Do Halfords really understand about cars or customers?
Discussion
blearyeyedboy said:
You know what? Halfords has its place.
I can drive a vacuum cleaner too but my wife and I pay for a cleaner to do some work for us every fortnight so we don't have to do it all. We still do a fair bit of housework but there are times when free time is short and I can't be arsed. The time is worth more than the money to me there.
I have changed headlight bulbs, and sometimes I have let Halfords spend the 20 minutes it takes to pop out the headlight assembly and change the bulb while I read the paper and have a coffee. Sometimes having a few free moments is worth the money for the teenagers to do it for me. May the powerfully built forces of PH strike me down for admitting so!
Complaining about Halfords not being top quality is like complaining that McDonalds didn't have a romantic ambience and you couldn't order fillet steak. It serves a specific part of the market. Sometimes I feel like a Big Mac. When I don't feel like a Big Mac, I cook decent food at home or eat at a more upscale restaurant I like.
If you don't feel like buying stuff from Halfords, go elsewhere and let them serve the stuff they provide to the people who do!
Spot on. I can drive a vacuum cleaner too but my wife and I pay for a cleaner to do some work for us every fortnight so we don't have to do it all. We still do a fair bit of housework but there are times when free time is short and I can't be arsed. The time is worth more than the money to me there.
I have changed headlight bulbs, and sometimes I have let Halfords spend the 20 minutes it takes to pop out the headlight assembly and change the bulb while I read the paper and have a coffee. Sometimes having a few free moments is worth the money for the teenagers to do it for me. May the powerfully built forces of PH strike me down for admitting so!
Complaining about Halfords not being top quality is like complaining that McDonalds didn't have a romantic ambience and you couldn't order fillet steak. It serves a specific part of the market. Sometimes I feel like a Big Mac. When I don't feel like a Big Mac, I cook decent food at home or eat at a more upscale restaurant I like.
If you don't feel like buying stuff from Halfords, go elsewhere and let them serve the stuff they provide to the people who do!
Agree 100% with this. Its really not worth debating about in an online forum!
Reality is, the "perfect" carparts store does not yet exist in the UK.
They are either big, open all hours, and expensive with low-knowledge staff (e.g. Halfords). Or online and slow to deliver (e.g. Ebay). Or small, knowledgeable, cheap, but with limited stock (e.g. any motor factors). Surprised Argos or Tesco have not tried to challenge Halfords.
They are either big, open all hours, and expensive with low-knowledge staff (e.g. Halfords). Or online and slow to deliver (e.g. Ebay). Or small, knowledgeable, cheap, but with limited stock (e.g. any motor factors). Surprised Argos or Tesco have not tried to challenge Halfords.
Sump said:
1. Intermittent bulb problem.
2. People generally change their bulb at home, smashed glass isn't a good thing to have around your driveway with kids around etc.
3. No one is forcing you to buy from there.
4. Their adverts are designed for people who no nothing about this stuff. What do you know about make up and the different brands?
The cabinet has a glass approximately 80cm away from the goods. You will stand about 80 cm infront of the glass. Therefore you are stood about 1.5m away from the goods. With the helper stood on either your left or right you with you pointing at the goods, there is no chance in hell of being 100% sure what you are pointing at. Usually they would half grab the tool and ask is this the one you're after.
You're just looking for problems here. Are you between 40-60 years old?
I go to Halfords frequently, I know what I want and I use my trade card, never had an issue. If there is an issue they are open 7 days a week. Allow online reservations and never had an issue with returns.
Halfords pro range is also excellent and has a briiliant no quibble warranty. You are a goon.
I'm with this chap, I really don't know why people want to ridicule a very useful outlet that is open 7 days a week.2. People generally change their bulb at home, smashed glass isn't a good thing to have around your driveway with kids around etc.
3. No one is forcing you to buy from there.
4. Their adverts are designed for people who no nothing about this stuff. What do you know about make up and the different brands?
The cabinet has a glass approximately 80cm away from the goods. You will stand about 80 cm infront of the glass. Therefore you are stood about 1.5m away from the goods. With the helper stood on either your left or right you with you pointing at the goods, there is no chance in hell of being 100% sure what you are pointing at. Usually they would half grab the tool and ask is this the one you're after.
You're just looking for problems here. Are you between 40-60 years old?
I go to Halfords frequently, I know what I want and I use my trade card, never had an issue. If there is an issue they are open 7 days a week. Allow online reservations and never had an issue with returns.
Halfords pro range is also excellent and has a briiliant no quibble warranty. You are a goon.
Edited by Sump on Friday 24th October 22:05
Even the bulb changing service has a customer base, I'd rather people let the Halfords staff do it than drive around with lamps out.
If I was away with work I'd happily send my wife/daughters there, a little expensive perhaps, but the job will be done.
lamboman100 said:
Reality is, the "perfect" carparts store does not yet exist in the UK.
They are either big, open all hours, and expensive with low-knowledge staff (e.g. Halfords). Or online and slow to deliver (e.g. Ebay). Or small, knowledgeable, cheap, but with limited stock (e.g. any motor factors). Surprised Argos or Tesco have not tried to challenge Halfords.
Get yourself a trade card and it doesn't need to be expensive then. Bulbs reduced from £6 to 60p etc. And they still ask you if you want it fitting.They are either big, open all hours, and expensive with low-knowledge staff (e.g. Halfords). Or online and slow to deliver (e.g. Ebay). Or small, knowledgeable, cheap, but with limited stock (e.g. any motor factors). Surprised Argos or Tesco have not tried to challenge Halfords.
I recently popped in to buy a replacement Xenon bulb for a Seat Leon. The bulbs weren't on the shelf but instead there was a card. Took the card to the counter and was asked if I'd like them to fit it, I said 'no thank you' and they told me they couldn't sell it to me without fitting as they are so dangerous. I pulled the old bulb out of my pocket and explained that I'm used to working on cars and can be trusted with brakes and steering and even a bit of welding so am probably ok doing a bulb, even if it's a higher voltage one. I also explained I had checked it was the bulb and not the module by moving the functioning bulb into the none working light and I was still here to tell the tale. To be fair, the chap acknowledged my argument and allowed me to buy the lethal bulb (which I subsequently managed to fit without serious injury).
Halfords are ok, I wouldn't go there looking for expert advice and I haven't used the workshop service.
Halfords are ok, I wouldn't go there looking for expert advice and I haven't used the workshop service.
I worked there back when the Ripspeed brand was being rolled out.
Used to boil my piss when the 'experts' would swan in hell bent on making life as miserable as possible. You know the type, missus is next door or has buggered off for the day as she can't tolerate him any longer... so he's got nothing better to do than troll the retail parks being a bit of a berk. "Let's ask the 16 year old Saturday guy about torque settings and the correct procedure for tightening the head bolts on my 1924 Rolls" Let's not eh pal?
They're a high street retailer in the same respect Tesco and DFS Sofes are and you wouldn't march in Tesco and ask the till girl about preparing a five star Michelin meal for your guests or demanding to know about the finest hand crafted furniture in DFS. Or maybe you would. End of the day, they provide a service that appeals to those who who very little... like my Mum. Same respect, I need the local computer guy to clean up my hard drive - meaningless task for some, yes.... for me, rocket science.
I think you have to bear in mind, 75% of staff will be on minimum wage and being forced to stack shelves and tolerate the general public. The decent guys are in there but are few and far between or they work for the local motor factors. Though you won't get them till Monday morning now...
Used to boil my piss when the 'experts' would swan in hell bent on making life as miserable as possible. You know the type, missus is next door or has buggered off for the day as she can't tolerate him any longer... so he's got nothing better to do than troll the retail parks being a bit of a berk. "Let's ask the 16 year old Saturday guy about torque settings and the correct procedure for tightening the head bolts on my 1924 Rolls" Let's not eh pal?
They're a high street retailer in the same respect Tesco and DFS Sofes are and you wouldn't march in Tesco and ask the till girl about preparing a five star Michelin meal for your guests or demanding to know about the finest hand crafted furniture in DFS. Or maybe you would. End of the day, they provide a service that appeals to those who who very little... like my Mum. Same respect, I need the local computer guy to clean up my hard drive - meaningless task for some, yes.... for me, rocket science.
I think you have to bear in mind, 75% of staff will be on minimum wage and being forced to stack shelves and tolerate the general public. The decent guys are in there but are few and far between or they work for the local motor factors. Though you won't get them till Monday morning now...
pad58 said:
Brought a set of brighter bulbs from Halfords ,the guy asked me if I wanted them to replace them in my car, for £3.99.
If anyone knows the Mk4 Golf these are a sod to change as you (correctly) have to take the bumper and grill off, basically a lot of faffing about, to a novice, a good half hour...in the rain.
I said okay, then he calls an older chap, to sort it out.
The older guy takes a look at my car and says "sorry sir we don't change bulbs on these cars, you will have to go to the dealership".
Flounce.
Odd. I had to get a new bulb in my old MK4 when it was piddling down with rain and decided I didn't want the skin taken off my knuckles doing it. Halfords bloke did it without asking any questions, in a few minutes. If anyone knows the Mk4 Golf these are a sod to change as you (correctly) have to take the bumper and grill off, basically a lot of faffing about, to a novice, a good half hour...in the rain.
I said okay, then he calls an older chap, to sort it out.
The older guy takes a look at my car and says "sorry sir we don't change bulbs on these cars, you will have to go to the dealership".
Flounce.
Sounds like the Halfords guy at your local just couldn't be arsed
(You can do it without taking the bumper off, but it's a faff and you do lose skin doing it
)
Halfords are good. They have a broad range of kit and their staff are knowledgeable and helpful.
Their www site is handy too.
often they will have stonking deals on tool kits.
I do find it sad why many folk like to bad mouth them. they are good.
nope I do not work there, just shop there at times.
Their www site is handy too.
often they will have stonking deals on tool kits.
I do find it sad why many folk like to bad mouth them. they are good.
nope I do not work there, just shop there at times.
Halfords is basically a supermarket which sells stuff for cars and some bikes. I'd expect no more advice about car parts from someone working in there as I would expect advice on how to cook my dinner from a Tescos employee or instructions on how to build a house from someone working in B&Q.
I like my local motor factors as much as I like my local deli or the little builders merchants, but when I want some oil on a Sunday afternoon, need some milk at 8pm at night or want a couple of nails after 12pm on a Saturday, there is a place for the likes of Halfords, Tesco B&Q etc.
Moaning about them just makes you look a bit of a dimp really.
I like my local motor factors as much as I like my local deli or the little builders merchants, but when I want some oil on a Sunday afternoon, need some milk at 8pm at night or want a couple of nails after 12pm on a Saturday, there is a place for the likes of Halfords, Tesco B&Q etc.
Moaning about them just makes you look a bit of a dimp really.
lamboman100 said:
Reality is, the "perfect" carparts store does not yet exist in the UK.
They are either big, open all hours, and expensive with low-knowledge staff (e.g. Halfords). Or online and slow to deliver (e.g. Ebay). Or small, knowledgeable, cheap, but with limited stock (e.g. any motor factors). Surprised Argos or Tesco have not tried to challenge Halfords.
given the burns that JS got from involvement with Homebase and both WH Smith and Boots got burns from involvement with 'Do it All' perhaps they feel a step too far from their comfort zone. They are either big, open all hours, and expensive with low-knowledge staff (e.g. Halfords). Or online and slow to deliver (e.g. Ebay). Or small, knowledgeable, cheap, but with limited stock (e.g. any motor factors). Surprised Argos or Tesco have not tried to challenge Halfords.
HRG ( who are ht parent company of Argos) involvement with Homebase hasn;t been brilliant either ...
I suspect it's probably a step to far from comfort zones - also the parts and consumables market is limited ( you won't be able to take work from the Dealers and taking work frothe the fast -fit places and local garages is fraught ) , the Leisure and bikes part of Halfords business would be cannabalising existing parts of their market share if HRG ( as Argos sell that kind of stuff anyway through their home delivery bit) or or a Supermarket ( the 'Extra' size supermarkets often sell this sort of thing ) had a Halfords style operation
Zoobeef said:
555 Paul said:
Sump said:
Halfords pro range is also excellent and has a briiliant no quibble warranty. You are a goon.
It is good stuff but they don't warrant "moving parts" so they sell you a kit to fix ratchets.Edited by Sump on Friday 24th October 22:05
Well chuffed with their customer service on this occasion. I went in for a couple of H8 foglight bulbs. Asked the guy there if they had them in stock as there were none immediately apparent on the shelves. He told me that an H9 should work as it's just a slightly different wattage and would just be a bit brighter.
I didn't think this was the case so asked if he was sure. Apparently he was, so I asked if I could return it if it didn't fit. Apparently I could, so bought the pair. Went out into the car park and opened one of them, took the old bulb out and attempted to fit the new one.
No less than 5 minutes later I was back in the shop getting a refund. Also took the H8 bulb in this time to show the chap, not trying to make a point but just to show him where it was different.
Eventually got LED's online
TL;DR: Halfords chap made genuine mistake, rectified it and was grateful when shown the difference.
I didn't think this was the case so asked if he was sure. Apparently he was, so I asked if I could return it if it didn't fit. Apparently I could, so bought the pair. Went out into the car park and opened one of them, took the old bulb out and attempted to fit the new one.
No less than 5 minutes later I was back in the shop getting a refund. Also took the H8 bulb in this time to show the chap, not trying to make a point but just to show him where it was different.
Eventually got LED's online
TL;DR: Halfords chap made genuine mistake, rectified it and was grateful when shown the difference.
I think people expect far too much of Halfords and end up slagging them off. You're buying from a retail store that just happens to sell oily bits as opposed to cauliflowers and bog roll. If you asked a Tesco employee what the difference between an asparagus lettuce and an iceberg lettuce was, 99% of them wouldn't know. I can't see why PH folks would berate a company employee for not knowing the difference between a spark plug and a glow plug, when they're working in a motor retailer.
I don't work for Halfords, nor do I plan to (or have ever done so). I really appreciate being able to pop in at 5:45pm on a Saturday to pick up some oil, a filter, a cam belt and an indicator relay for next to nothing (thanks, trade card!).
My local Halfords can't dissect a Ford Model T, but a few guys in there know enough to tell you what to get and what not to get for specific cars. I've only asked them to fit a sidelight to my sister's Corsa once, as my sister doesn't even know what a sidelight is and my hands are far too big to fit in that tiny gap. They're not perfect, but for a flat fee of £3 (as opposed to my local garage charging £40 an hour), Halfords fills that section of the market very well.
I don't work for Halfords, nor do I plan to (or have ever done so). I really appreciate being able to pop in at 5:45pm on a Saturday to pick up some oil, a filter, a cam belt and an indicator relay for next to nothing (thanks, trade card!).
My local Halfords can't dissect a Ford Model T, but a few guys in there know enough to tell you what to get and what not to get for specific cars. I've only asked them to fit a sidelight to my sister's Corsa once, as my sister doesn't even know what a sidelight is and my hands are far too big to fit in that tiny gap. They're not perfect, but for a flat fee of £3 (as opposed to my local garage charging £40 an hour), Halfords fills that section of the market very well.
I don't have a problem with Halfords, they do what they do and are often convenient at awkward times. I've only had 3 problems with them in the many years I've used them and the only issue I have is that they won't admit it's their problem.
1. Brake discs for a Nissan Micra - only 1 on the shelf so I asked if they had any others. They then told me I'd found the wrong ones and it was actually these other ones, my laughter didn't go down well but I had to explain these were roughly the same size as the wheels on the car which might give me clearance problems.
2. Indicator bulb, I made the mistake of looking at the book which gave the wrong fitment type. Took it back in for a straight swap and had to have a big debate which eventually ended up with one of the staff taking the wrong bulb out to my car to prove me wrong. Apparently my car must be unique.
3. Wiper blade. Similar argument to above and another stroppy staff member stomping out to my car to prove me wrong. Another unique car it would seem.
I don't mind errors in the little books, they can't always be correct, but just don't blame the customer.
1. Brake discs for a Nissan Micra - only 1 on the shelf so I asked if they had any others. They then told me I'd found the wrong ones and it was actually these other ones, my laughter didn't go down well but I had to explain these were roughly the same size as the wheels on the car which might give me clearance problems.
