"In reply to Tony Evans "B&Q stock system doesn't work""

A review of B & Q by Colin (electrician ) written on Sunday 23rd of September 2007

I read with interest the review of B&Q Chester by Tony Evans on 4th Sep. Titled B&Q stock system doesn’t work

Firstly may I point out that although I am employed by B&Q the points I raise on this reply are my own views and not those of the company.

I am sure there are a great deal of justified customer complaints against B&Q. Any operation this size must make mistakes and get things wrong on occasions. (It is run by humans you know.)

To set the record straight regards Tony’s grumble . The Light bulbs used in the store display were not bulbs from selling stock , they were L.e.d Gu10,s that had been sent into store specifically for the purpose of Display lighting in store. In fact the boxes (although the same as our selling stock) have a different bar code printed that will not let them be sold through the tills. They also have printed “For store displays only not for sale”

These arrived in store on 3rd Sept. and a large number was put into light displays on the evening of the 3rd.(much more than 2 dozen) This in an effort to be environmentally friendly .

I know this to be an absolute fact as I was the electrician who carried out the work that night!

The empty boxes referred to in Tony’s tale would have been in the cardboard recycling cages and therefore could not have been closely examined by the assistant,so they could be easily mistaken for the selling stock boxes.

Now to the issue of stock numbers.

I am not an expert on stock management we have a team in store who deal with this , But on the whole the system works most of the time and considering the vast amount of stock we have in a warehouse it does pretty well.

Our system does show stock as it is dispatched to the warehouse but when it arrives it is put out late at night and early the next day to save the Fork lifts from mowing down all the old ladies and young children in store. So It may say 24 on the system (meaning 24 dispatched and possibly ready to be put on the shelf) but we might not see them for a day or so. You must also remember if someone buys 24 the figures aren’t instantly updated so it may say 24 until that days figures get updated overnight. Most big operations will work in similar fashions with stock counts.

It is a true saying patience is a virtue !

On to the Good news I checked the shelf today there are 19 on the shelf 21 on system (maybe 2 sold yesterday or stolen ) so the stock system is pretty spot on I would say. Even better news Maplins also sell these bulbs and Screw fix (both local) so you need not be left in the dark But of course these outlets are pricier than B&Q . Maplins I believe £9.99 for 1 lamp Screw fix £6.99 for 1 lamp ,

B&Q…. £7.98 for 2 lamps. Scorching good price !

I know of at least on e pub manager in Chester comes in and clears out our stock sometimes as he is gradually replacing all his lamps and finds we are the best price ,so if you are coming in Tony bear this in mind. You can phone before travelling and I will check the shelf for you

If you do come in this week check out our clearance bays on electrical We have a range review pending on Computer accessories, TV. Aerials, boosters etc Audio leads telephone accessories all at Brilliant prices some stock @ a fifth of original selling price !

One or two other tips when shopping @ B&Q, they have trained tradesmen working there .Usually retired early and they have a bit of life experience . If you approach them with a decent attitude they will point you in the directions of all the best value products and offers on in their section and probably save you a bob or two. They can also give you sound advice regarding their trade skills if you have a project and again can save you a fortune and a lot of heartache.

Last tip……………… Chill out Tony …hope to meet you in store ..

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