UK retail sellers - going, going gone ?

cybmole · 10-25-2014, 03:17 AM

the kobo site claims several Uk sellers, but in practice only ARGOS have the H2O

most of the others are out of stock across the board (e.g. asda) or out of stock on a majority of the range ( WH Smith) with no "coming soon" mentions for H2O

who apart from Argos is actually still in the business of stocking and selling the full range of Kobo devices in the UK. are there, will there be ANY walk in & try before you buy retail outlets ?

& how long will Argos hang in there if all others give up & if they have bad returns levels due to screen imperfection issues ?

soulfuldog · 10-25-2014, 07:16 AM

Didn't John Lewis and Curry's previously stock Kobo's, another two shops to add to the list of those who longer seem to carry any Kobo ereaders.

AFAIK it's only been WH Smith who have stocked the full range for a while now, as weren't they supposed to be Kobo's retail partner in the UK? Which makes it all the stranger why WH Smith hasn't got the H2O, and the only place you can buy it is Argos.

cybmole · 10-25-2014, 07:41 AM

the kobo where to buy page gives these:
( John Lewis, Currys are no longer on the list )

UnitedKingdom
» Argos
» Asda
» HarveyNormanIreland
» ShopDirect
» Staples
» WHSmith

shopdirect seems to redirect to very.co.uk who have nothing except for one cover.

staples have only a couple of arc tablets, no e-ink devices.

Josieb1 · 10-25-2014, 04:15 PM

I've no idea what's going on, I got my H20 from Argos, I had three faulty ones before I eventually got one. I'm now trying to get a Glo, again none in WHSmith and I've had two faulty ones (plus one registered to someone else!) from Argos, picking up number four tomorrow.

WHsmith are hopeless right now.

cybmole · 10-26-2014, 02:10 AM

it looks far worse than 12 months ago, If I'd not already posted to " will you be getting another Kobo" thread , I'd be adding, not if Kobo are about to abandon the UK market.

it's not that they announced some exclusive with Argos & I missed it ?

Josieb1 · 10-26-2014, 04:11 AM

On another thread (the nixes tablet one) someone posted a link to a Kobo interview where they said they were abandoning tablets and woukd focus of three core ereaders, the Aura, the Touch and the H20. In that interview they talked about a closer relationship WHSmith (which made me laugh as they don't have the H20). That's why I want a Glo, it has a better screen than the Aura (which I already have).

My local WHSmith, which has a good kobo shop display area, mentioned a revamp of the area later this month, so who knows what's happening.

cybmole · 10-26-2014, 05:15 AM

so is the aura HD now a discontinued item also, and all we see on offer is old stock that retailers are hoping to sell.

I fear they may also downgrade or abandon development of the Kobo android app, as they are not going to sell kobo android tablets

Josieb1 · 10-26-2014, 06:31 AM

I don't know for sure, I only reported what is on the thread. And no they said they would concentrate on the apps as they need those for the iPads and Android tablets

cybmole · 10-26-2014, 09:39 AM

their UK christmas e-reader trade will suffer if it is not possible to walk into a store, pickup & examine a device, take it to counter & buy it..
the argos experience of queue for your chance to page through a locked-down paper catalogue, fill out a paper ticket, queue for a while to hand it in, queue some more somewhere else to eventually pick up a package.... is not to everyones' taste. maybe it's slicker nowadays but that is how I remember it...

Lyn2012 · 10-26-2014, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybmole

their UK christmas e-reader trade will suffer if it is not possible to walk into a store, pickup & examine a device, take it to counter & buy it..
the argos experienceof fill out a paper ticket, queue for a while, hand it in, queue some more, eventually pick up a package.... is not to everyones' taste. maybe it's slicker nowadays but that is how I remember it...

That's exactly how it was when I bought my H2O.

Josieb1 · 10-26-2014, 10:04 AM

I have been trying to buy Kobo Glo as I want a smaller device for commuting. I have the Aura but the Glo has a better screen. This is my experience so far

WHsmith, tried 5 local stores, none in stock.

Argos - all bought brand new

First - Red light leak along top of screen
Second - Actually registered to somebody else!
Third - Another light leak along the top of the screen
Fourth - Two tone screen, yellow at the top, white at the bottom
Fifth - Format Disc Error, unable to register with Kobo Desktop of use with PC
Sixth - Perfect.

