Tesco Lotus So Called Sale Prices

[briley]

I'm getting irritated with Tesco Lotus.

Last year I bought 4 ceiling fans. Two weeks later a friend laughed at me as they were in the sale at 50% discount - so I wandered down to Tesco to find the 'sale' price was MORE than I had paid. They were listed as 1860 baht, 50% reduction to 930 baht. I only paid 920 baht as the full, undiscounted price.

Now they are doing it again this year, an electric cooking pot is reduced by 30% to 919 baht, exactly the same as I paid for the non-reduced item. They'd even left the non-reduced price sticker on the pan to contradict their reduced price sticker!

I know this happens elsewhere but I really do think Tesco is begining to go beyond the limit these days and hope others will take 'sale' with more than a pinch of salt.

[sleepyjohn]

I also am not happy with Lotus especially, and a lot of others in general. I have started keeping a list of gripes like this, and was actually thinking of starting a thread about it. Have a look:

I bought some T-shirts at Lotus and the colour ran.

I bought a relatively expensive light switch at Lotus and it simply didn't work.

I bought the best broom I could find at Lotus and it broke in two after two weeks.

I bought an Otto vacuum cleaner at Lotus and the nozzle broke off.

I bought a couple of extension leads at Lotus they both fell apart.

I bought a knapsack at Lotus...the zip lasted a month, the tags fell off two of the other zips.

I bought some wheely boxes at Lotus and two wheels broke off out of maybe 36

I bought a 100% cotton towel at Lotus. It squeaked on my skin, obviously 100% plastic.

I bought a hammer, Homepro I think. It broke the first time I pulled a large nail out.

I bought a spade at Kam Tieng and the spade bit bent on the second use.

I bought a saw in Mae Rim it was wrongly set I couldn't even use it once.

I bought two "Anglepoise" lights at Homepro. One NEVER worked, the other just packed up after 6 months.

I bought a mattress. It developed a "hole" in the middle very quickly, I had to replace it.

The central locking broke down on my car. I took it to a specialist auto electrical garage. After 40 minutes they gave up and gave me the keys back. I fixed it myself without buying any parts in 20 minutes.

I turned off the main electrical switch to my house to replace a tatty cable. As I cut the cable it exploded and I was lucky not to die. The electrician had bypassed the fuse box!

It's about time the people here learned how to complain....This sort of poor quality stuff is very expensive for them in the long run. I think I'll send this to Tesco head office UK.

[Tywais]

One thing that annoys me is that often there is an item that has a promo on it that you get something free with it and doing a little calculation see that they increase the price of the item to include the 'free' amount. An example, a bag of Pedigree dog food shows 1kG free. Check the price of the regular 5kG bag and the 5kG with an extra 1kG (6kG) free in it and the price is higher then the 5kG by a proportional amount. One of many examples.

Edited January 22, 2006 by tywais

[sleepyjohn]

I think I'll send this to Tesco head office UK.

I have now done this.

John

By the way, does anyone know what happened to the loathsome Dame Shirley Porter of Tesco?

Last I heard she'd gone on the run to Israel to escape corruption charges to do with the GLC elections.

[sierra01]

The problem is that there are little or no consumer protection laws here, the likes of Tesco can do as they want, and complaining to Tesco UK is a waste of time. I once bought a 6 pack of tesco sultana cakes....one sultana per cake. I emailed Tesco UK and complained, and wonder of wonders, no reply. Complaining here is a waste of time.

A local Tesco food hall was giving away a free cup with every cup of coffee, 15bt per cup, the previous week it was 10bt per cup and no free cup, when the offer ended the price went back to 10bt. Try doing that in the UK.

Buy a load of clothes, put a sign up saying 80% discount, and just charge the normal price, the Thai will flock to it.

On the good side if I've ever returned something because it's broken, wrong color, wrong size whatever they have always given a full refund with no hassle.

I rarely buy anything from small shops or markets, you just know that either it'll be crap quality or the warranty ends when you walk out the door.

[JuniorExPat]

. . . my glass, however, seems to be half full . . .

JxP

[briley]

Supose I might add the the UK supermarkets can do similar things.

Ever wondered why some item is so expensive in, say, Asda? Look after the statutory 28 days and it is suddenly BOGOF, or 50% discount etc etc.

I just find Tesco Lotus just so blatent in their irregular 'sales'

[Thaipwriter]

I also am not happy with Lotus especially, and a lot of others in general. I have started keeping a list of gripes like this, and was actually thinking of starting a thread about it. Have a look:

I bought some T-shirts at Lotus and the colour ran.

I bought a relatively expensive light switch at Lotus and it simply didn't work.

I bought the best broom I could find at Lotus and it broke in two after two weeks.

I bought an Otto vacuum cleaner at Lotus and the nozzle broke off.

I bought a couple of extension leads at Lotus they both fell apart.

