Consumer NZ survey reveals top-rated retailers
Big-box retailers lag behind the little guys when it comes to keeping their customers satisfied, Consumer NZ’s latest survey shows.
Big-box retailers lag behind the little guys when it comes to keeping their customers satisfied, Consumer NZ’s latest survey shows.
Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin said big chains Harvey Norman and Noel Leeming were again outclassed by 100% Appliances.
“If you’re buying a new appliance, whether it’s a fridge or a TV, you’re more likely to get good service from 100% Appliances than Harvey Norman or Noel Leeming,” Ms Chetwin said.
Consumer NZ’s annual survey found 82% of customers who bought a major appliance from 100% Appliances were very satisfied with the service they got. Kitchen Things also rated significantly above average for major appliance purchases.
In comparison, 70% of Harvey Norman customers and 68% of Noel Leeming’s were very satisfied.
The survey also found Harvey Norman and Noel Leeming, along with Smiths City, were much more likely to offer extended warranties. More than two-thirds of their customers said they’d been offered a warranty when they purchased whiteware or cooking appliances.
“Selling extended warranties is a nice little earner for retailers. But if you're buying goods for personal use, you're paying for protection you already have under the Consumer Guarantees Act,” Ms Chetwin said.
Among customers buying computers and mobiles, Apple Store rated as a favourite in Consumer NZ’s survey. More than eight out of 10 customers scored the retailer highly.
In contrast, people buying computing equipment from Warehouse Stationery were the least likely to be satisfied (52%) with the service they received. Sister store The Warehouse rated below average (54%) in the home technology category.
Beds R Us took top spot among furniture and bedding retailers, with a satisfaction score of 88%.
Consumer NZ members provided information on more than 13,000 purchases made over the past year. Full results are available here.
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