Poll on Should We Ban ShoppingSquare and Other Low Quality Retailers

yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 10:20
Last edited 06/10/2017 - 13:30

Being on ozbargain for a while you have to agree a great deal is combination of price and quality of service.

There is no point buying phone for 50% discount when that retailer has worst customer service and when you have to claim warranty you would be stuck and regretting it.

All of us should take responbility and mark that it is not just about cheapest price at least for over $100 items.

There are numerous threads on ozbargain about shopping square and their poor service when claiming warranty.

My recent experience is not warranty but buying phone on mobile eBay app where it says 30 day return garuantee. Combined with shipping refund from PayPal this was no risk. However, further down when you expand there is 10% restocking fees. That to be honest is like fine print. In history of retailers, no one ever says garuantee return but there will be $100 fees. 30 garuantee usually means you can return it like shoes, etc from iconic. I take responsibility of missing fine print.
However, in ozbargain community, we should have standard and ban retailer who have this fine prints which are uncommon. Also bundle with repeated complaints from community members. As broader community we are better off.

Forgot to mention on extremely slow customer service. On average takes 4-5 days on response which means you could be waiting for a month if you have multiple back n forth. That is definitely not acceptable whether big or small.

What do you guys think?

Update:
I can't edit the poll. Some other great suggestions from members:

a. Instead of banning them here, why not provisioning Status Meter (Like Rotten Tomato) at the top for deals published from/for these retailers. That status could be feedback received per store wise from OZB members. Either a +/- or mixed.

b. Maybe we should implement a buddy system, pair a regular with a new user-

Keep the ideas coming. There is no such thing as a bad or too radical idea.

Poll Options expired

  • 10
    Ban them completely
  • 5
    Partial ban where not allowed over $20 deals
  • 32
    Not ban them at all
Site Discussion

closed Comments

  • doweyy on 06/10/2017 - 10:29
    +4

    Restocking fees are there for a reason, if you opened the phone box then they can't resell it brand new, losing revenue. I understand your frustration, but big retailers absorb these costs for returns, smaller retailers can't afford to do so and need to charge a slight fee, no need to ban them for trying to stay competitive. SS have an up and down reputation, but you're paying the price for that service, if you want better service just go buy from a bigger retailer.

    • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 10:35

      Sure. But it is about full disclosure before buying right. Instead of 30 day garuantee it should first say 10% restock fees. That is misleading don't you think if you need to click to see fine print.

      Also those two statements don't make sense together anyways given standard.

      I would not consider shoppingsquare small retailer. Sure if it was family business with local shop. They still have millions of dollars of turnaround.

      • doweyy on 06/10/2017 - 10:39

        There was full disclosure, if you read on the eBay listing before purchasing it clearly states the restocking fee, I noticed from looking at the live bar that you bought an S8, I just looked on their eBay listing and it says:

        Return policy

        Item must be returned within: 30 days after the buyer receives it
        Refund will be given as: Money Back
        Restocking Fee: 10% restocking fee may apply

        So it's pretty clear.. In terms of classifying their business, their turnover is well below what Brick and Mortar stores would be making, so I would consider them fairly small for the eBay space.

        • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 10:52

          Unfortunately you don't see above info in ebay app on mobile.
          All you see is 30 day returns.

          Try it out.

          I don't think it is small business still. Perhaps we have different definitions. But that still doesn't mean providing sub standard service. Either way, obviously you are pro them and you are very much entitled to your opinion. I respect that. Hence the poll.

        • doweyy on 06/10/2017 - 10:56

          @Yoman55555:

          I just tested it out and still found the 10% restocking fee, but yes it was in the "show more" part so I can see how you missed it.. I'm not pro them, I've never purchased from them, I'm just saying that paying $100 less for an item like that comes with additional costs, same as paying less for insurance if you opt for higher excess..

          However, I'm sorry to hear of your experience and I hope you don't have any issues in the future, just don't think it's ban worthy.

        • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 11:06
          -3

          @doweyy:
          Sure. I accept my mistake and I totally understand. All I'm seeing is what can we do to ensure no one else makes that mistake in future. I personally would feel responsible if I upvote a deal and someone makes that mistake. It's also about what customer service to expect and not just fine print. It's been 5 days since they can't back with reply. Surely that is unacceptable.
          Also god forbid I have to actually claim warranty in 6 months.