I bought a H20 from Argos last week, it took 4 devices before I got an acceptable one, including one Format Disc Error

I don't want to have to use a Kindle but with the way Kobo is with quality control and how long Argos can handle the faulty returns it may be all we have left.

Based on the above no way am I buying direct from Kobo. I wanted two decvices but had to work through 10 devices to get two decent ones.

Ohh and my Aura, my first Kobo device bought last November has pin pricks.

JSWolf · 10-26-2014, 10:28 AM

But at least you have a place in the UK to get an H2O. In the US, we don't have anyplace that sells it so we have to order online. I am hoping that changes in early November when I am ready to get an H2O.

Josieb1 · 10-26-2014, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But at least you have a place in the UK to get an H2O. In the US, we don't have anyplace that sells it so we have to order online. I am hoping that changes in early November when I am ready to get an H2O.

True.

I have started a list in case Argos ever contact me regarding my returns

And I hate to think what the bank thinks of the in an outs on my credit card

cybmole · 10-26-2014, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But at least you have a place in the UK to get an H2O. In the US, we don't have anyplace that sells it so we have to order online. I am hoping that changes in early November when I am ready to get an H2O.

the kobo wherer to buy - USA page sugges's your local Family Christian store, whatever that is - tell them you need one for reading your porn collection

shalym · 10-28-2014, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybmole

the kobo wherer to buy - USA page sugges's your local Family Christian store, whatever that is - tell them you need one for reading your porn collection

The closest Family Christian store for me in Northern Connecticut is in Fairfield NJ, 142 miles away.

So...probably not going to happen.

Shari

10-25-2014, 03:17 AM	#1
cybmole Wizard Posts: 3,720 Karma: 1759970 Join Date: Sep 2010 Device: none	UK retail sellers - going, going gone ? the kobo site claims several Uk sellers, but in practice only ARGOS have the H2O most of the others are out of stock across the board (e.g. asda) or out of stock on a majority of the range ( WH Smith) with no "coming soon" mentions for H2O who apart from Argos is actually still in the business of stocking and selling the full range of Kobo devices in the UK. are there, will there be ANY walk in & try before you buy retail outlets ? & how long will Argos hang in there if all others give up & if they have bad returns levels due to screen imperfection issues ?

10-25-2014, 04:15 PM	#4
Josieb1 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,084 Karma: 18051062 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: UK Device: Kindle Scribe, Coloursoft, PW SE, Kindle 6, Kobo Libra Colour, Libra 2	I've no idea what's going on, I got my H20 from Argos, I had three faulty ones before I eventually got one. I'm now trying to get a Glo, again none in WHSmith and I've had two faulty ones (plus one registered to someone else!) from Argos, picking up number four tomorrow. WHsmith are hopeless right now. Last edited by Josieb1; 10-25-2014 at 04:19 PM.

10-26-2014, 10:04 AM	#11
Josieb1 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,084 Karma: 18051062 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: UK Device: Kindle Scribe, Coloursoft, PW SE, Kindle 6, Kobo Libra Colour, Libra 2	I have been trying to buy Kobo Glo as I want a smaller device for commuting. I have the Aura but the Glo has a better screen. This is my experience so far WHsmith, tried 5 local stores, none in stock. Argos - all bought brand new First - Red light leak along top of screen Second - Actually registered to somebody else! Third - Another light leak along the top of the screen Fourth - Two tone screen, yellow at the top, white at the bottom Fifth - Format Disc Error, unable to register with Kobo Desktop of use with PC Sixth - Perfect. I bought a H20 from Argos last week, it took 4 devices before I got an acceptable one, including one Format Disc Error I don't want to have to use a Kindle but with the way Kobo is with quality control and how long Argos can handle the faulty returns it may be all we have left. Based on the above no way am I buying direct from Kobo. I wanted two decvices but had to work through 10 devices to get two decent ones. Ohh and my Aura, my first Kobo device bought last November has pin pricks. Last edited by Josieb1; 10-26-2014 at 10:37 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
The Story (Bible) $2.99 at various sellers	Difflugia	Deals and Resources (No Self-Promotion or Affiliate Links)	1	03-07-2013 01:54 PM
NY Times Best Sellers	jbcohen	General Discussions	40	04-28-2011 03:01 PM
Hello, from novelist L.J. Sellers	L.J. Sellers	Introduce Yourself	11	05-21-2010 01:24 PM
Best source for NY Times Best Sellers	The Lewis Four	Deals and Resources (No Self-Promotion or Affiliate Links)	16	01-16-2010 01:06 PM
eBook formats from other sellers?	chaznsc	Sony Reader	4	07-10-2009 11:54 AM

