Yes I know we all knew about it a week ago, but it seems Dick Smith are finally advertising it Dick Smith Crazy Clearance- In-store only
There are still deals to be had, especially if your trained in bargain hunting (it also helps to know what is on clearance) as most of the good remaining bargains are not clearly marked or are in strange places.
Update:
ASX: Dick Smith to close all of their stores and undergo liquidation
Yeah, a flood of disappointed/annoyed people to be entering Dick Smith stores anytime now. I can't see there being any stock remaining for half of the advertised "clearance specials" unless there is a store out in the wops which everyone has forgotten about.
Or, they don't know any better, and just think that it's extremely limited stock? Probably not though.
Now that I've re-read it, it might seem as if they are dropping TV's from brick and mortar stores or selling them altogether:
"30-60% off display model and clearance TVs"
Unless that is worded incorrectly, it would suggest they don't want to retain any display models. Similar but not so obvious wording on DVD & Blu-ray players.
No mention to gaming which is speculated to be dropped too.
Na, that just means TVs that have been on display, basically products with massive usage over an extended period of time.
@Shaw: Yes, but why would you sell all your display TVs, not just your end of line ones? Now they would need to get another one, calibrate it, etc if they wnated a display model.
Likely most of the display stock is old, or the cheaper ones anyway. The whole fire sale seems quite backward though, makes little sense.
@Shaw: If these reduced price display models come with the same guarantee as a new purchase, wouldn't that extended use possibly be a good thing?
We've all had gear which decides to fault just after the warranty period has expired. If these used models are more likely to expire within the warranty period, the unit may be replaced with a new model under the warranty, at no extra cost?
Is this faulty logic?
@Jay:
It depends really, on what problems that it has, and also the warranty coverage. Consider also that the retailer may not even be in business a year or two down the track, getting a manufacturer to sort it out could be a nightmare. Pros and cons, at these prices, it's worth the risk.
Does anyone know how click and collect refunds work? I paid online using a credit card and my order was cancelled yesterday. Thanks.
I've been told payment is refunded within 3 business days but I cannot confirm this is the case.
Could try going into store if your have any issues, not sure if they'd be any help though.
I still haven't received a refund, anyone else in the same situation? Shortly after the call telling me my order had been cancelled, I received two emails with these receipts.
First: https://files.cheapies.nz/upload/1030/480/screen_shot_2015-1…
Second: https://files.cheapies.nz/upload/1030/481/screen_shot_2015-1…
Looks like a refund was actioned, but nothing has happened. By the way, the order status is listed as "completed". I have emailed the online team to see what's happening.
Is the original charge still showing on your account?
Yes it is.
Had a cancelled sale due to 'lack of stock'. Contacted the store and turned out that they did have stock. Manager gave me same deal for cash pickup, and made sure refund went through. I paid for the stock in store, refund went back into my account. Then I was automatically recharged again for the refunded stock. So need to go back to get a second refund of the refund…….
I popped by the store on Wednesday. I was told that the refund will be processed by the online team. I have just been told by the online team that their records show the order as complete… Still no refund…
Just goes on and on…..
After I replied to their email, my refund request was escalated late yesterday afternoon. As a result, my refund has appeared in my account today.
This may or may not be a deal, I'm still to confirm but you can get VF prepay freebees sim cards for $2, supposedly allow you to get a $29 pack. The dicksmith internal stock code is EC6023.
I've grabbed two at dicksmith Manners St still a couple in stock. Seems to be quite a few in stock around the country too (checked other store stock). Will confirm deal once I can find a pin to remove my sim card tray!
Also - apparently stores are still receiving some clearance stock from head office. Got one of the 3sixt power packs (13000mah) for $22.50 this morning which was in a stock box they received as well as a Spark Huawei hotspot for $9.
Yeah I saw the $1 SIM's in the managers sheets you posted during the first 3 days of sales, $1 SIM packs with 1GB Data(forget which plan but some minutes/txt incl).
Keep an eye out for the older t-sticks/vodems as they are still $2 each in some stores with 1GB included which is a steal, data lasts for 30 days but only activates when you first use it.
Yeah they looked up the sticks for me but none in stock at manners where I was and I'm getting lazy at going to other stores.
