To think that in stock means - um well in stock

[Viviennemary]

What do you think of this. Prepared for the worst. Saw a light fitting I liked on line rang up the shop (everyone will have heard of it and they have branches in most towns) to see if it was in stock. Yes it was in stock they said. Made trip to said shop, saw light fitting on display, Said to shop assistant we'd like that light please.

She said I don't think there's any in the stockroom. I said well I rang up and you said it was in stock otherwise we wouldn't have bothered coming. Said she yes it's in stock and pointed up at the light - delivery 7 to ten days. I said so it's not in stock then. Yes it is in stock delivery 7-10 days.

"in stock" = available for you to take away immediately (in store) / available to be sent out immediately (online)
"available to order" = you can order it & it will arrive in the time frame that we give you at the time just before you place the order

YANBU. I would have taken "in stock" to mean that I could turn up and buy one, too. And if I was a customer assistant answering the OP's phonecall, I would have asked if she'd like to order one as it takes 7-10 days to come in from the warehouse.

So blumming annoying, I have been caught out by this too. I suppose from the shops point of view they can't afford the space to store spare stock these days , and so many offer next day click and collect or delivery so a customer turning up and expecting to take something away is a bit of a rarity these days. I got very pissed at a local Argos which I assumed was like all other Argos stores I have ever been into ie take away within minutes, but turned out to be an order for collection only.it was something stupid and tiny I wanted , like a travel adaptor plug so was v. miffed, but politely.

YANBU. "In stock" should mean in stock at the location you are calling; if it's in stock somewhere else or in a warehouse they can tell you that. Retailers are being disingenious changing the meaning.

Lady you spoke to probably just said "yes" because she knew that would get you to visit the store.

Jesus, does no-one remember that "the customer is always right"?

Working in customer services I can promise you, the customer is very definitely not always right.

The customer is definitely not 'always right'!!

the customer is always right?? haha....thats sooooo not the case.