10-25-2014, 07:16 AM	#2
soulfuldog I ♥ Calibre Posts: 2,073 Karma: 5678911 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis, Voyage, Sony PRS-350, Hudl2	Didn't John Lewis and Curry's previously stock Kobo's, another two shops to add to the list of those who longer seem to carry any Kobo ereaders. AFAIK it's only been WH Smith who have stocked the full range for a while now, as weren't they supposed to be Kobo's retail partner in the UK? Which makes it all the stranger why WH Smith hasn't got the H2O, and the only place you can buy it is Argos.

10-25-2014, 07:41 AM	#3
cybmole Wizard Posts: 3,720 Karma: 1759970 Join Date: Sep 2010 Device: none	the kobo where to buy page gives these: ( John Lewis, Currys are no longer on the list ) UnitedKingdom » Argos » Asda » HarveyNormanIreland » ShopDirect » Staples » WHSmith shopdirect seems to redirect to very.co.uk who have nothing except for one cover. staples have only a couple of arc tablets, no e-ink devices.

10-26-2014, 02:10 AM	#5
cybmole Wizard Posts: 3,720 Karma: 1759970 Join Date: Sep 2010 Device: none	it looks far worse than 12 months ago, If I'd not already posted to " will you be getting another Kobo" thread , I'd be adding, not if Kobo are about to abandon the UK market. it's not that they announced some exclusive with Argos & I missed it ?

10-26-2014, 04:11 AM	#6
Josieb1 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,084 Karma: 18051062 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: UK Device: Kindle Scribe, Coloursoft, PW SE, Kindle 6, Kobo Libra Colour, Libra 2	On another thread (the nixes tablet one) someone posted a link to a Kobo interview where they said they were abandoning tablets and woukd focus of three core ereaders, the Aura, the Touch and the H20. In that interview they talked about a closer relationship WHSmith (which made me laugh as they don't have the H20). That's why I want a Glo, it has a better screen than the Aura (which I already have). My local WHSmith, which has a good kobo shop display area, mentioned a revamp of the area later this month, so who knows what's happening.

10-26-2014, 05:15 AM	#7
cybmole Wizard Posts: 3,720 Karma: 1759970 Join Date: Sep 2010 Device: none	so is the aura HD now a discontinued item also, and all we see on offer is old stock that retailers are hoping to sell. I fear they may also downgrade or abandon development of the Kobo android app, as they are not going to sell kobo android tablets

10-26-2014, 06:31 AM	#8
Josieb1 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,084 Karma: 18051062 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: UK Device: Kindle Scribe, Coloursoft, PW SE, Kindle 6, Kobo Libra Colour, Libra 2	I don't know for sure, I only reported what is on the thread. And no they said they would concentrate on the apps as they need those for the iPads and Android tablets

10-26-2014, 09:39 AM	#9
cybmole Wizard Posts: 3,720 Karma: 1759970 Join Date: Sep 2010 Device: none	their UK christmas e-reader trade will suffer if it is not possible to walk into a store, pickup & examine a device, take it to counter & buy it.. the argos experience of queue for your chance to page through a locked-down paper catalogue, fill out a paper ticket, queue for a while to hand it in, queue some more somewhere else to eventually pick up a package.... is not to everyones' taste. maybe it's slicker nowadays but that is how I remember it...

10-26-2014, 10:28 AM	#12
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,531 Karma: 145863177 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	But at least you have a place in the UK to get an H2O. In the US, we don't have anyplace that sells it so we have to order online. I am hoping that changes in early November when I am ready to get an H2O.

Advert

Advert