Bunnnings Clearance Item Immediately Made Unable for sale

parad0x on 09/01/2021 - 16:03
Last edited 11/01/2021 - 00:22

Hi All,

I did a search instore on phone but came up empty….

However, are Bunnings allowed to clearance discount an item, then put ALL of this stock aside unable to be purchased?

Seems atrocious to me because I happened to be I the right place at the right time for the bargain only to be told that the manager had told her to put them all on hold….

Thoughts?

EDIT: The item was clearly removed by the manager, as instructed her staff to hide them under heremy her friends were coming to pickup". Within 20min they were picked up and sold as expected

**Clearly this has become a discussion as to the rights and wrongs of my actions being a w@nker all together for my actions and post. So Mods please close this post, I've received my answer - Don't ask remotely questionable contact onzb unless about a deal being available*

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closed Comments

  • loulou1 on 09/01/2021 - 16:08
    +8

    Bunnings can remove any item for sale if they so choose.
    Sometimes it is due to a safety recall.

    • apsilon on 09/01/2021 - 16:13

      Could also be Bunnings intended to sell at clearance but the supplier/manufacturer doesn't want it sold at clearance prices and will take the stock back from Bunnings instead.

    • elgrande on 09/01/2021 - 16:13

      Safety of their profit margin..

    • HeWhoKnows on 10/01/2021 - 13:31

      100% Correct!

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2021 - 15:32

      An incorrectly priced item can be removed from sale sure, but it must not be sold again (at all).

      Removal from sale to avoid price errors or incorrect discounts is allowed. For that matter any reason is allowed.

      Manager and staff may have reserved for a friend etc but if you can't prove it then you're out of luck.

      If you really have time on your hands I would contact head office who will check why the manager did that. Even then it would be tough to prove etc.

      • loulou1 on 10/01/2021 - 16:02
        +1

        I think your first sentence is incorrect. A seller may choose to withdraw an item for sale and choose to resell it later.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2021 - 16:10

          Yes - however they can withdraw if there is a mistake and must rectify the mistake before putting it up for sale again. I will reword my post =)

        • parad0x on 11/01/2021 - 00:08

          Manager was openly heard tellling employee to "hide these under there, I've got friends who want them". I was furious but cuodlnt find anything to back me up legally and he set an employeejst to make sure I did take one….

          • PopCounty on 11/01/2021 - 13:24

            @parad0x: Ask this question to Bunnings and raise concern against the manager. Put in through to consumer court as well.
            Logically manager may reserve things but ethically and professionally they can not do this hiding game thing. This isn’t acceptable.

  • parad0x on 09/01/2021 - 16:20

    The item was clearly removed by the manager as her friends were coming to pickup. withing 20min they were picked up and sold

    • thatonethere on 09/01/2021 - 16:44
      +6

      I guess technically they were sold. No loss to Bunnings…

      Could always complain to their head office like a Karen.

    • Okayy on 09/01/2021 - 17:53
      +13

      🤩 bad manager, i would call their feedback line and tell them.

    • HeWhoKnows on 10/01/2021 - 13:34
      +1

      They are entitled to do anything

      Could have been OP that rang up and asked to hold the stock and they probaby would.
      Now that would be a different story…LOL

      So OP pls stop complaining and wasting our time.

      This wont get you anywhere with Bunnings nor with OzBargain.

      Happy New Year

      HINT: Stop complaining to us about trivial things we cant do anything about

      • smartazz104 on 10/01/2021 - 13:43
        +6

        So OP pls stop complaining and wasting our time.

        You’re posting on OzBargain complaining about someone complaining on a Sunday, you clearly have some free time to waste regardless…

        • HeWhoKnows on 10/01/2021 - 13:44
          +2

          LOL
          I like that one
          But yes you are entirely correct!

