Screwfix Trade Counters - how do they work?

I went in to one for the first time last week... they work in the same way as Argos, you go in, browse the catalog and write down the part numbers of what you want on a form (or you can save time on that step by bringing the part numbers of the items you want) take it to the skilled operative at the counter who invoices it and takes your payment, you then wait for another skilled operative to shout your 'number' (thats on your invoice) who then gives you the things you ordered.

All the things I wanted were in stock, they were common items though so I cant comment on the availability of all their stock.

Exactly like Argos. They have counters like Argos with leaflets you fill in. Take it to the counter and pay, then someone will shout your order number from another counter. Mine (Glasgow) has always been empty when I go so hopefully they won't decide its not viable and pack up as the prices are great.

Thanks all, just what I wanted to know.

It's like Argos, complete with chavs. I found it very inconvenient and time consuming to use and probably will not repeat the exercise.

An arbitrary set of stuff. You may or may not be lucky.

They'll want your postcode even if you just want a pack of screws. If you prefer they will just enter the postcode of their store, after a bit of persuasion.

I have a feeling you were being slightly sarcastic when you said skilled operatives? Can I just put in a plug for the staff at the Reading Screwfix - I have alwalys found them both knowledgeable and helpful, and they have on a number of occasions steered me away from clever purchasing decisions (10 packs of 10 when I only wanted 10) etc.

Andy

Like Argos - form filling and waiting and waiting. I've used the new one at Croydon a couple of times, but taking into account traffic congestion and the in store time, I've decided it's better to pay the delivery charge and wait a day for a delivery!

Peter

That is exactly why I have started using the trade counter. What a waste of a day waiting in for a signed package. Plus my last 2 deliveries had the wrong goods in them which was another day wasted waiting in for a package especially if you are in the middle of a job which I'd hazard a guess most folk are in when they need something from Screwfix.

I learned the postcode of the Town Hall years ago, for this very purpose.

On Fri, 04 May 2007 11:00:53 GMT someone who may be fred wrote this:-

I always respond to shop staff who ask me such a question that it is none of their business. If they insist then they can keep their goods.

What grounds do they have for collecting that information, under the data protection act?

Alex

Like Argos as already said but don't be surprised if half the stuff you want is "still on the lorry" or somesuch. :((

It depends on the seller. Most trade places do require a valid address these days. You then get a printed receipt that the taxman can't argue with. Horses for courses I suppose.

|!On Fri, 04 May 2007 11:00:53 GMT someone who may be fred |! wrote this:- |! |!>They'll want your postcode even if you just want a pack of screws. If you |!>prefer they will just enter the postcode of their store, after a bit of |!>persuasion. |! |!I always respond to shop staff who ask me such a question that it is |!none of their business. If they insist then they can keep their |!goods.

My general reply to shops wanting personal information is: "I get enough Junk Mail anyhow, why should I want yours" Hasn't failed yet :-) .

I never thought I'd find myself defending Argos but - ou can order and reserve/pay online for collection at the local store. Or you can visit and order then pay via credit-card at a touch-screen console - no need for those paper pads and matchstick-size ballpoint pens any more.

Heh, I use the post code of a "Top Seekrit Gummint Installation".

In the last few months Argos have started operating a just-in-time delivery policy to keep store stock levels at a minimum. Twice in recent months I have reserved items online and when collecting been told they are on the lorry and something about the computer counting goods in transit as at the store before 5pm on each day.

I no longer reserve or use Argos unless collecting the next day.

In message , Dave Fawthrop wrote

Not screwfix, but when paying for goods recently I was asked "Do you have an email address"?

I politely just gave the one word answer "Yes"

It was 20 seconds before the shop assistant realised that I wasn't going to give her any more information on the subject :)

Nice.