Analysis - What?s happening at DSGi?

[HEXUS]

PC World and Currys websites down yesterday as the bad omens start to build up for their parent company.

Read more.

[Gordy]

It was still having issues with stock levels today too.

[joshwa]

I've been to a few stores recently - and the stock systems were generally out of date - for example they would show one store as having 2 items available - yet when visiting the store there were none to be found.

However, when going to the PC World in Warrington - the difference in the store compared to the others was immense. It had a much better layout, with cool PCs spread out near the front (even painted up Commodore gaming PCs) with games running that you could play, plus a whole area for playing console games with gaming chairs setup. Plus the service I got was very good, with staff being very helpful, even friendly at times!

[tickedon]

I've been to a few stores recently - and the stock systems were generally out of date - for example they would show one store as having 2 items available - yet when visiting the store there were none to be found.

It's not out of date - its inaccuracies. They can be a result of:

a) Returns not being processed correctly
b) Audit counts not done properly
c) Theft

Also, can someone please correct this article - you will find that the shares are currently trading at 20.75 - this is 20.75p and not £20! They have never been at £100 as far as I'm aware either, so someone has got the pounds and pence mixed up! (confirmation it is pence and not pounds: http://www.dsgiplc.com)

[dave87]

Not sure if I'm being dumb, but their share prices are around 20 pence a share, not £20?

[Scott B]

You're not, my bad. Corrected. The price was quoted before close of trading.

[3dcandy]

DSGi's biggest problem is that everyone knows they're overpriced and staffed by (generally) incompetant staff who don't really give a stuff about the customers....when even my mum reckons they're "useless" that's a sure sign they're stuffed, so sell your shares if you have any! lol

[chaotic_russ]

pcworld in mansfield is poorly laid out , very little upto date hardware . mainly tv's and consoles , so why is it still called pcworld lol

[Jay]

I have a lot of contact with DSGi and I have seen no real difference to be honest.

[applrmac]

I couldn't get PC World / tech Guy to install my new business network last month due to not having enough staff. The store advised me to use a tech guy who had just left the company and set up on his own. They can't offer the service here !

[applrmac]

There web site is back up today.
How can you trust a company to service your computer that has trouble sorting their own out.

[pumpman]

I think youll find some stores are better than others, my local one is ok. I think that PC World need to do the following, train the staff better , even employ part time comp students who know their stuff

Sell items cheaper, to head off the internet. There is still a market for shop stuff, where you get to touch and feel stuff.

By all means still have the higher value stuff in , but have good cheap kit in (bread and butter)
Sell discs and consumables as cheap as the net, have plenty of stock of popular stuff.

Improve the items they have ie good ram, motherboards and cpu's that enthusiasts buy.

Keep the tech guys for the bread and butter stuff, but have a genius bar (with a proper genius ) to advise on purchases give advice prior to customer buying the kit.

Get proper managers in who are as enthusiastic about pc's and customer service, the business part is easy once you do the first two right.

They have the infrastructure already the rest is easy imho

although it remains to be seen if they have leveraged themselves to the hilt , ie all the money is out of the company to bonuses and shareholders

[eiamhere69]

Never used Pixmania but heard they are very poor (also heard the odd thing to the contrary).

DSGi however are an absolute joke. Staff are absolutely clueless. The few who have a tiny bit of knowledge lie and con people. I haven't shopped there, I know better, however many people I know have made the mistake.

Also they will sell you an extended warranty, then when the product fails (which I assure you it will), they give you no option but to purchase the recovery discs (they claim the originals-which you purchased- are faulty). When the discs don't work they tell you they have no technicians available, all this if you are very lucky.

Some people may be sitting there thinking, yes, but I have legal rights. Well, yes you do, but enforcing them takes a long time, and costs you alot more money than simply forgetting DSGi altoghter, this has been explained to me by a couple of lawers I know who have worked on cases.

I don't think DSGi can improve there shoddy business model, however, I don't think they will go bust. There are too many technophobes out there.

[saleems2]

DSGI know they need to change and are making the changes necessary for the consumer.

There is a variation in the quality and level of service you receive from store to store. Unlike a few years ago I know their sales staff no longer receive commission. Of course this does mean that staff may not be as motivated to sell! So it will take time for the consumer to see benefits. I have purchased from the PC World Business site many times (4 laptops over the last 2 years amongst other stuff) without any issues - I found a member of sales staff who was competent and always return to him, he knows what level of service I expect and benefits from my repeat business and I know that I will be kept informed if there are any issues and they will be resolved promptly.

As for pixmania, I have purchased from there many times - they have some of the best prices on the net (And, I wasnt aware DSGI owned it until I read this article).

It will be sad if we lose DSGI to an American company like Best Buy.

[applrmac]

Yesterday the MD of Currys left the company and the MD of the tech guys left the company.

Sounds like they have real problems.

Further announcements to be made tomorrow...

[applrmac]

The MD of currys left the company yesterday.

The MD of the tech guys left the company today.


Sounds like problems.