Comet, Wakefield, UK - also Currys, Wakefield, UK - Lexmark printer on display in stores, but printer was not in stock in either store

# 5 for August 19, 2003

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on August 18, 2003:

From:

RE: Comet, Wakefield, UK - also Currys, Wakefield, UK - Lexmark printer on display in stores, but printer was not in stock in either store

Why do stores persist in advertising goods for sale at reduced prices, and yet "have none in stock" ? In both Comet and Currys in Wakefield this weekend, a Lexmark printer was on display (Currys had an X75, Comet an X74 - to all intents and purposes marginal difference in functionality). On asking to purchase one Comet said "None in stock - we could order you one" (Note that their web-site has these displayed prominently), at Currys, even more frustratingly - "The computer is showing 2 in stock, but I can't find them". Neither offered the printer on display (even unboxed), neither seemed too bothered. Neither am I now, Comet and Currys will no longer receive any of my custom. BP