          However i do spend a minimal amount of time replying to such posts

    • serpserpserp on 10/01/2021 - 18:14

      Lol did you watch them take it off the shelf, then watched the manager call their friends to pick up, then wait around for friends to pick up 20/30 minutes later?

      • parad0x on 11/01/2021 - 00:10

        Yes, i watched them get purdhased as I was there about 30min trying to find documentation regarding it. Greated by manager, thanked by customer, hauled away by customer

        • cameldownunder on 11/01/2021 - 13:25
          +1

          You should have snatched the item out of their hands, then run away towards the checkout, coughing, shouting and laughing like crazy, pay for it, and then call out loud "It's mine now, it's mine, precious"

  • parad0x on 09/01/2021 - 16:20

    So far as i can see that doesn't fall under any of the above

    • beesquared on 09/01/2021 - 21:22
      +13

      how do you know they were friends? You assuming? If I'm a manager and I do have friends picking this stuff up I am not telling that to a customer who was just about to buy it.

      Their product, they can do what they like with it, write a stern letter or move on.

      • Yamai on 10/01/2021 - 15:05
        +8

        Exactly, sounds like a story created in OP’s head

  • Ughhh on 09/01/2021 - 16:23
    +15

    However, are Bunnings allowed to clearance discount an item, then put ALL of this stock aside unable to be purchased?

    Sounds like human rights violation, your fReEdom and riGht to purchase whatever you want!!!!!!!!

  • Frank Murphy on 09/01/2021 - 16:29
    +7

    I suspect that manager and staff would have dibs on anything they wanted - and if something happened to go on clearance and manager or staff decided to buy all remaining items, then so be it. You miss out.
    If you were in the same advantageous position, you wouldn't do the same on items you wanted for yourself or friends?

  • EFC94 on 09/01/2021 - 16:32
    +21

    Sounds like a perk of working in retail. Get a good discount on an item from time to time.

    Get over it and move on with your life.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2021 - 07:54
      -1

      What about politicians who do the same ? Is it ethical?

      • Ughhh on 11/01/2021 - 09:07

        Do politicians hold onto their own products and give to their friends?

        • Snoozer on 11/01/2021 - 12:40
          +1

          No, but they can hand out govt contracts to their mates.

  • yellowfever on 09/01/2021 - 16:55
    +2

    The shop can do whatever they like, it's their shop.

    My thoughts is you should move on with your life.

  • pantsparty on 09/01/2021 - 16:58
    +2

    It’s their stock, they can do whatever they like with it. Buy your own hardware store and control the stock how you like, that’ll show them!

    • Krankite on 11/01/2021 - 08:18
      -1

      It may not be the manager's stock though, so they could potentially be in trouble if you complain up the chain.
      OP has no claim to the items though and their could be many legitimate reasons that these were on hold for another customer.

  • pharkurnell on 09/01/2021 - 17:33
    +7

    what was the item?

  • Puglife on 09/01/2021 - 17:42
    +9

    Why do people complain about this? In my eyes you deserve a perk for working for a business. I guess I kind of see it as a loyalty bonus. Whether its a discount or loyalty card or ability to get the first chance at reduced stock. Especially if you have to put up with annoying customers like OP…just my opinion anyway.

    • parad0x on 11/01/2021 - 00:13

      If it were connsidered a loyalty bonus across the board, absolutely. But care to explain why I'm being annoying? I merely wanted to know whether they're allowed to do it,,,,

  • ihbh on 09/01/2021 - 17:43

    Perks of being employee?

  • dylanando on 09/01/2021 - 17:43
    +1

    certainly a perk of the trade. I assume like working at a grocery store during a pandemic. Go shopping before the store opens.

    • dizzle on 09/01/2021 - 18:33

      Depends on store policy. Many stores have rules against it. Some are known for doing this like Dick Smith used to do. It was even known for staff to list them on Ebay to make a profit.

      • serpserpserp on 10/01/2021 - 18:17

        Many stores have rules against it.