I also can't use a stick in my chromebook. Pretty happy with cheapish hotspot for summer.
Can't get the $2 sim to work in my phone. Won't recognise a network so can't activate it. Wonder if the sims expire?
Asked that question at DSE this week. Answer is yes, but. The sims expire after a period (1-2yrs??) if not activated, but staff had no idea of how long that expiration period was or how you would find out the expiration date on any given sim.
@Jay:
Hmmm not really helpful advice haha, will take them in next time and ask. Only $4 so not too bothered.
I notice the clearance prices go up and down on nearly a daily basis.
I have my eye on the Brother HL1210W Mono Laser Printer price and the pricing varies from $31 - $34 price over a couple of days.
Not just the clearance products, this happens on most stock. Check out any DSE product on Pricespy and you'll see what I mean.
Looks like I am being stuffed around by DS … ordered a KERIO Universal AC Notebook Adaptor 90W for $30 on the 19th to be collected from Sylvia Park and it is still on "Awaiting Fulfillment" status.
I also have ordered and paid for a Pebble watch on the 21th to be collected from a Brisbane store (sis in law will collect it and I have done this before) and that is still "Awaiting Fulfillment".
Last time I ordered online in Oz a couple of years ago I had to do a Paypal charge back after 4 weeks with nothing but ignored emails before the order magically appeared and was posted.
Just saw that, interesting. Not unexpected, but interesting.
Had a conversation with a DSE store manager before Christmas, whether he was concerned about having a job after Christmas.
You serious just left us all hanging… What was his answer?!
Oh, sorry, didn't mean to. He said he'd had that conversation with his area manager. They weren't sure. They knew there was new stock on the way, that had been pre-ordered from before the sale. But there was a worrying lack of information forthcoming from senior management as to what was actually going on. They were as much in the dark as anyone else.
Sounds like how it has always been, I don't see them shutting down completely, but either being sold off, or reducing store numbers to just profitable stores is likely.
looks like there is a fire sale
Is or will be?
wasn't there already a fire sale a month ago? lol
I wished I have a webcam pointing to the back doors of a DSE store right about now (or from yesterday)
It should already be clear to people but do not order anything else from the DickSmith website, especially given their previously inconsistent delivery & stock levels for click and collect.
This document was just posted which includes this quote: "He also stated that due to the financial circumstances of the Group, unfortunately, outstanding gift vouchers cannot be honoured and deposits cannot be refunded. Affected customers will become unsecured creditors of the Group."
Source: http://dicksmithholdings.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/P…
What's the deal with extended warranties? I believe they will be honoured because the contract is with a third party. I was told this in store, is this true?
Never purchased extended warranties before, but don't they tell you the name of the company (the third party) that will handle the warranties?
Yeah, I hardly ever buy them. Usually the CGA is enough cover. I only bought one because the purchase was a display unit, and I figured they may not help if I had any problems.
From what I can see, the warranty is provided by "The Warranty Group". Here is where you are told to make a claim.
Looks like the warranty will be valid, unless there's some fine print somewhere saying otherwise.
Well if the warranty company is still operating, then the warranty should be valid, right? Unless there is some insane fine print written somewhere which states that DSE must be in business too for the warrant to be valid….
PS a check on the NZ company website for Warranty Group shows they are still a registered company
Shouldn't I be covered by CGA if Dick Smith owes me my refund for taking my money and not supplying the goods in regards to my C+C orders they did not fulfill and will not be fulfilling? Surely this is like an outstanding order and since the store continues to operate it needs to be completed?
If you're still owed money, I would be ringing customer support right now and demanding a refund. If they try and trade their way out, I would think they have to honour the CGA. If they go into liquidation, you'll probably be out of pocket.
https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/business-sale-or-collap…
Shouldn't I be covered by CGA
No, I don't imagine CGA would come into this, but even if it did, you'd likely just be another unsecured creditor, much like gift card holders.
Another option is to goto your local store, and see if they can help you at all.
But that's the issue, DSE hasn't even acknowledged the fact that I am owed the money, just that it is an outstanding order (30+ days by now). If I went to say the Small Claims Tribunal (I know, just an example) wouldn't it be seen as an unfulfilled sale?
