Halfords named worst UK retailer

[Spike1918]

Like Kwik Crooks and the plethora of others the unsuspecting motorist is simply viewed as a cash cow!
My advice to ALL owners of motorised vehicles, don`t be dullards, EDUCATE YOURSELVES on at least the rudimentaries of how your motorised vehicle works and what it requires to keep working.
You never know you might find it fun.

[SonyVaio]

Doesn't suprise me at all, although I would put them atleast on place higher in the rankings than Kwick-Fit!

[Tail]

I use Halfords often, especially for tools and things as they have a lifetime guarantee so no hassle if i break something abusing it well beyond its intended design i just take it back and get another. I too have found as others that they say they don't stock something only for me to point out that in fact they do, its on the interweb.

Actually did a customer satisfaction questionaire as well and because of what i wrote i got a call back and filled them in about the plebs that they employ who generally are shop assistants with not much knowledge about motoring.especially the home mechanic. You can't beat the little corner shop that has been there years, my local one makes all my brakepipes up on the spot and are allways willing to order something in special if they don't stock it and as the owner frequently says 'use us or lose us'.

[js7799]

Originally Posted by Tail

I use Halfords often, especially for tools and things as they have a lifetime guarantee so no hassle if i break something abusing it well beyond its intended design i just take it back and get another. I too have found as others that they say they don't stock something only for me to point out that in fact they do, its on the interweb.

Actually did a customer satisfaction questionaire as well and because of what i wrote i got a call back and filled them in about the plebs that they employ who generally are shop assistants with not much knowledge about motoring.especially the home mechanic. You can't beat the little corner shop that has been there years, my local one makes all my brakepipes up on the spot and are allways willing to order something in special if they don't stock it and as the owner frequently says 'use us or lose us'.

I also use Halfords for tools, especially if it's something I need quickly. I never ask them anything mechanically in-depth anymore, after getting a 'deer in the headlights' look on more than one occasion. When it comes to parts, I use my local Motor Factors. They usually have what I need in stock, and for half the price.

[neil1983]

This doesn't suprise me, and I use to work for them.

Its not just how the treat customers which is bad the also how they treat there staff. There very little training available, they would sooner employ school leavers that dont have a clue than people who know something about there job.

[tt82]

No complaints about my local store. I wouldn't consider asking their advice on a mechanical issue as their not trained mechanics but on the couple of occasions I've struggled to find an item in the store, they have shown me where it is. Also went in there on crutches to buy 2 4L tubs of Magnatec when it was on offer, a staff member spotted me and offered to carry them for me instantly, I didn't even have to ask.

I think the problem is, as others have alluded to is that the boses give customers expectations which the staff can't meet due to lack of training/knowledge. Not the fault of the shop staff.

[banksy66]

I rarely use them but have bought tools in the past - expensive but never let me down

I went into their store in Louth recently and the 2 people behind the counter were really friendly and helpful although the people in the Grimsby store are a bit grumpy. Still, that's Grimsby for you!

[jezza5986]

The most fun I've had in a Halfords store was taking them up on their offer to fit an offside headlamp bulb to my facelifted S60...

Didn't particularly care that they mangled the bulb, the fitting charge was the best few quid I've ever spent for such entertainment

[lyron]

whilst on holiday some time back with our s60 d5, bloody front bulb went, couldn't be arsed to diy so thought, take it to halfrauds and let them skin their knuckles. only took them an hour .poor sod was a bit miffed but still smiled and said have a nice day.

[scr8pdo]

TBH, I have had very mixed experiences with Halfords staff, some are very helpful, but then you get the guy who is supposed to be a parts specialst, he thinks HE knows best, when he has never probably got his hands dirty, and can come accross arogant know it alls, they will argue the toss, when sometimes I will know for a fact something, and because their book is listed wrong or not at all it, it can be totally wrong but the man in the uniform knows best, I have had a few heated debates over the years.