Officeworks, Am I Missing Something Here?

LRupertBear on 07/04/2019 - 18:48

So, went into Officeworks today to have a look around. Came across an IPad Pro 12.9 bluetooth combo keyboard on special. You had to take the card to the checkout to get the product.
Went down to the checkout, handed over the card and the checkout person got the sealed, boxed keyboard out of the cupboard behind the checkout. She brought it out and I stretched out my hand and asked if I could hold it to check the weight (as others I’ve tried were quite heavy).
She said “you’ll have to buy it to touch it”. I said I just want check the weight, don’t need to,open it. She repeated “you’ll have to buy it to touch it”. I looked at the person beside her who repeated the same.

I said, “ok if I buy it, touch the box and say it’s no use can I then hand it back and get a credit?”. “Yes” she says.

I shook my head and walked out.

Am I missing something here?

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Comments

  • Prince K on 07/04/2019 - 18:50
    +81

    They most likely have had people who snatched it and ran away

    • trapper on 09/04/2019 - 14:09
      +3

      and I guess that's the only way they will ever leave the store when paying customers are not allowed to touch hahaha

      • [Deactivated] on 10/04/2019 - 16:59
        -7

        I like the old days when you couldn't touch anything at all from behind the counter and had to ask the clerk for every item.

        Also people weren't offended like kindergarten crybabies.

        The age of growing up has gone to 100 plus. Almost no one grows up anymore.

        • WinstonWithAY on 10/04/2019 - 20:17
          +2

          The irony is lost on you isn't it?

  • RupertBear on 07/04/2019 - 18:52
    +93

    I thought that too, however there were 4 office work people in and around the area. Plus I’m 71 and hardly likely to “sprint” out the door!

    • Ughhh on 07/04/2019 - 18:56
      +61

      Might be store policy. If they have to apply it to a 20yo male, they'll have to do it to a 71yo, otherwise discrimination etc etc. They wouldn't be allowed to chase you anyway.

      • Toons on 07/04/2019 - 19:11

        It's actually discrimination if they did this for that reason because age is a protected category in the Anti Discrimination legislation, so if the store did not provide reasonable accomodation for an age related problem then that can be seen as age discrimination. e.g arthritis or muscle atrophy.

      • Ozpit on 08/04/2019 - 09:11
        +2

        “They wouldn’t be allowed to chase you, anyway.”

        Even a 90 year old with a walking frame? Interesting.

        • Ughhh on 08/04/2019 - 10:01
          +13

          If the 90yo falls over because of you chasing him, you're most likely in big legal trouble, will cost more than the ipad.

      • GregMonarch on 09/04/2019 - 12:10
        +3

        Meanwhile, there are hundreds of items in the store not behind the counter people can walk out with. ;-)

        • Sozin on 09/04/2019 - 19:34
          +1

          Yeah but you pay for it.

    • spackbace on 07/04/2019 - 19:00
      +6

      I doubt many workers chase down thieves, not worth it

      • [Deactivated] on 07/04/2019 - 19:36
        +10

        Pretty sure colesworth specifically mandate their staff not to chase down thieves

        • AdosHouse on 07/04/2019 - 19:52
          +1

          I know Woolworths do, not sure about Coles, but they self-insure. Costs more to pay just one claim, than to let people steal shit.

        • Ozpit on 08/04/2019 - 09:27
          +3

          My local Coles has at least one, often two, seriously looking security guards stationed outside the checkouts and facing customers as they exit. They stare you down as you leave. Yeah, we’d all be thieves if they weren’t there. Welcome to our new world.

          • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2019 - 09:29
            +2

            @Ozpit: Broadmeadows?

            • Ozpit on 09/04/2019 - 11:25
              +1

              @[Deactivated]: Close. Doesn't Broady have at least six security guards?

          • nikey2k27 on 09/04/2019 - 07:30

            @Ozpit: In bad area they invest in it.

        • craagz on 09/04/2019 - 15:32

          JB Hi-fi do, the other day I saw a teenager run out literally crying out loud "I am not hiding anything" while being chased by two security people… at a fast pace.

        • Homr on 10/04/2019 - 15:50

          Whys that???

