Maplin stores - Page 30 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Radio Wrangler · 9th Jun 2018, 5:22 am

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

MrBungle · 9th Jun 2018, 7:50 am

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.

GrimJosef · 9th Jun 2018, 8:58 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyDuell

... With the demise of Maplin I am seriously wondering where I am going to go for odd-size lithium coin cells, SLA batteries, Servisol, battery holders, etc ...

Looks like you're within reach of the RS Components trade counters at Bermondsey and Gatwick, not that either is a very quick journey on public transport. My nearest one is Heathrow (actually Southall) so I'd have to be pretty desperate. And they're only Mon-Fri of course.

Cheers,

GJ

Dai Corner · 9th Jun 2018, 9:14 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyDuell

You forgot 'waiting around all day for the parcel to come'.

Seriously, I hate mail order. In general they say they will deliver between 8:00 and 18:00. So you have to wait around all day for a delivery (which often comes middle of the afternoon, but of course you can't be sure of

It's a shame RS and CPC don't do click & collect, except at their trade counters.

Perhaps it would be possible to set up an informal arrangement with a local corner shop?

G6Tanuki · 9th Jun 2018, 10:54 am

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!

Dai Corner · 9th Jun 2018, 11:03 am

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.

Radio Wrangler · 9th Jun 2018, 11:20 am

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

buggies · 9th Jun 2018, 12:50 pm

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

GrimJosef · 9th Jun 2018, 1:42 pm

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

duncanlowe · 9th Jun 2018, 2:28 pm

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'.

MrBungle · 9th Jun 2018, 2:57 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggies

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

I keep trying that. Buy some garden canes and 5 transistors. Unfortunately they have susssed that one and send two consignments.

AC/HL · 9th Jun 2018, 3:16 pm

This thread is in danger of predeceasing Maplin, please keep to what little remains of the thread subject.

OscarFoxtrot · 9th Jun 2018, 7:57 pm

Maplin now dumping stuff on the pavement, apparently.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/648394...istration/amp/

Reelman · 9th Jun 2018, 9:21 pm

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

sortedradio · 9th Jun 2018, 10:30 pm

Drakehouse Sheffield closes on Monday.

Reelman · 10th Jun 2018, 12:09 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by sortedradio

Drakehouse Sheffield closes on Monday.

Poor devils, they told me only this week that they were remaining open.
Peter

electronicskip · 10th Jun 2018, 12:47 pm

Gloucester store now closed so I have been told.

Reelman · 10th Jun 2018, 3:34 pm

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

TThomas · 10th Jun 2018, 6:38 pm

Chester branch closes 6pm tomorrow (Monday).

Oldcodger · 10th Jun 2018, 10:26 pm

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

9th Jun 2018, 5:22 am	#581
Radio Wrangler Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fife, Scotland, UK. Posts: 22,858	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
MrBungle 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, 10:54 am	#585
G6Tanuki Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 13,996	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
Dai Corner 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
Radio Wrangler Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fife, Scotland, UK. Posts: 22,858	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
buggies Heptode Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: West Lothian, UK. Posts: 761	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
GrimJosef 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
duncanlowe Nonode Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Stafford, Staffs. UK. Posts: 2,531	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, 3:16 pm	#592
AC/HL 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
OscarFoxtrot 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
Reelman Octode Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,720	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
sortedradio Heptode Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 654	Re: Maplin stores Drakehouse Sheffield closes on Monday. __________________ Martin BVWS member GQRP Club

10th Jun 2018, 12:47 pm	#597
electronicskip 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
Reelman Octode Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,720	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
TThomas 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
Oldcodger 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