In today's Independent, both Currys (which now incorporate Dixons) and DID Electrical have sale prices on electronics and tech stuff. Both stores promise to match any cheaper price found elsewhere, in a "price promise" marketing routine. But check the terms and conditions, and you'll find that it amounts to very little. Does it cover online shops, for instance? At least those with physical bases in Ireland (eg Elara.ie and, now, Komplett.ie)?
Sorry, says Currys. The price promise doesn't apply to any "internet... special offers or limited offers (ie first 10 days only)".
What's a "special offer"? Is it a sale price, by any chance? Apparently it is -- so if you see the same product for less somewhere else, but it's "on sale", Currys doesn't have to honour its "price promise".
And its "limited offers" exception is just as bad. If a product is cheaper elsewhere, but only during a "limited" time, such as a weekend sale, or a"first 10 days only" basis, then Currys doesn't have to honour the price promise either.
Doesn't that get it out of any "price promise" obligation?
The chain has incorporated the slogan: "We Won't Be Beaten On Price" into its headline branding. But this is a bit of a con, surely. Perhaps a case of the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland?
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