Get the best of both worlds by combining online and offline services (currys.co.uk)

Member Name: jennikitten

Product:	currys.co.uk
Date:	21/09/09 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great service

Disadvantages: None

I was looking for a new camera recently, and it took me at least a month of browsing, review reading and changing my mind before I finally decided on one....that was out of stock everywhere!! So back to the drawing board, I decided to go for a Lumix TZ7, which is a top end point and shoot digital camera.

After browsing the web for offer codes, comparing prices and cashback etc., I found that Currys was the cheapest legitimate site offering the camera. The web price was £250 compared to the £280 instore price and I could get £10 cashback as well...furthermore, I could choose to reserve and collect it from my local store. Surely this defeats the purpose of having an exclusive web price in the first place...? But what do I know...

Currys definitely offered the best price - I went into Dixons and found they were charging nearly £300, and Panasonic themselves about £325. Currys was even cheaper than buying it through work at cost price! (I work for an electronics reseller), so I knew this was too good an opportunity to miss.

Reserving online was a very quick and simple process. I reserved at the web price and went through cashback, saving myself an extra £40 in total. I just filled in a few details and printed the details required. They have a feature before you reserve so you can check where the item's in stock at your nearest stores (it was initially out of stock at my local store, but they got it in a couple of days later).

After you've reserved, you've got until closing time the next working day to collect your item, which I thought was very reasonable and allowed for things to go wrong. I went to the store, where they had a special counter for collecting reserved items, and picked it up straight away. As I work full time it's difficult for me to get things delivered and I wanted it straight away so this was definitely a useful service. The man asked if I wanted Currys insurance, I said no thanks and he carried on straight away. Apparently Currys don't give their salespeople commission so they are more impartial, and I'm relieved because I hate people trying to upsell things I don't want.

The man just scanned or checked the details I printed (can't remember which), and I had my shiny new camera (yay!). Furthermore, I got a voucher for £10 off purchases of £100 or more that was only available instore, but I apparently qualified for. Fantastic all round, would definitely use their website again. Easy to navigate, well laid out, simple instructions - and very clear on things like insurance, compatible accessories like batteries and cases, and easy to understand delivery charges.

Overall, I was quite surprised that Currys came out better price-wise than Amazon, Play etc., and the fact that I could collect my item when I wished and not pay for it until I had it in my hands was a massive advantage.

Summary: It's worth checking every possibility before you buy