Small Claims Tribunal
Problem is, that takes time, and you likely have very little of that. You may also just be seen, as mentioned previously, as an unsecured creditor, and there isn't much that they can do about that.
How did you make the purchase?
@Shaw: Debit I think, not too worried about it to be honest, I am just curious about obligations, etc.
Not much when secured creditors (Banks, etc.) come first.
If I were you, I'd be contacting my card provider and filing a dispute/chargeback, regardless of the amount, don't let them get away with screwing you around.
If you paid by Credit Card then a simple chargeback would suffice. If you paid with a debit card for C+C then you are essentially an unsecured trade creditor - but if they continue to trade then chances are you'll get your product. (Edit: Except special orders) Only when they close their doors would you have a serious chance of losing your money.
See this link:
https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/business-sale-or-collap…
I think we need a separate thread for the DSE receivership. IMO their NZ operations will probably cease trading within the next few weeks.
Updated the title, easier to keep all the discussion here.
I read a note from the receivers that the NZ business is actually profitable and would likely sell rather quickly.
The problem with DSE is they just sell a bunch of stuff, none at market leading prices or products you cannot find at other electronic stores. They make their money by selling overpriced cables to the elderly and by misleading uneducated customers into thinking they are getting a bargain.
Yea, that's pretty much what I was saying to dad before, they simply don't have a place in the market in their current state, and it's shown with the direction the company has headed in, given a bit of a shove by Anchorage as well ofcorse.
TWG bought Noel Leeming etc which was in a very similar situation(but not in receivership at the time iirc). I think it's pretty likely TWG will pick up DS as it's a trusted NZ brand and fits right in their portfolio.
@Teckiwi: How many brands do TWG need? Many DSE stores are right next to either a Noel Leeming/The Warehouse/Warehouse stationery store, and DSE has a variety of different store formats making integration difficult.
IMO the future of tech retail is online, especially for small items which DSE specializes in. For big-ticket items like TVs they have NL.
If I had purchased a Go Pro through that deal on the homepage, I would be pretty concerned right now. Do you think the title of that deal should be edited, so that more people are made aware of Dick Smith's situation.
If so, not really concerned, as it's expired. Will add extra information for any future deal posts.
I do feel sorry for the "exployees" they are probably having to put up with dozens of people trying to use their gift-cards, plus the news that if it goes into liquidation they may lose their outstanding leave, etc.
Yea, very harsh, but it's not the first company, and definitely not the biggest to go bust. According to the receivers, it should be easy to find an NZ buying, so that should be good for the current staff, not all of them though.
Yeah that's the one I meant. Good idea, I just thought it's such big news that it deserves some sort of exposure on the home page. But I realise it's not a news site : )
Edit: I keep stuffing up my replies, sorry.
Edit: I keep stuffing up my replies, sorry.
Ha, that's why the edit button is there!
OzBargain have a small notice on their homepage,, but I don't see it being significant enough in NZ to warrant it's own homepage notice here. I will check with Scotty if the functionality exists to add a notice just to DSE related pages and see what can be done.
I kept posting a new comment instead of replying to you, that's what I meant.
Yeah something like that is what I was meaning. I'd say most people know about the news anyway, so you're right, it's not a necessity.
Oh yea, I'm semi used to that now, so many do it! Doesn't matter though, still get email alerts.
Have added a note to make anyone posting new DSE deals aware of what is going on, and will use the homepage notice as well, the most painless solution.
We some of that here!
You'know, it'd be a smooth marketing move by one of the other big players to offer to honour the DSE gift cards. Instant customers, grateful for being bailed out. Even if they make it a limited offer. Plus get them lots of juicy publicity.
But just what is the value of existing gift cards? Between Aus & NZ I wouldn't be surprised if it were in the millions, they would need to expect to take quite a heavy loss.
That depends, they could say "We will honor these up to the value of 10% of your purchase" or something similar.
The thing is, they have no way of knowing how much is actually on the cards, without a system to check them, they'd have to rely simply on what was written on the card itself.
Be tricky for a competitor to know how much each card is valued at. Would need to be able to hook into the DSE system to see what each cards balance is.
Unfortunately I would say that the value is gone.
When they get bought I suspect the purchaser will buy at a bargain price and make sure that they are not purchasing any debt.