I bought a knapsack at Lotus...the zip lasted a month, the tags fell off two of the other zips.

I bought some wheely boxes at Lotus and two wheels broke off out of maybe 36

I bought a 100% cotton towel at Lotus. It squeaked on my skin, obviously 100% plastic.

I bought a hammer, Homepro I think. It broke the first time I pulled a large nail out.

I bought a spade at Kam Tieng and the spade bit bent on the second use.

I bought a saw in Mae Rim it was wrongly set I couldn't even use it once.

I bought two "Anglepoise" lights at Homepro. One NEVER worked, the other just packed up after 6 months.

I bought a mattress. It developed a "hole" in the middle very quickly, I had to replace it.

The central locking broke down on my car. I took it to a specialist auto electrical garage. After 40 minutes they gave up and gave me the keys back. I fixed it myself without buying any parts in 20 minutes.

I turned off the main electrical switch to my house to replace a tatty cable. As I cut the cable it exploded and I was lucky not to die. The electrician had bypassed the fuse box!

I reckon you should change your NIC to "LuckyJohn"

[Phil Conners]

I bought an Otto vacuum cleaner at Lotus and the nozzle broke off.

Exactly that happend to me a few months ago. Went to Lotus but they said if I'd bought a more expensive model they would be able to provide spareparts but for cheapy "otto" no spareparts were available.

Had the wife call Otto headquarters in BKK. They sent the broken parts. Cost 120 baht, including postage.

S***w Lotus.

[sleepyjohn]

. . . my glass, however, seems to be half full . . .

...unlike Tesco's Sultana cakes!!!!!

I reckon you should change your NIC to "LuckyJohn"

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

OK Mum I know it's late.....

Edited January 22, 2006 by sleepyjohn

[phuketsiam]

I gave up on Tesco Lotus too, just to many problems with their service, their stuff etc

[chanchao]

Oh the horrors of expatriate life..

Anyway, let me add one:

There's a 'double pack' of Pampers diapers that contains two single packs wrapped together.. Yup.. the double pack if a couple of baht MORE expensive than buying two single packs separately.

BTW, I think most of these things are just mistakes, or old stock being around while new stock has different prices. Also keep in mind they buy stuff in huge batches and the new batch they might not get the same low price for, and/or there may actually be slight differences in the product. Find the one knowledgeable person at Tesco (every superstore employs exactly ONE knowledgeable person) and he/she is often able to point out the difference. (Not saying that the difference is enought to warrant a higher price, but at least I get some comfort in the knowledge that life makes a bit more logical sense. )

Overall though: Not happy at Lotus? Buy at the Kad Luang Big Market!!

HA! (That's worth chuckling about that a second time:)

HA HA!

Cheers,

Chanchao

[nokia]

I'm also irritated with Tesco, the park area is always quite packed, cars parked so close side by side in a Tesco carpark that i cant even open the front door more than 30-40' angle, and have to squeeze myself to get into the truck. And the vegetables are overpriced compared to the local markets, and many of the stuff you can get cheaper at Warorat mkt or elsewhere.

Why do i still go back to Tesco? Because it's conveniently located, it's airconditioned, and you can get everything under the sun in one place, from pastries, milk, fruits, vegetables, groceries & electrical stuff and no haggling is needed.

Of course, there is Carrefour, Makro & Big-C but arent they all the same breed? Promotions arent really that cheap unless they are trying to clear old stock because the bottomline is profit.

briley, btw i bought 4 plain-looking fans at Carrefour at 700b each but havent installed them yet. How much did you spent on installation or DIY?

[sierra01]

Lampang used to have Big C and that was it, then about 18 months or so ago Tesco opened. The first week it was packed to the rafters, all the cheap offers, the freebies, the mega mega loud music (that always draws the crowds in), business was brisk. After the opening frenzy had died down there were/are usually more staff than customers, even on a weekend it's dead, and I mean dead.

Most of the fresh food has gone, so have most of the little rent paying stalls, it's cramped, dingy and old fashioned. The prices are nothing shout about, apart from the odd really good special offer. Big C on the other hand have revamped their store, it's much more spacious and airy now, and in general more than competes with Tesco on prices. Big C is a one stop place, Tesco is ok for a few odds and ends, and the food court is good too.

Tesco has dropped a very expensive clanger in Lampang, it's going to need a massive sort out or continue being a distant second choice.

[tyznd]

Lampang used to have Big C and that was it, then about 18 months or so ago Tesco opened. The first week it was packed to the rafters, all the cheap offers, the freebies, the mega mega loud music (that always draws the crowds in), business was brisk. After the opening frenzy had died down there were/are usually more staff than customers, even on a weekend it's dead, and I mean dead.

Most of the fresh food has gone, so have most of the little rent paying stalls, it's cramped, dingy and old fashioned. The prices are nothing shout about, apart from the odd really good special offer. Big C on the other hand have revamped their store, it's much more spacious and airy now, and in general more than competes with Tesco on prices. Big C is a one stop place, Tesco is ok for a few odds and ends, and the food court is good too.