        • Levathian on 10/04/2019 - 19:28

          Coles staff are absolutely not allowed to chase you out of the store. Loss prevention, security and any daring store manager = yes, but a regular checkout chick? Nope. And above our pay grade too tbh.

    • altomic on 08/04/2019 - 07:40
      +19

      Statistically, 71 year olds are the worst offenders for snatch and runs

      • RSmith on 09/04/2019 - 06:59
        +2

        Hi Grandpa.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2019 - 09:10
      +8

      It's the mobility scooter that's the issue.

      • RSmith on 09/04/2019 - 07:01
        +4

        Yeah, I have seen old people riding the mobility scooters as if they are in a F1 race.

        • Ozpit on 13/04/2019 - 08:47

          Yeah, my gramp’s scoot is twin turbo with extractors and a real mean muffler that even turns heads of Harley riders.

    • alikazi on 09/04/2019 - 09:12
      +2

      Or they've had people who molested the brand new, not yet purchased device and smear it with their nasty fingerprints (God knows when they washed their hands), drop it off their hands and break the device and then claim that it's not their problem since they haven't paid for it.

      My question is don't officeworks have all devices on the shelf for you to play with? When you go to the counter you should have already made up your mind. To keep things simple go to jb hifi they have most devices on display.

    • Cyberninja on 10/04/2019 - 17:45
      +1

      Wondering if you are the the eldest Ozbargainer here? Let me start a poll

  • Jimmymancini on 07/04/2019 - 18:53

    probably a hot spot for runners.

    • Sozin on 09/04/2019 - 19:35
      +1

      Yep. If you are in sydney it has been unusually hot the last few days.

    • altomic on 10/04/2019 - 07:43
      +1

      Woldnt joggers use mobile data?

      • John Kimble on 10/04/2019 - 09:05
        +1

        hotspot = mobile data (at least on my phone)

  • Toons on 07/04/2019 - 19:01
    +1

    Not to mention the amount of OAP's modding gofer's for that speedy sprint to the corner shop for the paper.

  • Diji1 on 07/04/2019 - 19:30
    +6

    You can probably find the weight on the product website.

    • Kangal on 09/04/2019 - 22:46

      Then what?
      You measure that amount in water, then fill a 5c plastic bag, return to the store and get a real sense of the weight…

      • spiff on 10/04/2019 - 18:49
        +3

        Do you know how weight works

        • Kangal on 10/04/2019 - 21:00

          Obviously not, that's why I need water and a plastic bag : )

  • elgrande on 07/04/2019 - 20:12
    +1

    The world has gone crazy, which I am sure you have noticed over the last 40 years or so.

    Hope you managed to test it out elsewhere.

  • RupertBear on 07/04/2019 - 20:16

    Cheers elgrande. I thought I was loosing it! Especially when they said I could buy it feel the weight then return it for a credit. Hi

    • EnALup on 09/04/2019 - 09:23

      No, you get full refund if item is intact. You can return open if it does not work as specified.

    • jenkemjunkie on 10/04/2019 - 17:18
      -1

      The only thing you hoped was loose was store security so you could run off with it.

  • Halo375 on 07/04/2019 - 20:36
    +8

    That’s stupid, but probably a policy that annoys the majority because of a selfish minority.

    • EightImmortals on 08/04/2019 - 06:29
      +7

      Like pretty much ALL rules these days?

  • thatonethere on 07/04/2019 - 21:18
    +2

    In the Apple store they are tied up but you can hold them. Maybe go there instead

  • Davo1111 on 07/04/2019 - 22:24
    +8

    I shook my head and walked out.

    so they prevented a grab and run :P

    • onetwothreefour on 08/04/2019 - 08:57
      +22

      Or did they? Maybe the keyboard was a distraction for the paperclips he had shoved in his pockets.

  • whooah1979 on 08/04/2019 - 06:18

    The alternative is they keep the goods in an aluminium case tethered to a display stand.

  • lovepub on 08/04/2019 - 07:31
    +3

    I don't get it.
    Wouldn't u be holding the box only? Nkt actual iPad itself.

    What's the point of feeling its weight?

