Online Price Errors

Lbargainbunny on 15/01/2013 - 16:13

I've noticed a few online price errors lately and the retailers of course manage to walk away from it quite easily. I am aware that mistakes happen but I'm still weary that there may be more to it.

I purchased a few items from an Australian online retailer on Thursday. I won't mention the name just yet because I'm waiting to to see if my order will be processed. The items were heavily reduced and several hours later when I returned to the site and noticed all the prices had dramatically gone up even though the 30% off sale items was still going. I've checked back on their website and facebook to see if there have been any mention of an error, it's been 6 days and still nothing (don't get me started on 6 days being way too long to process an order!)

Long story short I have a feeling I'll be recieving an email saying there was an error in the next day or two as it takes them 1-4 days to process orders. I read all their T&C's and am aware they can refuse to "accept" my order on any grounds… of course that is after I've handed over my personal info in order to process the sale. Just has me thinking that perhaps there may be a little more to the whole price error thing than meets the eye.

Any opinions or thoughts?

EDIT: Just recieved my cancellation advice

Hi,

Thanks for shopping at www.thurley.com.au.

Your order has been cancelled. Please retain this cancellation information for your records.

Below are the details of your order. If any details are incorrect please email [email protected].

Kind regards,

Thurley
[email protected].

General Discussion

Comments

  • DrStinge on 15/01/2013 - 16:23
    +1

    I always try to think the best in people at work; as a Manager of online pricing I would feel like a bit of douche to consciously make the decision "I'm going to radically reduce the price on these items, then a few hours later return to standard price and cancel the orders!", I like to think people are more lazy/mistake prone than dastardly (love that word haha).

    • bargainbunny on 15/01/2013 - 16:30

      I totally agree but by the same token they could have contacted people within a day or two of having made the mistake, not six days later and not even a note on their website or facebook. I think retailers get away with being sloppy and it's always to the detriment of the customer. Needless to say I will not purchase from them in future.

      • DrStinge on 15/01/2013 - 16:32
        +1

        Very true! Some places have a definite need to step up their game, that is for sure.

  • _Bruce_ on 15/01/2013 - 16:25
    +1

    I really think those that suspect foul play give the retailers too much credit. Do they invest as much into quality control on the internet? No, the main reason is that it is much easier to fix the mistake than when you've printed thousands of fliers. Also these shops are far more reactionary - dropping the price due to competitors sales within minutes some times to steal the sale.

    Lastly if you equate this to shop floor sales people, I'm sure they have always had a high rate of error, but as the exposure is reduced it is not such a visible issue.

    • bargainbunny on 15/01/2013 - 16:34

      Very true.

      Agree on the lack quality control online. I have to say however that has mainly been my experience with Australian retailers. I have purchased alot online over the years and in the last 12 months made an effort to buy local and in all honesty the service has been very hit and miss. Even when my items have been good and have arrived there was no communication. I really think Australian online retailers need to rethink their customer service approach.

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