Tesco has dropped a very expensive clanger in Lampang, it's going to need a massive sort out or continue being a distant second choice.

[tyznd]

Tesco is a British company but from all aspects, it looks like Tesco Lotus is being run strictly by the locals. Unlike the French owned Carefour where I have seen western managers walking about, I have yet to see a single Brit in any capacity (other than shoppers) milling around the Tesco store.

I have shopped at the Tesco on Hang Dong road for a number of years and it gets frustrating on the number of items that are constantly either out of stock or discontinued entirely. I also think they could have a much better selection of western items, especially when it comes to the food section. Instead, I find I have to go to Rimping market to get some of the items I like which should be available at Tescos.

It is obvious the store is poorly managed and could do with a better selection of merchanise and in many cases, better prices. I have thought of contacting Tesco headquarters to let them know what I think but I wonder what good that would do. What I really would like would be a Walmart but I don't see that happening any time soon.

[jackr]

Tesco, Carrefour et al are quite simply...crap!

I shopped at Carrefour for a long time, but the 'fresh food' is dire - the fish often smells and they replace stickers on their pastries. The check out tills are very understaffed. These places are ok for bin liners and nappies but if you want quality, go to the new Rim Ping on the Mae Jo road. You pay about another 5% on everything, but the choice is amazing and the quality superb. Furthermore, checking out is fast and hassle-free and there is no PA system blaring away. Wins hands down.

[p1p]

Been shopping at Tesco Lotus on Hang Dong road since it opened.

Food prices are higher than the markets, but that is what you would expect.

It is good for convenience, but you have to take care and carefully check the goods you buy. Too many hands may have pawed the goods before you get to them. I use them primarily for general household goods, some food and cleaning materials - loo paper etc.

I would always buy electrical goods from Electronic Plaza or Niyom Panich. Western food from Rimping or, occasionally, Tops. Other items come from markets or other specialised retaillers where I am known and I get good service etc.

Only a fool expects to get all their eggs from the same basket

[p1p]

Further to the above. I gave up with Carrefour after I purchased some fish and pork from them. Got them home and the fish was so bad I almost puked, Pork likewise. When we opened the pack and tipped it out we fount mould growing on the bottom, hidden side.

Took them back and Carrefour refused to accept any responsibility.

On a later date, I found some mould growing on some other meat in the store. I took it to the Info desk and complained then watched, dumbfounded as a guy on skates put it back out for sale.

[blabbel]

Another 'odd' thing at Tesco's:

Their canned sardines were on 'special sale' reduced from 13.50 to 12 bt, grabbed a couple and walked on to the next shelf, literally 2 ft away, and the same thing was on sale, reduced from 13 to 11.50 bt.

Something is very wrong with the management there...

[ThaiPauly]

What can you expect from a company who's Tuk Tuk advertising says

TESCO -LOTUS "We Care You" !!

Don't they have a darn marketing specialist in the country that checks these things out.

I spent 14 years in the Supermarket business in the UK and I must say that I am absolutley appalled by the standards of the majority of supermakets over here.

But... we can rant and rave all we like, we are not gonna up sticks and go.. acceptance is the key to happiness here I find

[The Dan Sai Kid]

I also am not happy with Lotus especially, and a lot of others in general. I have started keeping a list of gripes like this, and was actually thinking of starting a thread about it. Have a look:

I bought some T-shirts at Lotus and the colour ran.

I bought a relatively expensive light switch at Lotus and it simply didn't work.

I bought the best broom I could find at Lotus and it broke in two after two weeks.

I bought an Otto vacuum cleaner at Lotus and the nozzle broke off.

I bought a couple of extension leads at Lotus they both fell apart.

I bought a knapsack at Lotus...the zip lasted a month, the tags fell off two of the other zips.

I bought some wheely boxes at Lotus and two wheels broke off out of maybe 36

I bought a 100% cotton towel at Lotus. It squeaked on my skin, obviously 100% plastic.

I bought a hammer, Homepro I think. It broke the first time I pulled a large nail out.

I bought a spade at Kam Tieng and the spade bit bent on the second use.

I bought a saw in Mae Rim it was wrongly set I couldn't even use it once.

I bought two "Anglepoise" lights at Homepro. One NEVER worked, the other just packed up after 6 months.

I bought a mattress. It developed a "hole" in the middle very quickly, I had to replace it.

The central locking broke down on my car. I took it to a specialist auto electrical garage. After 40 minutes they gave up and gave me the keys back. I fixed it myself without buying any parts in 20 minutes.

I turned off the main electrical switch to my house to replace a tatty cable. As I cut the cable it exploded and I was lucky not to die. The electrician had bypassed the fuse box!

Have you thought about shopping at Big C instead?