they're not THAT good. If you havent bought anything yet, and want quality (thinkin outside the flashing lights bit, lol), I'd be looking at the Turtlebeach XP500 ($239), or possibly one of the new Black Ops 2 branded TBs. Few bucks more, but definitely have the quality of sound that come with them!

ASTROS?

 

[package]

$2k for a laptop. My god.

 

[lapsico]

wonder if the Launceston superstore is where Quicksilver went

http://www.news.com.au/business/com...rman-franchisees/story-fnda1bsz-1226520670693

 

[Quicksilver]

Ahahaha yep!

 

[KyleP]

Harvey Norman are just so terrible for service and attitude...it is like they don't want your business. And Gerry Harvey prides himself on customer service in his stores ahahah. I remember he did a segment on A Current Affair (now there's a reputable program, only watched it to curse at him lol) and dressed undercover to check service...one girl in the shop just ignored him and offered no help hahah...i bet they cut out the worst bits too so he didn't look so bad.

 

[King@James]

Usually you feel good after buying yourself something (In my case a desktop PC for about $1600). After dealing with them I felt like I had just come back from a funeral.

 

[KyleP]

I wouldn't give them my business....and what makes it worse it that their prices are usually so god damn expensive! I'd rather buy something at JB Hi-Fi where you might not get amazing service but at least they will be interested in selling you something, are not rude and will give decent discounts on multiple purchases. Actually i bought my last computer at the Mac shop and the guy working there didn't seem to really know anything about Macs lol but at least it wasn't too much of a hassle to buy something.