        Can you name five stores that do?

        • dizzle on 10/01/2021 - 19:39

          I only know the stores I worked in did. I won't name all of them but Myer and David Jones did when I worked there.

          Enforcing it was another matter though.

        • Bad Wolf on 10/01/2021 - 20:36

          Venues that supply alcohol have licensed trade hours. Technically staff can’t act outside those hours.

  • RockyRaccoon on 09/01/2021 - 17:45
    +13

    Ok you have got me….

    How did you know it was the managers friends coming in to pick them up? Did they have a managers friend badge on them when they picked it up 20 minutes later?

    You can call Bunnings as a customer and sometimes they will put things away, depends on how busy they are.

    Scenario possibility.

    Customer sees it on sale, buys one goes home, tells wife, friend, or neighbour about bargain.

    Anyone of these rings up and asks for one to be put aside as they will be there in 60 minutes etc

    • bmerigan on 10/01/2021 - 22:09

      Also I love thinking about the OP hanging around for 20+ minutes, waiting to see if anyone walks out of this Bunnings store carrying the thing he/she wanted.

      • parad0x on 11/01/2021 - 00:15

        "Waiting around trying to find some documentation regarding the matter at hand". Facts before flaming sir

    • parad0x on 11/01/2021 - 00:17

      Manager was openly heard tellling employee to "hide these under there, I've got friends who want them". whilst I was standing there being closely watched by an astute bunnings employee who kept asking me to move away when ad approach to check a model number or something, they were treated by said manager, and taken away by them,

      • kanmen on 11/01/2021 - 11:07

        Personally I would have gone up to the manager and asked them for one of the products, especially if you had heard them say it. Because you could have told them you would put in a call to head office…

        But I don't think there's any point of you spending time making that call now, or even making this post because you still won't get the product on sale….

  • Maxxiz on 09/01/2021 - 18:19

    They could take to the item with a hammer in front of you if they wish.
    Their items, their rules.

  • whooah1979 on 09/01/2021 - 18:37

    The item was clearly removed by the manager, as instructed her staff to hide them under heremy her friends were coming to pickup".

    This is unbelievable. How dare they do that.

  • SBOB on 09/01/2021 - 18:50
    +8

    And the forum continues to deliver quality complaint posts :)

    Seems atrocious to me because I happened to be I the right place at the right time for the bargain only to be told that the manager had told her to put them all on hold….

    Thoughts?

    You don't want to know my thoughts

  • jayboi on 09/01/2021 - 19:58
    +7

    This has gotta be the most entitled post of the year so far, acting like you own the whole store. Get over it and move on with life.

  • Eeples on 09/01/2021 - 22:34
    +2

    If the item wasn’t on the shelf for you to pick up and buy at the register then you weren’t in the right place at the right time.

  • nomoneynoproblems on 09/01/2021 - 22:54
    +2

    Pretty bogus if you ask me. So far morons think it's ok if customers want to purchase items but because you work in retail you "deserve it and it's a perk of the job" and therefore you can "remove" items for sale so your mates can get the haul. This shit will absolutely get you fired in my industry.

  • TheBird on 10/01/2021 - 00:27
    +1

    Buy a gopro.
    Buy a "Karen" badge.
    Wear both. Walk into Bunnings and demand to speak to the manager.

    • serpserpserp on 10/01/2021 - 20:52

      Don't wear a mask if you are in Victoria.

  • skillet on 10/01/2021 - 08:18

    Why not buy it before it goes into clearance? I guarantee you get the first dips.

    During Boxing day many b&m stores would replace their usual stock with all the unpopular items. Why not have a go at them complain at ACCC for unfair trading?

  • Lastchancetosee on 10/01/2021 - 09:22
    +6

    I'm still struggling with 'heremy'.

  • dmbminaret on 10/01/2021 - 10:10
    -1

    I used to do this weekly working at officeworks putting out clearance tickets. Buy it at full price and you won't miss out.