    • JTTheMan on 09/04/2019 - 14:21
      +3

      Yeah I was wondering the same, doesn't it just add to the suspicion of a snatch a grab if you're saying "I just want to feel the weight"?
      Creepy

      • cerealJay on 10/04/2019 - 00:35
        +3

        His plan was to hold the box and then subtract the estimated packaging weight in his mind, like a boss, to get a sense of the unpackaged item. Makes perfect sense when you're in your 70s.

        • JTTheMan on 10/04/2019 - 09:16

          Interesting :)
          That's very "old school"!
          My dad used to say you can tell the quality of an item by how heavy it is. I don't know if that works for a tablet?

  • subydooby on 08/04/2019 - 07:58
    +4

    Thanks to the thieves out there, they have ruined the touch and feel aspect of bricks and mortar shopping for everyone.
    Not to mention increased costs for retailers that are passed onto the consumers. Everything of value is tied down, behind glass or empty boxes. This is why if I see a thief I let staff know, they affect me directly.

  • RupertBear on 08/04/2019 - 08:36
    +1

    Feeling the weight allows me to judge the additional weight added to the iPad when it’s fitted.
    There was another brand on the rack (priced at $150) beside the card for one I was interested in (at $199) which was very heavy. Hence I thought I would check the weight of the other.
    Anyway they lost a $199 sale and now disgruntled customer.

    • spackbace on 08/04/2019 - 20:17
      +2

      So you can use ozbargain, but not officeworks.com.au which clearly lists the specifications of what you're looking to buy…?

      • No ONE on 09/04/2019 - 13:24
        +1

        I don't get why people negged you.

      • jwh on 09/04/2019 - 14:40
        +2

        If it’s just holding the box to get an idea of weight, I don’t see the issue. It’s important to have a ‘tangible’ feel for the product first.

        To put it in perspective, all cars list their power outputs and weight online, so is there any need to test drive it?

        • spackbace on 09/04/2019 - 15:35

          To put it in perspective, all cars list their power outputs and weight online, so is there any need to test drive it?

          Yeah not the same considering that doesn't take into account power/torque curves, gearbox differences etc.

          You're just talking 1 specification here - weight. That's your only form of difference between products. 1 single number which can be found elsewhere. The distribution of the weight isn't in question, it's just the weight itself.

          If I had the question "which car is the lightest between these", do you think I could find the answer myself pretty easily using Google..? Sure can!

          • jwh on 09/04/2019 - 15:54

            @spackbace:

            If I had the question "which car is the lightest between these", do you think I could find the answer myself pretty easily using Google..? Sure can!

            You can, and then the customer wouldn't have any idea of what the car actually feels like to drive because it's just a number. I'm sure you'll agree it's important to take that car out for a drive!

            In the same way that I think it is important for the customer to get some form of tangible experience with what is a relatively expensive keyboard. There's a reason Officeworks had a near complete range of Logitech and Microsoft keyboards, and mice, out on display (not sure if they still do this).

      • Zythyx on 11/04/2019 - 15:44

        I (31M) can try on a pair of shoes at Rebel Sport that cost $250 bucks. I'm not going to buy shoes that I don't know what they feel like when I'm moving around in them.

        OP (says he's 70) wanted to feel the weight of a keyboard package worth $200. He's not going to buy a product if he doesn't know what it feels like (or at least a general feel for the weight)

        • spackbace on 11/04/2019 - 15:51
          +1

          OP (says he's 70) wanted to feel the weight of a keyboard package worth $200.

          Keyword package, he's not holding the keyboard itself. Which to anyone thinking objectively to the issue, sounds bloody weird as there could be how much plastic/cardboard adding weight to that packaging. Sounds alarm bells in the retailers mind, who likely has heard this every day for years and the majority of people who "just want to hold" would likely leg it out the door. Sure, OP is in the minority here, but it's the actions of the majority that affect the minority.

          You wouldn't ask to just hold a shoe box would you?

          • Zythyx on 11/04/2019 - 15:53

            @spackbace: So what you're saying by extension is that OP should actually be able to take the Keyboard out and try it on? j/k

            The package is usually a good enough indication of weight. If the entire thing is too heavy for them, then it's a no sale. If you can pick up the box and feel like it's a pretty good weight, even with the packaging, then it will be even better without the packaging.