        • doweyy on 06/10/2017 - 11:11
          +5

          @Yoman55555:

          I understand that, but seems like you're changing your opinion of them very easily.. In this thread you explained a very positive experience and that others should use them, but now you want them banned, very different outlook. You even said you knew about the 10% restocking fee, contrary to this thread.

          In terms of big items like phone. I won't be buying grey import anyways as the risk is too high when claiming warranty in future. Rather stick to local Aussie sellers.

          Looks like you went against your own judgement..

          By all means, share your negative experiences, which helps people out, I'm not condoning that at all!

        • spackbace on 06/10/2017 - 11:13
          +1

          @Yoman55555:

          Also god forbid I have to actually claim warranty in 6 months.

          It's a grey import yeah? I wouldn't worry about claiming on warranty and sending the phone to HK, but you knew that when you bought Grey stock instead of local

        • spackbace on 06/10/2017 - 11:14
          +1

          @doweyy:

          https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/328576#comment-5055079

          They aren't returned phones. They are opened and tested. This is standard practice on grey import which should ideally be in description.

        • spackbace on 06/10/2017 - 11:22
          +5

          @Yoman55555:

          Is this just a strong case of Buyers Remorse?

          You're now selling the phone (Post), and whinging about restocking fees.

          So you bought the phone, don't want the phone, and SS won't just go "Ok no worries here's your money back".

          Correct me if I'm wrong, but your digital footprint tells an interesting story

        • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 12:34

          @Spackbace:
          No remorse. Just curious how come you defend retailer ego provides bad service? Not just restoking fees. What about 20 days with customer service with 5 day average turn around. Do you think that is acceptable? One should be happy and not tell anyone about sub standard service?

        • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 12:35

          @Spackbace: not really actually. It's Australian retailer. So they are responsible right?

        • spackbace on 06/10/2017 - 12:42
          +1

          @Yoman55555:

          It's a grey import, it will go to HK to get repaired. You'll get a 1yr warranty with no local service, vs 2yrs for Australian Stock with local service (can just go to the nearest Samsung Service Centre). You should know this, you've questioned on other deals about warranty.

          Just curious how come you defend retailer ego provides bad service?

          I haven't defended SS's service, just a restocking fee to just stop people having buyer's remorse.

          What about 20 days with customer service with 5 day average turn around. Do you think that is acceptable?

          What does that even mean? 20 days with customer service? What?

          One should be happy and not tell anyone about sub standard service?

          One can feel free to inform others of bad service, but in many cases, the customer is not always right…

        • spackbace on 06/10/2017 - 12:45
          +1

          @Yoman55555:

          Why did you acknowledge the restocking fee 6 months ago and now you're surprised by it?

          https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/300266

          However, they had issue of paying 10% restocking fee. I can understand why that fee is there since the warehouse, etc. However, in years of dealing on ebay no seller has ever listed the restocking fee. So, that was in question and based on guidelines on ebay it is valid for sellers to charge it. Either way, I was happy to put that up to Paypal to decide and whatever is outcome I just have to live with it.

          Your own words!

        • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 12:49

          @Spackbace: sure banning might be extreme. What ideas can you contribute to the thread. Some great suggestions from others.

          You are entitled to your opinion and it is ok to say there is no problem too.

          I can't unfortunately modify poll options anymore. Would have added new suggestions.

        • spackbace on 06/10/2017 - 12:59
          +4

          @Yoman55555:

          Twice now you've bought from SS, twice now you've sought refunds from them yet you had no issues with the phones

          The issue here isnt with SS, it's with you.

          Maybe next time you think before buying things?

        • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 13:19
          -5

          @Spackbace: Certainly never again as they on my blacklist. Don't take it personal but I won't respond for your post after this. You are clearly missing the point and on the semi troll category. Im trying to be productive here and looking for future and ideas to help in future. You seem to be stuck on one point and not moving on. There is always that one person in group discussion who ends up focusing and being stuck on one wrong thing.
          So, thanks for your comments so far. Have a nice day.

        • spackbace on 06/10/2017 - 13:48
          +1

          @Yoman55555:

          Well you're the one picking and choosing what you want to reply to. At the end of the day, this 'discussion' is not based on an issue with the store or the product they sold.

          Anyway, poll results tell the story, so that's fine if you don't want to respond and actually have some sort of discussion.

        • Ughhh on 06/10/2017 - 16:29
          +3

          @Yoman55555:

          There is always that one person in group discussion who ends up focusing and being stuck on one wrong thing

          That would be you. Stop trolling.

