|
Where To Get Sets and Parts For discussions about swapmeets, rallies, NVCF and BVWS, car boot sales, antique and charity shops, dealers, newspaper adverts, the local tip and just about any other source of equipment (other than eBay). |
|
Thread Tools |
9th Jun 2018, 5:22 am | #581 |
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fife, Scotland, UK.
Posts: 22,901
|
Re: Maplin stores
Another advantage of physical shops is that they can sell things which the post refuse to carry.
Though interestingly batteries and aerosols etc seem to be handled perfectly willingly if sent by Farnell or RS. Comes down to having clout and a contract, I suppose. Odd how it changes safety-based requirements, though. David
__________________
Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done |
9th Jun 2018, 7:50 am | #582 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: London, UK.
Posts: 3,687
|
Re: Maplin stores
I’ve not had any problems with post. I’ve bought rocket engines, firework fuse, nasty chemicals, sharp things and all sorts. Some have to go via courier but that’s it.
One thing online sales give you over anything is distance selling regs. Some of the smaller and independent high street retailers will stone wall you if you bought a lemon and take it back. I remember having an argument about a cheaper end DVD player (back when they were very expensive) I bought from my independent AV store. It had a bug which caused it to crash and jam the DVD in it requiring a power cycle. They replaced it with another one and it did the same. Ergo this was likely a problem with the entire line. Took it back and was told that they wouldn’t swap it out again or replace it for another unit and they couldn’t help me and to get out of the shop and never come back. I had to do a chargeback in the end, after which they threatened to sue me. For a £300 sale. I wrote the guy a letter giving him a pick up window for the goods and he sent his daughter who embarrassingly apologised for him being a dick. Whereas amazon did the same thing with a toshiba all in one TV and just gave me the money back right away and came and picked it up and discontinued the line. I think the negative shopping experience for a lot of people on the high street has lead to the decline more than anything. Plus the general inconvenience and cost of having to wrangle getting somewhere. At least in cities, transport is seen as an inconvenience by younger generations as they don’t have car availability. A trip to the shop is a costly and time consuming venture. If you look at the popularity of “finder” services in non western countries, this has the same effect as moving sales online. Abstraction of convenience. I’m all for it. Going past maplin today actually in Hounslow. Will see if they are still breathing. |
9th Jun 2018, 8:58 am | #583 | |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oxfordshire, UK.
Posts: 4,311
|
Re: Maplin stores
Quote:
Cheers, GJ
__________________
http://www.ampregen.com |
|
9th Jun 2018, 9:14 am | #584 | |
Hexode
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Newport, South Wales, UK.
Posts: 278
|
Re: Maplin stores
Quote:
Perhaps it would be possible to set up an informal arrangement with a local corner shop? |
|
9th Jun 2018, 10:54 am | #585 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wiltshire, UK.
Posts: 14,007
|
Re: Maplin stores
The idea is already becoming available - as an example "Amazon Locker" available free when you buy from them. Typically located in places like petrol-stations; the locker sends you a text when it contains something for you.
They have the advantage that petrol-stations etc are usually open 24x7 so you can collect your 'stuff' easily on your way home at night. No need to wait in! |
9th Jun 2018, 11:03 am | #586 |
Hexode
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Newport, South Wales, UK.
Posts: 278
|
Re: Maplin stores
Oh yes I know, and have used them occasionally for general goods. My point was that it doesn't seem possible to click and collect electronic components from the big (or any?) distributors.
|
9th Jun 2018, 11:20 am | #587 |
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fife, Scotland, UK.
Posts: 22,901
|
Re: Maplin stores
The big distributors tailor their services for commercial users. It's a big improvement that they deal at all with individuals, considering how RS used to be.
David
__________________
Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done |
9th Jun 2018, 12:50 pm | #588 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: West Lothian, UK.
Posts: 762
|
Re: Maplin stores
Ordering parts from CPC, I usually try to include something which they cannot send by post. This is then delivered by UPS who have an "access point" within walking distance of my address.
https://www.ups.com/gb/en/services/i...eliveries.page
__________________
George |
9th Jun 2018, 1:42 pm | #589 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oxfordshire, UK.
Posts: 4,311
|
Re: Maplin stores
That approach works for me too. UPS always deliver next day. Royal Mail hardly ever do. That said, I can end up feeling slightly guilty as an 'accessory' to CPC/Farnell's practice of sending a slightly larger than average item in an absolutely enormous box. But that's a whole different thread ...
Cheers, GJ
__________________
http://www.ampregen.com |
9th Jun 2018, 2:28 pm | #590 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Stafford, Staffs. UK.
Posts: 2,532
|
Re: Maplin stores
I have had some extraordinarily stupid packaging from CPC. But it was beaten hands down when I ordered some link leads for plugging things into car radios. These are small leads about 20cm long with a USB, iPod or 3.5mm on one end and a special connector the other, so you can imagine the size of them I ordered five of each of the three types. The individual packaging is a plastic bag and a card swing tag, so really small. They were sent in a cardboard box around 500x500x150mm. Now that is bad enough, but they sent each version in its own separate box of this size. Makes CPC's waste seem 'normal'.
|
9th Jun 2018, 2:57 pm | #591 | |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: London, UK.
Posts: 3,687
|
Re: Maplin stores
Quote:
|
|
9th Jun 2018, 3:16 pm | #592 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 9,642
|
Re: Maplin stores
This thread is in danger of predeceasing Maplin, please keep to what little remains of the thread subject.
|
9th Jun 2018, 7:57 pm | #593 |
Heptode
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Edinburgh, UK.
Posts: 805
|
Re: Maplin stores
Maplin now dumping stuff on the pavement, apparently.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/648394...istration/amp/ |
9th Jun 2018, 9:21 pm | #594 |
Octode
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,724
|
Re: Maplin stores
In one of our last local stores due to close on Mondays the 2 and 4 pack AAA, AA, C & D are reduced to 50p, ALL mains power supplies are £1 and the remaining plugs, sockets etc are 20p. “Lucky bags” full of obsolete bits are £5 & £10. Cable drums still £5 and £10.
However be careful, after buying a load of 20p bits and paying I discovered that they had been added up incorrectly to the tune of £28! They were none too happy at having to add them up again. I don’t blame the staff, the discount system at the till is too unwieldy. Wished them all the best, it’s not their fault for the demise of Maplin. Just Drakehouse left as local to me now. Peter |
9th Jun 2018, 10:30 pm | #595 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 656
|
Re: Maplin stores
Drakehouse Sheffield closes on Monday.
__________________
Martin BVWS member GQRP Club |
10th Jun 2018, 12:09 am | #596 |
Octode
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,724
|
Re: Maplin stores
|
10th Jun 2018, 12:47 pm | #597 |
Nonode
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Gloucester, Glos. UK.
Posts: 2,150
|
Re: Maplin stores
Gloucester store now closed so I have been told.
|
10th Jun 2018, 3:34 pm | #598 |
Octode
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,724
|
Re: Maplin stores
Not such good bargains at Drakehouse as Doncaster and they both close tomorrow. One of the staff told me that all branches will be closed by next Sunday.
The last surviving branch in this area will be Chesterfield. Peter |
10th Jun 2018, 6:38 pm | #599 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Chester, Cheshire, UK.
Posts: 5
|
Re: Maplin stores
Chester branch closes 6pm tomorrow (Monday).
|
10th Jun 2018, 10:26 pm | #600 |
Nonode
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: West Midlands, UK.
Posts: 2,181
|
Re: Maplin stores
Nothing local to me now. However, I've just found a MAPLIN receipt in the car. Should I bin it, or keep it as an investment
|