I went into the Glenfield PB tech as well Saturday afternoon and was like I want to look around and I need to get a cable

Nope had to tell the cashier to go get it

Handsomedan: I've never been able to get free shipping with PB Tech. I also don't find their website very user-friendly. 

 

I'm likely to shop there less if I can't go in and browse. 

 

I've always been charged the sur-charge with a physical visit. :(

Handsomedan:

 

I've never been able to get free shipping with PB Tech. I also don't find their website very user-friendly. 

 

I'm likely to shop there less if I can't go in and browse. 

 

there would certainly be others in similar mold as you. i am sure this has been factored into their decision-making process. i suppose being 'handsome' can get you a better deal shopping in-store? :D

every single thing i've bought from pbtech, my decision was made before popping into the store. the most recent purchases i can recall off the top of my head are a laptop, hard drive, smart watch, monitor desk mount. items i didn't need to checkout in person. i also don't remember the last time i paid for shipping, and they ship fast. i also thought their website is among the better ones, vs the likes of HN, NL, JBH, even farmer's.

you're also obviously not in wellington. the 2 branches here don't really have much to browse - which is why i (as well as possibly the rest of wellingtonians) am missing nothing, really. the glenfield store used to be much better for that with items on display, but that wasn't the case the last time i was there, christmas 2020.

Kyanar:

 

Looks like they're moving toward the Umart (big Australian chain) model. It actually works really well, since stock doesn't have to be stacked for presentation the stores can be far more compact, and collection is quick and easy - once they tell you your order has been picked you just go there, register your attendance at the kiosk, and take a (socially distanced) seat while they grab your order from the storeroom shelves. Though many of their stores do have a small amount of showroom stock (very small), typically focused around products that the distributors and manufacturers are promoting. Definitely disagree with any claims that it's "shooting themselves in the foot" and "going to lose them a lot of money". Most people greatly appreciate the speed and convenience. Just, uh, don't try deal with returns. But I think PB Tech may have pioneered that feature long ago.

 

The St Lukes store has used a similar kind of setup since it opened several years ago. There's a bit to browse but most of the stock is stored out back in big warehouse-type shelves that only staff can access. Makes me suspect that this change in the rest of their locations isn't just due to Covid and it's actually just what they want to do with their stores.

Fine, I guess, but for me the only unique attractive point of PB was the ability to wander in and sift through the merchandise. If I just want to order online and go somewhere to pick it up there'll probably be some other shop selling it cheaper.

Nate001:

 

Genuine question. Do people ever just browse a store such as PB in person? There is the exclusion of trying devices in store.

 

Most times I know exactly what I want and click and collect.

 

I love browsing PB Tech.

openmedia:

 

I love browsing PB Tech.

 

As do I, on the web, where I can search and sort by price. I hate shopping in store. End up having to look around handle the items so many times before getting them home. Supermarkets are the worst for it but bunnings is a close second. Online from PB or mightyape is just

Went to pick up an online order the other day in the evening (Vivian Street). There was a long line outside the door so I eschewed that. Went into today lunch time and there was no line but most of the areas where you can browse were marked staff only. And they had moved the online pickup area to the front of the store.  

While I do browse online, I do like to look in a store also. Hopefully this is just a Covid issue that will be resolved.

I dont think they'll miss all the sales of people going in to buy a $10 cable , and having to have staff onhand to help people choose what $10 cable they need .

They now have 1-2 people on the front desk (at my local store)
instead of 2-3 on sales desk + mulitple staff on the shop floor helping customers with purchases .

F.Y.I. the free shipping code is FREESHIP

$20 minimum spend. Excludes rural. 

Wakrak:

 

F.Y.I. the free shipping code is FREESHIP

 

$20 minimum spend. Excludes rural. 

 

Until PB see this and remove it ;)

xpd:

 

Until PB see this and remove it ;)

 

that'd be interesting considering the current move allocating staff to facilitate online shopping. but we'll find out.

guyl:

I asked why they were doing this, and for how long - but no one was able to give me an answer...

xpd:

 

Wakrak:

 

F.Y.I. the free shipping code is FREESHIP

 

$20 minimum spend. Excludes rural. 

 

 

Until PB see this and remove it ;)

 

It's been posted here a few times.

As for the Express thing. Annoying. I needed a new mouse, went in expecting to find and pick up a cheap one. Staff offered two in the desired price range (under $20). Ended up wireless and blue, neither of which would've been my choice, but I found the whole experienced frustrating and figured I'd just get a better one later. I won't be going back until there is some normality.

Also, they've stopped head office pick-up and regularly have items I want out of stock (and therefore unable to order for pick-up) at their Manukau store, despite it being in the same building.