Is Comet a star? (Comet.co.uk)

Member Name: Nottmsteve

Product:	Comet.co.uk
Date:	12/06/01 (102 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Local, Keen Prices, Price Promise

Disadvantages: Little product knowledge, Hassle to take warranties

Comet, you know where to come. That's what the ad says, but is it right?

In terms of price, then probably. In terms of hassle with extended warranties and inexperienced sales staff... definitely.

Let's start with the plusses,with some minus's (or is it minusi?) -

Comet seem to react to prices quicker than anyone else in the High Street, and are prepared to back this up with their Price Promise that they will not be beaten.


I have tried this and it's true, but boy,oh,boy, you're made to feel like a criminal for trying it. I find it particularly galling that they will not take your word for it, or the word of a printed article, but insist on ringing the store in question. I suppose that's fair enough, but it's their attitude when they carry out this task, normally in full ear-shot of the whole store, and worded to make out that you're being economical with the truth.


Their sales people are very knowledgable... about the things that they're interested in.

Ask the young fella about a hi fi and he near explodes with excitement as he fills the air with tales of sub-woofers, so many watt speakers and graphic equaliser buttons. Ask him about a washer and you're met with a blank expression and a mumbled "I'll see if anyone else knows". Dare to ask any of them a question relating to a PC and you are really asking for trouble.

Are their prices that good? Yes

I have recently purchased a new washing machine & microwave, and I couldn't beat their prices either on-line or on the High Street.
Having said that, don't be fooled by the on line prices as they are not always the same as the stores. The web site doesn't tell you this.
Also, it's not unusual for Comet to offer different prices in different stores. I know this for fact.


At Xmas, looking for a CD player for my son, we saw one at Comet on line. Our loc
al store didn't have it, nor did they know if they were getting more. Our next nearest is 16 miles away. There the price had increased by 20 %. When I questioned this, the idiot told me it was because of the Price Promise. When I asked how, she told me that all they try and do is undercut the best LOCAL price & if this is more than another Comet store, then tough!.

Do they push extended warranties, and are they any good?

Only on days with a "Y" in them.
They can be useful on expensive purchases, especially if you show a lack of interest. When I last bought a TV (2 yrs ago) they were so keen that they eventually discounted the price of the TV by the cost of the warranty!!

This particular warranty is of the type "don't claim & get all your money back".

It's true, but you have to ASK for it back.If you have one, make a note in your diary because you will need to claim.

If you do have to call on the warranty, as I had to, then make it work for you. Once you have put in the first claim, you've lost all chance of a refund - so why not have another remote control or three? It's also worth calling them out about a month before the warranty expires. Might as well have it all checked out whilst it's still free!

Another good thing with Comet is their delivery options. For larger items such as a washing machine then you do have to pay £11.95. However, for another fiver, they installed the new one,carted away all the packing AND the old washer.Well worth it. If you've ever tried moving your washing machine, imagine putting in your car boot for the run to the tip on Sunday morning!

My advice to anyone buying electrical, and definitely white goods, is check the Comet price first and then shop round. If you want any technical info then look on the manufacturer's web site or grab hold of a leaflet - don't ask Comet.

If you are going to buy from Comet,
walk in, ask for the item and add the following "without any extended warranties" -unless you want to try feigning disinterest as noted above.

Am I put off buying from them?

No, because I do exactly as written and I've never had a problem.OK,it's a little extra work to find the info for yourself but the cost saving is worth it. On the washing machine alone, I've just saved over £120.

Summary: