Order/Delivery times

[ubuysa]

It's very clear that the promotion for Xmas delivery is a guarantee. There's not a shred of ambiguity in it.

PCS would have to be stupid as a stick to plaster the "guaranteed Xmas delivery" all over their site's front page and then not deliver PCs to people in time for Christmas saying "well, if you read our Ts&Cs, guarantee doesn't mean guarantee". Goodness.

As I'm not an expert in contract law I've no idea whether someone could sue PCS over it successfully or not. But even if they can't, the guarantee is far from worthless - it's PCS's word.

It's also putting their reputation on the line, and risking negative reviews should they fail to deliver on their promise.

A while ago there was a thread from someone complaining that the graphics card they wanted was out of stock until February. How would PCS guarantee delivery of a build containing that same card?

It really doesn't matter one scrap how you or I or anyone else interprets the use of the word guarantee on that banner because the Terms and Conditions are paramount. They clearly state that This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and us, they also say that No other terms whether expressed or implied shall form part of this Agreement and that In the event of any conflict between these Terms and Conditions and any other term or provision, these Terms and Conditions shall prevail.

I agree that it was perhaps unwise for PCS to use the word guarantee on there, especially since PCS don't guarantee even Fast Track deliveries.

 

[Oussebon]

If it's the thread I'm thinking of they weren't complaining.🙂There are items that are out of stock and in those cases the configurator warns you or even prevents you placing the order.

I think we're going to disagree over this one.

 

[Rakk]

It doesn't really matter now anyways since it now shows as:

I suspect there probably was something somewhere about out of stock items and other potential issues

 

[ubuysa]

I have been speaking to a senior PCS employee about this, he indicated that he would try to get someone responsible for these things to comment on here. I'm not going to steal their thunder so I'll let PCS speak for themselves.

I was asking for clarity on the issue of delivery dates because we often get people asking on here about delivery, sometimes they're a bit miffed if their PC doesn't arrive within the timescales provided by PCS. My concern is that PCS are in danger of shooting themselves in the foot by raising expectations beyond a point which they can achieve. We can all argue about how accurate the delivery dates given are, or whether any given build will arrive within those timescales, but whilst the Ts&Cs indicate that all delivery times are approximate PCS have a 'get out of jail free' card for those few that don't make it. By offering a 'guarantee' and especially one that's not acknowledged in the Ts&Cs, they create confusion in the minds of customers and a potentially unrealistic impression of delivery date which, if they miss it for whatever reason, may leave a very bad impression in the minds of those customers.

 

[drgr33n]

You all might be in for a long wait as I've just been informed that their keyboard printing machine broke so my order is being delayed until further notice.

 

[Oussebon]

Keyboard printing machine? I guess that hits (certain models of?) laptops but desktops will be alright. Rotten luck to have had the order delayed

 

[drgr33n]

Keyboard printing machine? I guess that hits (certain models of?) laptops but desktops will be alright. Rotten luck to have had the order delayed

So I'm told. I'm in a bit of a situation as my old laptop died and I'm in need of one before Xmas as I'm borrowing a device and running from a chroot of the old laptop. I ordered the laptop at the end of November and had to wait till the 6th Dec for parts to arrive. Then I was told it had been assembled and was in testing, and now I'm being told the keyboard printing machine broke I think I'm going to have to cancel my order and get one from elsewhere. I was looking forward to running a PC Specialist machine but it looks like it wasn't meant to be.

 

[Oussebon]

Is it a Fusion? What language keyboard? Wonder if they could ship it with a different (language) keyboard they do have stock of, and then ship you the appropriate one once it's available. Thinking out loud, but there might be some kind of creative solution available...

 

[drgr33n]

Is it a Fusion? What language keyboard? Wonder if they could ship it with a different (language) keyboard they do have stock of, and then ship you the appropriate one once it's available. Thinking out loud, but there might be some kind of creative solution available...

Yes, it's a fusion IV with a GB layout. TBF, I touch type so I'd be happy with whatever is printed on the keys. I did kind of suggest that to the person I was talking to within chat but she disregarded that comment completely so I didn't pursue. I've been told I can ask again for an update on Thursday? Do you think it's worth emailing someone within PCS and suggesting your proposed solution?

 

[Oussebon]

I'd probably phone them (they're open to 8pm) and if the person on the phone isn't able to help, politely ask to speak to a manager.

The point about needing the laptop asap and not wanting to have to cancel the order is one I'd make too.

If PCS are making the statement that they guarantee pre-Christmas delivery (and your order was in that window) it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask them to ship the system with a different keyboard and fix you up later with a GB keyboard. Assuming they even have any other keyboards pre-printed that you could use of course.

In the new year, they can then either ship you a GB keyboard to fit yourself or RMA the laptop (for free) to do that in their workshop. I assume the keyboard is easily easy to swap out, at least for them (maybe it's not)...

Gotta be worth asking.

Of course, they might ask you to bear with them a few days to see if they get their machine up and running again, but from your point of view, if you wait a few days and they still can't send it, you've wasted time when you could have ordered from elsewhere and got a system before Xmas.

 

[drgr33n]

OK, so I just called and there's no problem with the keyboard printing machine and apparently there's been an issue with the memory and wifi card for these chassis. He's now saying that I should receive it by the end of the week. I'm now left a little perplexed as to what's going on down there? I appreciate that it's a busy time of year, but I feel like I was told a little white lie. Here's the part of the chat transcript from earlier today.

*REDACTED* 1:38 PM No problem, I was told it was out of production and being tested but I'm guessing that's not the case.

Gabriela 1:39 PM yes it got into building on thursday last week but the problem we are experiencing at the moment is related with the machine that makes the keyboard letters print

 

[Oussebon]

Weird to say the least.

While I'd generally doubt there's any lying going on (they've always been honest enough with me as far as I could tell) tthat doesn't make the info any more helpful to understand what the situation is. Maybe check in with them tomorrow and review options then - can always scout alternatives on other sites in the meantime if you'd not already. Still got a week before Xmas even tomorrow.

 

[drgr33n]

Weird to say the least.

While I'd generally doubt there's any lying going on (they've always been honest enough with me as far as I could tell) tthat doesn't make the info any more helpful to understand what the situation is. Maybe check in with them tomorrow and review options then - can always scout alternatives on other sites in the meantime if you'd not already. Still got a week before Xmas even tomorrow.

Who knows, it's all very confusing, I have other options already lined up. I think I'll hang about till the end of the week and if it's still not with me, I'll cancel the order and go elsewhere. The thing I've got going against me is the time of year. I think I'll struggle to get anything shipped before Christmas now. Thank you for your suggestion Oussebon. At least I'm a little more informed about what's going on now.

Apologies to the OP for the thread hijacking.