  • c64 on 06/10/2017 - 10:32
    +3

    Should We Ban ShoppingSquare and Other Low Quality Retailers

    but then ozbargain would be an empty site :)

  • Clear on 06/10/2017 - 10:34

    Curious what the other low quality retailers are.

    • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 10:37
      +1

      I say low quality is where you know you buy good where you know you can't really return it or will have warranty. No customer service, etc. So, if clear you accept the risk.

      Maybe we should simply flag them so unsuspecting ozbargainers don't fall into the trap

    • bdl on 06/10/2017 - 10:51

      Hardly Normal :D

  • CyberMurning on 06/10/2017 - 10:40
    +2

    " 30 garuantee usually means you can return it like shoes, etc from iconic. "

    yes thats why iconic harvey norman jbhf they charge more compare with grey importer, like $50 for 32GB micro card.

    you cant have cheap price but expect australian law applied, or even close to it. and no point to say "understand but at least they should…..) there is no at least. they are not australian. full stop. accept their terms or dont buy from them.

    • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 10:56
      -2

      That is exactly the point. How much people do you expect would know that. This Hervey Norman insight to be honest, not many people would know.
      That's all I'm saying. How can we design or improve so your wisdom is imparted on unsuspecting buyers who come to ozbargain for good deal. What percentage to do you think are aware? If you say 80-90% then fair enough. I must be a rookie. But again shouldn't we strive for 100%

      I personally don't ever want where I voted on deal and someone else bought it and then they in situation they can't claim warranty because that retailer has poor support.

      • Ughhh on 06/10/2017 - 11:07
        +2

        How can we design or improve so your wisdom is imparted on unsuspecting buyers who come to ozbargain for good deal

        The government has spent millions of educating the public and kids of the affect of smoking and drugs, but people still do it. How nanny state do you want Ozbargain to be? Maybe we should implement a buddy system, pair a regular with a new user- but then again, you've been on ozb for almost 5 years.

        • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 12:29

          Sounds like an idea. I will support your idea

        • Ughhh on 06/10/2017 - 13:42
          +1

          @Yoman55555:

          Whoosh??

          So let's start now, you are no longer allowed to purchase anything without JVs approval.

  • salrock on 06/10/2017 - 10:42

    I ordered something from shoppingssquare and its dispatched since 26/09/2017 to MEL and no sign of it as of yet . Any clues how long should i wait more before i contact them ?
    thanks

    • rambao9 on 06/10/2017 - 10:52

      There's two warehouses for shopping square. One is overseas and other is local.

      I purchased some sd cards from the local warehouse and got it in 2 business days + 1 public holiday.

      This has been discussed multiple times as far as I'm aware.

      And if you want to miss out on their deals, just hide them. I'd never pass on a good deal.

    • CyberMurning on 06/10/2017 - 11:23

      26/9? that is just like yesterday (we are talking about grey importer time line not buying from local jbhifi).

  • geek001 on 06/10/2017 - 10:51
    +1

    You should always read the fine print if it is a high value item. There are some retailers and service providers on Ozb that I would not deal with, but there are other Ozbargainers among us who are more of a risk taker. Some deals you only get a bargain if nothing goes wrong. I am not sure how long you have been on Ozb, but you can see the same people commenting on their past bad experience with the retailer/manufacturer on every single one of their deal that pops up. Maybe you can join them until the bitterness fades. :)

    • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 11:01

      Lol. Not quite.im not bitter. It's about making a better future.

      Perhaps based on what you said, we need a simple wiki list of such suppliers so it is easy to filter.

      Scotty or moderator any inputs on what can be done from website wise? Basically improving quality of deals and warning ozbargainers based on experience of the rest. I think it's 3 simple factors: how is their warranty process, how responsive is customer service (2-5 days to get back), return policy

  • Baysew on 06/10/2017 - 11:29
    +1

    Being on ozbargain for a while you have to agree a great deal is combination of price and quality of service.

    There is no point buying phone for 50% discount when that retailer has worst customer service and when you have to claim warranty you would be stuck and regretting it.

    All of us should take responbility (sic) and mark that it is not just about cheapest price at least for over $100 items.

    Yet you want to take that responsibility away by banning?

    • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 12:30

      Exploring all ideas. People have suggested good solutions

      • Baysew on 06/10/2017 - 14:14
        +1

        Exploring all ideas

        No you are not.

        Poll on Should We Ban Shopping Square and Other Low Quality Retailers

        You have already made up your mind that Shopping Square is a "Low Quality Retailer" and now want to force that onto others.

