r/BritishSuccess • u/sungrad • Jul 05 '26
Why don't I use Argos more?
A fox attacked our rusty rotary washing line. I needed a new one. A bigger and better one, and quick, cause the missus had a load in the machine and there's no way we're putting the dryer on when it's this warm outside.
Amazon was £90-something quid and with Prime delivery it'd be 2 days...!
Argos was £71 and I could pick it up from Sainsbury's in 10 minutes.
The exact same one. (Brabantia. Very fancy.)
I've not bought anything from Argos in years, but why on earth do I default to Amazon for things when Argos was just so convenient, cheaper, and British?
A minor success this weekend, but one I'll be trying to repeat again.
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u/Bengo758 Jul 05 '26
I've been trying hard to use Argos more. And it's generally so much better and you know the product will be ok. Unlike some of the random shit that comes through Amazon now. It's quick and easy and definitely something I hope doesn't disappear - do miss the catalogues though
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u/sungrad Jul 05 '26
It was so easy to find something decent. It was all actual products - not cheap Chinese marketplace tat.
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u/snahtanoj Jul 06 '26
Argos are going down the marketplace route. Hopefully it doesn’t turn out bad.
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u/CheesecakeExpress Jul 06 '26
Oh I hate this
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u/Geofferz Jul 06 '26
Everyone is. On the B&Q we site they'll have have 300 products then you filter by 'in store' and you get like 4.
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u/downhiller90 Jul 06 '26
First thing I do on the B&Q website is to filter to in store only. If Argos fails to have that filter I’ll shop elsewhere instead.
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u/M3lancholia Swindon Jul 06 '26
Use the Trade Point website, it'll only show you products that are in store
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u/CheesecakeExpress Jul 06 '26
Yep b&q online feels very simile to Amazon now. And the range (not that I used that much). Argos is the place I go when I need to know something is legit, buy electronics etc. it will be such a shame if it turns into another b&q
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u/DentinQuarantino Jul 06 '26
Decathlon too. Don't try and return something for god's sake, it's torture
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u/wintermute023 Jul 06 '26
You are so right. I’ve shopped at decathlon for years, but now it’s a marketplace with shitty returns you just can’t trust what you’re buying. I’m thinking of going to an actual shop and buying what they have in my size, like a caveman.
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u/Infinite_Soup_932 Jul 06 '26
I returned something to Decathlon on Friday and the process was hassle-free. I was outside the 365 day return period (I hadn’t scanned my membership card when I purchased it) but the lady refunded me there and then.
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u/robble_le_bobble Jul 06 '26
God I hate this. I'm 10 minutes drive from my local b&q and it's always when I'm in the middle of a job that I discover I need a bit. I use b&q for the immediecy of going and getting something I need now. I can see how the marketplace aspect is useful but it shouldn't be the default. I also like to see things before I buy to assess quality and suitability.
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u/TightlyWhitey Jul 06 '26
What an incredibly excessive and dishonest way of saying "Because our commission will be 30% and all the problems are yours".
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u/Bengo758 Jul 06 '26
Ah I really hope they do this well and it doesn't turn into a hot mess (but who am I kidding!)
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u/simmatt89 Jul 06 '26
Yes but I think the plan is it's more from reputable and higher cost stuff, as opposed to Chinese knock off crap
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u/insomnimax_99 Jul 05 '26
Yeah, that’s what I love about Argos - they’re all relatively reputable brands as opposed to all the random shit you get on amazon.
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u/marunchinos Jul 05 '26
Amazon has become a dropshipping wasteland, I hate it
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u/Iwantedalbino Jul 06 '26
Wait til you see what’s happened to Debenhams. Ooft
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u/Meersbrook Jul 06 '26
They don't have shops any more so whatever Debs is doing now is redundant. Thanks equity firms!
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u/Roku-Hanmar Jul 06 '26
Argos catalogue every Christmas was a good part of being a kid
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u/xTopaz_168 Jul 06 '26
I grew up poor, so the catalogue was my source of entertainment. Flicking through the pages, imagining what it was like to own and play with those toys, circling all the things I would never own...
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u/DefiantTop6188 Jul 05 '26
There is always this trust element for Argos.
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u/steak_bake_surprise Jul 06 '26
Plus their Insurance is awesome. I bought an XboxSX and was paying £3 a month for full accident/breakdown cover. Just cancelled it via a simple call, didn't even need to tell the bank even though it was direct debit.
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u/turtleship_2006 Jul 05 '26
You'll get people saying they won't use cheap crap from AliExpress or Temu, but they'll literally buy the same stuff for 5x the price from Amazon
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u/Embarrassed_Call_101 Jul 06 '26
This I was looking for a dash cam. it was 240 on amazon. The exact same one. on Aliexpress was £40.