            • spackbace on 11/04/2019 - 15:56

              @Zythyx: Sure, but the unfortunate aspect is that the idiots who grab and run, have created a mindset in the minds of the shop workers, which has likely created their policies of not just handing it over. Especially as this was the front counter, which is right by the doors. Obviously a 71yo isn't the same as a 12yo kid, but who knows how much theft actually occurs by those older (living on the pension etc struggling to afford expensive items)… I don't know, I don't work at OW.

              And the cost of the item is also likely a contributor towards the staffs decision to not just hand it over. $30 k/b, sure, $200 k/b nope!

    • Hirolol on 09/04/2019 - 06:06

      You need to hit the reply button when you reply to someone :)

      • cerealJay on 10/04/2019 - 00:46
        +1

        If I hit reply, then decide it's no use, can I get a credit?

  • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2019 - 09:08
    +5

    Something similar happened at the good guys. They refused to price match an ipad so I said I can just buy it, leave the store, come back and use the price guarantee instantly. Then they price matched.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2019 - 10:21
      +2

      How is this similar to Op's story?

      • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2019 - 10:41
        +1

        Non-commutativity of store policies. Circuity.

        • [Deactivated] on 09/04/2019 - 02:48

          Ha! Btw, I didn't neg you.

  • gth on 08/04/2019 - 09:24
    -1

    Absolutely nothing stopping staff chasing theives. Policy is not law.

    Section 100 of Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act, if you need specifics.

    And they would have given you a refund, not a store credit, if that's what was upsetting you.

    • Ughhh on 08/04/2019 - 10:10
      +6

      Absolutely nothing stopping staff chasing theives. Policy is not law.

      Umm legal liability and staffs safety is what's stopping staff from chasing?

      There's no law saying you can't stop a terrorist who's carrying a gun, with your fist. But that would be stupid right?

      Practicing your rights 100% doesnt make you smart. Law is very general, policy is designed to be specific your the workplace.

    • spackbace on 08/04/2019 - 20:18

      Find a store worker (who's not a relative of the owner) who's prepared to chase after a thief…

      • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2019 - 20:30

        Is that a challenge? Here's one

        A woolies staff got demoted after he chased a thief.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2019 - 20:27
      +1

      Making a citizen arrest on your own time might not be an issue but doing it while at work may be considered by your employer as breaching your OHS responsibilites. Rightly so too.

    • gromit on 10/04/2019 - 07:18

      nothing stopping you jumping in front of their speeding get away car to stop it either. Neither are smart moves, both may result in significant loses for you and WILL NOT be met with appreciation from anyone and may even result in you being sacked or receiving warnings. The store policies exist to protect both the staff and the store from very real threats (both legal and physical).

  • Micko179 on 08/04/2019 - 20:12
    -1

    So just pay for it & do what you want with it! Pretty simple… 🤔

    • nickj on 09/04/2019 - 11:18
      +3

      You should be able to examine a product before purchasing it, yes? In this case it sounds like there was no display model.

      I too would walk out of a store that required me to purchase something before examining it, if it was:
      a) something I rarely buy (like an iPad & keyboard) so it's possible - nay, probable - to have reasonable questions about size / weight / functionality / etc, and
      b) expensive (no drama if it's a few dollars).

      Furthermore, if they're going to be this difficult before you've even bought it, imagine how awful they could be if you want to return it. Therefore I would not feel real confident about getting that refund, or they turn round and say it can only be store credit, and/or involve the manager, and/or try to make it painful (just as they're making the purchase painful), etc.

      So no thanks, I'd buy from somewhere else less knob-ish instead - like the Apple Store, who I think will price match local retailers, have floor models, have no real pressure to buy, plus they have a 14-day returns policy: https://www.apple.com/au/shop/help/returns_refund

      Smart stores make examining the product easy, and make returns easy. By eliminating this friction, it goes a long way towards removing barriers to a purchase.

      • Micko179 on 10/04/2019 - 05:25
        -2

        So you're that guy who always opens the boxes & doesn't put stuff back?! Heaven forbid you buy something online…

        • nickj on 10/04/2019 - 11:45

          Huh? I do not open boxes and not put stuff back, and I never said that I did.

          As I said, "smart stores make examining the product easy", so for bricks & mortar stores, I aim to shop in places that have a usually have a display model that you can see and examine (e.g. Kmart, Apple store, and usually Officeworks).