  • PopCounty on 06/10/2017 - 11:37
    +2

    Instead of banning them here, why not provisioning Status Meter (Like Rotten Tomato) at the top for deals published from/for these retailers. That status could be feedback received per store wise from OZB members. Either a +/- or mixed.

    • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 12:29

      I think that is a great idea.

  • supnigs super skids on 06/10/2017 - 12:59

    yeah nah.

    • Diji1 on 06/10/2017 - 13:09

      Yes and no! Brilliant!

  • sfk10 on 06/10/2017 - 13:22

    I recently purchased something that came faulty from ss. Their emails arent very polite. Kinda felt like im at fault for buying a faulty item.

    • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 13:24

      How does that compared to other ebay based australian retailers? Do you think that is acceptable?
      Would you have bought it if before hand, you were aware on what to expect in terms of their customer service quality?

      • sfk10 on 06/10/2017 - 14:53

        Saw a few stories on here before, but didnt pay too much attention about it.
        I dont really factor CS when i purchase from online comapnies.But at that time item was cheapest and i needed it, so i purchased it.

        Only had an issue with kogan once,years ago.it went pretty smoothly. This on the other hand has a demanding attitude.

  • smashed on 06/10/2017 - 13:42

    The UK was amazing for returns.

    You can notify of your intent to return any non custom order within 7 working days of receiving the item.
    Officially you don't even need to return it in the original packaging.
    The supplier cannot even charge a restocking fee.

    The original packaging rule is unfair on the seller but to be fair most people don't know their rights so I doubt it is ever really an issue.

  • spackbace on 06/10/2017 - 13:49
    +3

    OP's vendetta sounds like someone working for the competition.

    Just sayin

    • smashed on 06/10/2017 - 14:24
      +1

      I haven't even read all of his post, I just saw one snippet of a reply regarding restocking fees.

      Radical idea indeed.. Google the company for reviews. And aside from that, as RoboGuy found out, users will notify if a company is pretty poor.

  • Dave Id on 06/10/2017 - 14:57
    +1

    Ban dills who need to post every damn thing they purchase.

  • whooah1979 on 06/10/2017 - 15:09

    We've purchased from shopping square for years. Their prices have always been good for an Australian retailer. Selling brand name items locally with fast shipping. It can't any better than that.

    +1

    • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 15:33

      What's been customer experience? Ever had to return or claim?

      • whooah1979 on 06/10/2017 - 15:39

        What's been customer experience? Ever had to return or claim?

        nope. touch wood.

        we wouldn't worry to much about their cs. their fb speaks for itself.
        https://feedback.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&…

        1 month 6 months 12 months
        Positive feedback rating Positive 916 2534 3557
        Neutral feedback rating Neutral 12 22 29
        Negative feedback rating Negative 10 27 33

  • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 15:37

    Either way, Scotty said these discussions come up before and they won't ban anyone.
    So that concludes. I should have put better options in the poll.

    It's interesting though that around 25% voted for them to be banned. That is actually higher than one would expect.
    Would you buy from eBay seller who had 75% rating?

    • whooah1979 on 06/10/2017 - 15:41

      It's interesting though that around 25% voted for them to be banned.

      nine competitors?

      • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 15:44

        You right. Should have mentioned the sample size of roughly 40.

    • whooah1979 on 06/10/2017 - 15:44
      +1

      Would you buy from eBay seller who had 75% rating?

      it's actually 99.1% positive fb. that's 99.1% positive fb from verified buyers and not nine anonymous voters.
      https://feedback.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&…

      Positive Feedback (last 12 months): 99.1%

      • yjun355 on 06/10/2017 - 15:49

        I guess that is fair actually. With large store of 34000 feedbacks, you would exist that negative ratio.

        I think banning is an overkill too. However, the is some things that can be done so prior aware. That keeps them in check and not allow sub standard service to even one customer. I don't think it is ok for people to wait for 5 days.

  • Moderatorscotty on 06/10/2017 - 17:16

    Hi. I am closing thread.

    The question "should we ban <retailer> on OzBargain?" has been asked many times previously. However the policy here has always been that we rarely ban stores with poor service. I think we have only banned Android Enjoyed and GearBest due to their service issues (and GearBest resolved the issues to have their site unbanned 11 months later).

    If the item is shipped from overseas (i.e. non-Australian stock / grey imports) please try to make it clear in the post or in the title (especially expensive items such as mobile phones). If you have service related issues that you wish to share with other OzBargainers, you can post in the comments of new deals or create a new forum thread to discuss it with other members.

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