Unreasonable Argos?

[kimberite]

Just tried to order some nursery furniture from Argos with a 15% discount code and it was miraculously 'out of stock' despite being in stock about 36 hours ago. I appreciate things sell out but they wouldn't let me pre-order for when stock arrives, surely it's my prerogative to order it now, take advantage of the discount and have it delivered when stock come back in?

It is not a discontinued item.

Mothercare seem to manage it...

I don't think they are being unreasonable for only wanting to sell things which are in stock, probably keeps things much simpler for them!

So they don't let you pre-order discounted items?

Hmmm, perhaps it's in case the item is never available in any quantity again?

I understand your frustration though OP. I just ordered a whole travel system from MotherCare, which was subject to an online discount, a carrycot piece 'thrown in free' plus £70 off the pushchair itself. Needless to say there was a rush for it. I had everything delivered but the carrycot. MC told me by email that they had run out of stock of the carrycot all over the country.

Arrgghh.

I was lucky enough to hunt down and physically pick up a carrycot from a store about 25 miles away which had been bought back for a refund. The last one in the country it seemed! Otherwise it would have to have been a refund, start again, and the loss of a great discount.

I feel your pain.

Argos stuff moves very quickly, have you tried any other nearby Argos as they may have it if you're able to travel?

If you've found a bargain chances are other people (of excellent taste) have found it too.

They are awful for things in their sale being unavailable, straight away!

Their sale stock must be tiny!

I'd much prefer not being able to pre order out of stock items.

About 4 months Before DS was born I ordered some sale nursery furniture from mamas & papas, I might be wrong but I don't remember seeing anything online to say it was out of stock. So, I placed my order, paid my ££££££s and got a confirmation email with an estimated timescale of when I should expect the items. After that, I repeatedly received emails saying the items were out of stock and expected back in on x date - getting closer and closer to DS's due date.

When I received the email saying that they weren't expected back in until two weeks after DS was due I Had to frantically contact them to get my money back to order furniture elsewhere in time to get it delivered and built before he arrived!

This has always been an issue with Argos in recent years , they often have sale items which are unavailable iirc they covered it on one of the consumer programmes once .

Have a look at homebase, many of the same furniture ranges, also have 15% off

Argos have several distribution centres and it may be in stock in the company but not in the depot that delivers to your area -if you ring them they will often tell you on sale dates but if they don't have the stock available then you can't order it