          I certainly do buy things that I want online, or in physical stores where there is no display model, but only where I know what I'm buying (used it before, seen a friend's one, or it's a known commodity, etc), or where it's recommended by people I trust (friends, family, or by consensus on OzBargain), or where the cost is small (so if it's wrong it's not big issue).

          OP's case was none of these things: the keyboard was not a known commodity (obviously the iPad is), it was not recommended by anyone trusted, and the cost was not small. That's why I agree with OP's decision to walk away.

          And for the record: I don't agree with what you're saying, but I have not down-voted your comments.

          • Micko179 on 10/04/2019 - 20:34
            -4

            @nickj: I couldn't care less what you think or vote! FACT is, OP was ALREADY Standing at the very counter/desk he needed to be at for purchase /return so it's really pretty fn simple! FACT is, the whole effing exercise would've taken less time than writing the BS post here!!!

            • Micko179 on 10/04/2019 - 20:36

              @Micko179: If OP was ACTUALLY a true OZB, It would've been MORE productive/helpful if they purchased it THEN posted relevant findings!

      • marcusx on 10/04/2019 - 20:54

        I have bought Airpods from Officeworks, click and collect in store. I got them home and discovered they were used; the case was yellowed, and there was detritus inside the case. I'd be wanting to feel the box and open the box.

  • AlienC on 08/04/2019 - 20:52
    -2

    something something security since nine eleven

  • John Kimble on 08/04/2019 - 21:20
    +1

    Officeworks, Am I Missing Something Here?

    Yep, a keyboard apparently

  • Zachary on 09/04/2019 - 00:52

    ….is this the Officeworks in Malaga….?

    • edgar28 on 10/04/2019 - 21:06

      Morley

  • RupertBear on 09/04/2019 - 08:14

    Hi Zachary, no not Malaga.

    • Zachary on 11/04/2019 - 15:29

      Where then?

  • john_conner on 09/04/2019 - 08:47

    https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKE…

    Try asking to feel the beats headphones for weight?

  • FittyFitty on 09/04/2019 - 10:10
    +1

    They have gone downhill…

    The furniture was much better quality (than the current KMART-esque crop) and it was a great place to get a genuine bargain on customer returns and damaged packaging, back in the day.

  • pformag on 09/04/2019 - 10:19

    Go into JB Hifi, they have displays where you can actually hold the said product.

  • chrisd262 on 09/04/2019 - 10:20

    Big concern re touchscreens in open areas - eg supermarket check outs

    Apparently testing found faeces on many of the screens!!

    • Ughhh on 09/04/2019 - 11:47

      Ugh reading your comment just made me feel sick

      • GregMonarch on 09/04/2019 - 12:16

        Better not mention there's faeces on your toothbrush then… even if you keep it in the kitchen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDc7-oya1Qg

        • Ughhh on 09/04/2019 - 12:18

          Noooo stop! Let me live ignorant about these stuff.

          • GregMonarch on 09/04/2019 - 12:22

            @Ughhh: LOL.

          • GregMonarch on 09/04/2019 - 12:24

            @Ughhh: Better not mention shopping trolleys either then. (Toddlers sitting in them, sucking on poo covered handle!)

            • Ughhh on 09/04/2019 - 12:50

              @GregMonarch: I dont like you 😂

              Lucky I hardly use trolleys.
              I've seen people not washing their hands after going to the toilet, then proceed to return to the buffet.

              • GregMonarch on 09/04/2019 - 12:59
                +2

                @Ughhh: While I do, sadly there's much point washing hands… You still have to open the door everyone else who didn't, touched to leave.

                I really HATE public toilets without open doorways, which instead have a heavily-sprung door. Or worse - TWO doors. So you can open the first using some paper towel, but you can't open the second door and drop the towel in a bin, because the first door closes behind you.

                • John Kimble on 09/04/2019 - 13:13
                  +1

                  @GregMonarch:

                  So you can open the first using some paper towel, but you can't open the second door and drop the towel in a bin, because the first door closes behind you.

                  Just take the paper towel with you and put it in the next available bin outside the bathroom?

                  Or wait for someone to open it for you haha

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