  • Diji on 10/01/2021 - 10:25
    -6

    Get even by shoplifting up to the value of the item you wanted.

  • Wardy on 10/01/2021 - 11:09
    +1

    Just use the app to click and collect.

  • whatzup101 on 10/01/2021 - 14:24
    +1

    I would be complaining to head office.

    Hopefully considering how big Bunnings is - they might have a policy on clearance items.

    Usually with clearance they would need to be placed on display first so any potential customer could purchase. Afterwards if stock was still there, then staff would be allowed to purchase.

    This doesn’t really help you get the item you wanted but it may stop it from happening again.

    • gromit on 10/01/2021 - 14:32
      +2

      clearance items are to get rid of items they are no longer stocking, old models, poorly selling, discontinued etc. I doubt they give a damn who buys them as long as they are gone. Note this is very different to sale items, especially advertised sales.

      • whatzup101 on 10/01/2021 - 23:56
        +2

        If you think head office wouldn’t care about this issue because they’re clearance products, think again.

        It is an ethical issue and there are policies in many retail companies outlining what is to be done with clearance items.

        The fact that you see nothing wrong here is the real issue.

        There are even policies on discount cards and profiteering. Knowing the stock, sell price and demand, it’s not hard to see how this could benefit the manager, a quick look online would tell you if it’s worthwhile.

        Hence the Dicksmith fiasco. Nobody cared because they were all losing their jobs anyway.

  • psdillon on 10/01/2021 - 14:43
    +12

    If I were the manager I'd fire staff for putting limited products aside for themselves or friends. After hours is fine, but don't do it in front of customers. Dick Smith staff used to do it before the store opened, and with glass frontage it was pretty disgusting to the customers that came early only to watch as staff put it all aside for themselves.

    If you want to offer staff perks, do it a day early before it hits the website and before the tickets are put out.

    Calling people Karen seems to be the new Karen. No one is allowed to call out lousy service anymore.

  • mrvaluepack on 10/01/2021 - 20:10

    Learn to make friends with Bunnings managers then.

  • McFly on 11/01/2021 - 01:05
    +3

    Forget "heremy", what does "Don't ask remotely questionable contact onzb unless about a deal being available*" mean?

  • minniethemoocher on 11/01/2021 - 07:44

    If clearance item was put aside for managers friend to purchase then you should report it to head office as this may be against their policies. There is not much more you can do,

  • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2021 - 07:45

    I tried to buy apple stock at a special price and someone else had placed an order at that price, I went to the stock exchange the exchange manager greeted me and his friend was taking all those sweet special price apple.

    If you believe it’s done for his mates then you should put down an official written complaint to the head office.

  • Bren20 on 11/01/2021 - 09:59
    +1

    Head office will definitely care about staff hoarding clearance items.

    An old trick from a friend who worked at Myer, she would put stock she wanted to buy in an obscure place (somewhere out the back), and after 3 months or so she could reduce the price of the item and get it cheap

    Another example is that many fast food places used to ban staff from taking any excess food, because if staff know they can take excess food they'll have an incentive to make excess food

    OP has no legal right to the clearance stock, but the Bunnings manager is being unethical by hoarding clearance items, especially if the clearance is at their discretion

  • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2021 - 12:28

    Ex Bunnings employee here

    We know about clearance items when the yellow shelf label prints out.

    We put items away for customers and ourselves. It happens. We usually try to not hold for more then the same day.

    What you state the manager said is poor form, I would have always offered the item to a customer but there’s no rules that state you should have it before we do.

    Chalk it up to a case of poor timing and move on. You’re not legally entitled to anything whatsoever. It’s why it’s called a clearance item.

    Feel free to lodge a report to head office. If what you said happened actually happened, it’s not good practice.

  • Moderatorscrimshaw on 11/01/2021 - 13:55

    Thread closed, requested by OP

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