2. Indicator bulb, I made the mistake of looking at the book which gave the wrong fitment type. Took it back in for a straight swap and had to have a big debate which eventually ended up with one of the staff taking the wrong bulb out to my car to prove me wrong. Apparently my car must be unique.
3. Wiper blade. Similar argument to above and another stroppy staff member stomping out to my car to prove me wrong. Another unique car it would seem.
I don't mind errors in the little books, they can't always be correct, but just don't blame the customer.
CB2152 said:
I went in for a couple of H8 foglight bulbs. Asked the guy there if they had them in stock as there were none immediately apparent on the shelves. He told me that an H9 should work as it's just a slightly different wattage and would just be a bit brighter.
I didn't think this was the case so asked if he was sure. Apparently he was, so I asked if I could return it if it didn't fit. Apparently I could, so bought the pair. Went out into the car park and opened one of them, took the old bulb out and attempted to fit the new one.
No less than 5 minutes later I was back in the shop getting a refund. Also took the H8 bulb in this time to show the chap, not trying to make a point but just to show him where it was different.
Eventually got LED's online
TL;DR: Halfords chap made genuine mistake, rectified it and was grateful when shown the difference.
Halfords vehicle parts listings can be useful, but also completely wrong. MX5 battery : wrong part (too tall), Citroen C6 battery, wrong part (too small, and to low a cranking power), MX5 interior light, wrong bulb (too small)I didn't think this was the case so asked if he was sure. Apparently he was, so I asked if I could return it if it didn't fit. Apparently I could, so bought the pair. Went out into the car park and opened one of them, took the old bulb out and attempted to fit the new one.
No less than 5 minutes later I was back in the shop getting a refund. Also took the H8 bulb in this time to show the chap, not trying to make a point but just to show him where it was different.
Eventually got LED's online
TL;DR: Halfords chap made genuine mistake, rectified it and was grateful when shown the difference.
At least when I go to my local factors, they tend to know the difference and, 9 times out of 10, can get it same day if they don't have it in stock.
But Halfords is still useful for some things, just don't expect them to be totally accurate.
pad58 said:
Brought a set of brighter bulbs from Halfords ,the guy asked me if I wanted them to replace them in my car, for £3.99.
If anyone knows the Mk4 Golf these are a sod to change as you (correctly) have to take the bumper and grill off, basically a lot of faffing about, to a novice, a good half hour...in the rain.
I said okay, then he calls an older chap, to sort it out.
The older guy takes a look at my car and says "sorry sir we don't change bulbs on these cars, you will have to go to the dealership".
Flounce.
You don't need to take the bumper or grill off I changed my bulbs the other day its a bit fiddly but you can access/change them without removing anything accept the battery if you want to make life easier. If anyone knows the Mk4 Golf these are a sod to change as you (correctly) have to take the bumper and grill off, basically a lot of faffing about, to a novice, a good half hour...in the rain.
I said okay, then he calls an older chap, to sort it out.
The older guy takes a look at my car and says "sorry sir we don't change bulbs on these cars, you will have to go to the dealership".
Flounce.
I think my local Halfords is pretty good.
Their Professional tool range is excellent and the warranty is amazing. I bought a socket set from them and the ratchet broke after about three years and entirely due to me forcing it when I should have been using a breaker bar. I went back to Halfords with the ratchet handle and asked whether I could buy a repair kit. The chap at the counter told me there was a lifetime warranty on these and went back into the storeroom and returned with a brand new ratchet handle, handed it to me and sent me on my way. He did not ask for a receipt...
Their Professional tool range is excellent and the warranty is amazing. I bought a socket set from them and the ratchet broke after about three years and entirely due to me forcing it when I should have been using a breaker bar. I went back to Halfords with the ratchet handle and asked whether I could buy a repair kit. The chap at the counter told me there was a lifetime warranty on these and went back into the storeroom and returned with a brand new ratchet handle, handed it to me and sent me on my way. He did not ask for a receipt...
Edited by FazerBoy on Sunday 26th October 00:57
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