If they want to be nice they could honour old cards, but then other creditors will want similar treatment.
IMO they should cut back on the number of stores and move away from consumer electronics. Become what DSE used to be. (Biased opinion as I used to work fo Jaycar and that's where my interest lies lol)
Okay, wasn't aware DSE gift cards were not issued in 'denominations' like some other stores. As far as conditions, there is a whole range of options they could use to limit the offer. Also got to consider how much these players put into advertising on the offchance of luring in a customer. That works out to a dollar value per customer. So getting a confirmed customer via a redemption, still has a concrete value for them.
it'd be a smooth marketing move by one of the other big players to offer to honour the DSE gift cards
Why lose money when existing buyers will now choose to shop at the other big players from now on? NZ is a small market, with limited amount of competition, so the other big players are not too worried…
Cheap way to build brand loyalty
Rival makes good on Dick Smith laptop disappointment
Way waaay better marketing than accepting DSE gift cards in general (not too mention alot cheaper in cost too)
If anyone does have a DSE GC, you could try it online and try your luck, but not sure if the systems crossover.
Damn I'm still waiting on a refund for items I purchased online but they didn't have stock but my CC was charged… will hit up the bank and see if I can get a chargeback
Good luck, should be pretty painless, hopefully.
Haha, I see they have now removed their paid features on Pricespy.
What about the Dick Smith Auckland 9s? I'm sure they only announced they were sponsoring it a few weeks before the fire sale, which "Dick" approved that?
Nothing has changed according to Duco, it's already been paid up. They sponsored it last year didn't they? Pretty sure they have been the sponsor for this year as well for some time, it was advertised during the previous NRL season, which was ages ago now.
I'm not sure when it was secured, but I do know for a few months last year during the announcements it was simply called "Auckland NRL 9s" and it wasn't until DSE released the presale tickets I first heard Dick Smith NRL 9s. Either way poor management buying the naming rights, what does Dick Smith even have to do with league?
Stopped in just before to DickSmith in Wellington, a surprisingly busy store for a weekday although I guess it was lunch time.
Had a good chat to a manager I'd previously dealt with during December sale, no new markdowns recently which we already sort of know, they're obviously fielding a lot of calls and inquiries about warranties and gift cards too.
Store didn't look too empty of stock although I know they put a lot of work into rearranging the store so that it didn't look to empty after the December sale, quite a lot of low value items on the walls.
I've noticed a lot of low value stock around the walls too, even 56k modems…
They have a ridiculous amount of those modems, were discounted to $5 on December but I suspect even it they were free no one would want them.
Paperweights?
Can get free boxes from supermarkets, so not worth grabbing for the box… Hmm… Will it blend? :)
@Shaw: Actually saw someone buy phone cable and adapter today, maybe not for their modem but still something I haven't seen in years.
@Shaw: Single phone line into two adapter, so old school can't remeber what you call them. What I use to use when i wanted have the phone in the jack at the same time as modem without having to unplug phone and plugin modem to dial-up.
Na, that's beyond me haha, I always remember we just didn't use the phone while on the computer, or the other way around.
@Shaw: It was sort of similar with me, but my phone jack was behind my computer desk and it was such a mission trying to blindly unplug and plug it back in each time I wanted to connect so I got one of these I think from the Original $2 shop (Jeez are these guys still around) and would instead unplug the phone RJ11 connector from the back of phone so no-one would interrupt my connection.
My Dad was always paranoid if you left the jack plugged in to the PC after you disconnected someone would hack your computer and dial 0900 numbers so had them blocked… lol.
The good old days where I would load up Kazaa analyze an mp3 download for 20 minutes to ensure i didn't download a fake or incorrectly named file only to find after 40 minutes of downloading that the intro was missing or it had annoying voice overs the whole song.
A handful of them left. You just need to travel around Asia to see how expensive the junk they sell actually is though, even at $2.
Ha, I remember being excited that we got our first 'decent' computer, and went and jammed the rj45 into somewhere else, I can't recall exactly which socket, but it didn't like that, and ended up breaking it. Ofcorse we didn't have hundreds of spare cat4 cables laying around back in those days, so can't remember what the outcome was, but would've schemed something.
That's insane, a week later?! The whole thing makes no sense..