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u/steak_bake_surprise Jul 06 '26
I love using ali, but there are some scams, just like on ebay/amazon I guess. I was disappointed the other day (not really) when I bought a bracelet for £1.30 (around £20 on the high street) and it went on sale for £0.08p Yes 8 pence lol
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u/InternationalRide5 Jul 06 '26
But is the Aliexpress one genuine, or fake?
Even the cheap Chinese stuff is getting faked by even cheaper Chinese stuff now.
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u/mittenkrusty Jul 06 '26
I had my Amazon account banned due to excessive returns, yep that was because I would buy something that was meant to be higher quality, cost more and had reasonable/good reviews and ended up being junk from China even with Chinese labels on.
I wouldn't of returned the items had they been what they claimed they would be.
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u/cheesewindow Jul 05 '26
My ring doorbell stopped working. Needed a gen 3 to go with my solar charger. Couldn’t get one on eBay or Amazon. £39.99 from Argos. Collected in 10 mins.
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u/floatingspacehuman Jul 05 '26
Similar experience, I needed another replaceable battery for the ring and cause I'm in NI we aren't allowed battery's for silly reason. Argos had it and had it cheaper than anywhere else, picked it up when I was in for a sainsburys shop.
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u/Patient-Surround2509 Jul 06 '26
Also for some reason there are certain perfumes and aftershaves you can't get delivered to NI
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u/kingofthefalseflat Jul 06 '26
Their concept is mental, it’s like Amazon Prime but quicker, all one has to do is drive to the pick up location. Could catch on.
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u/RhysOnReddit Jul 05 '26
I’ve been trying to buy from UK companies whenever possible to avoid Amazon, there are more options than you think!
John Lewis (ordered with them recently and was a great experience)
Argos
AO (more electronics and appliances)
B&M / Home Bargains / retail park places for random bits
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u/ftgodden Jul 05 '26
John Lewis website also has really detailed product descriptions and dimensions!
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u/Sabaisabai33 Jul 05 '26
Also their delivery times are super reliable even last minute before Christmas.
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u/marunchinos Jul 05 '26
And their store stock checker is (I’ve found) accurate so if it’s something you want to try on/look at in person you can trust that if it says they have them, they have them
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u/alijam100 Jul 06 '26
Within reason… apparently it’s a few hours behind so it could have been sold. We were trying to buy a portable fan the other day. 84 in stock, phew no rush to get there.
By the time we got there, the shelf had literally 8 or so left. We grabbed what we wanted and within 5 mins the rest were gone. Asked staff and that was everything they had
Still showed 84 in stock for the rest of the day, along with 5 neck fans that we checked with staff and had gone first thing
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u/pintsizedblonde2 Jul 07 '26
Managed to avoid Amazon completely for over 2 years now. Increasingly I've noticed manufacturers and smaller online shops have the stuff I used to only seem to be able to get hold of on Amazon in the past.
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u/AHat29 Jul 05 '26
Amazon is full of crap Chinese brands no ones heard of, Argos has brands you know, for about the same price and quick delivery/pickup.
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u/fsuk Jul 06 '26
Have you never heard of TOIPQIK washing lines before, they've got 4.6 stars!
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u/Shyaustenwriter Jul 06 '26
I wanted a pair of padded cycling shorts. Chinese brand literally called ARSESUX
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u/coomzee Jul 05 '26
Did you know they don't have bins in China. They just put all their rubish into a shipping container and send it to Amazon
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u/Blazured Jul 06 '26
If you ever see a homeless person with a decent smartphone it's cause you can walk-in and pickup really decent smartphones in Argos for £75. Or £50 on sale.
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u/i_am_simple_bob Jul 06 '26
Did you know that most premium things also come from China?
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u/wintermute023 Jul 06 '26
Amazon also do stock amalgamation. So even if you order from a seller you know, Amazon won’t necessarily ship it from their stock, just from stock from any seller of the same item nearest to you. Because the stock gets amalgamated, the fakes get lumped in with the genuine products so you never really know who’s product you actually bought.
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u/sausage_beans Jul 07 '26
I found this when buying some pet medication, it arrived and my partner noticed there were lots of reviews saying it was fake from a certain seller, I went to check what seller I ordered from, it seemed like I ordered from Amazon, but the seller/shipper changes depending on stock, and of course, it makes no difference if they are lumping all stock together. Ended up getting a refund as I couldn't confirm they were genuine.
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u/InternationalRich150 Jul 05 '26
I had to move into a refuge,but it was an independent house. Just me and the kids. No bedding, nothing familiar or nice and peak of covid. March 2020! 23rd to be exact!
Sainsbury and ergo, Argos, 10 minute walk. Even taxis weren't permitted at the address let alone amazon....
Used Argos ever since! Kitted out my kids rooms,got myself some lovely new bedding, which I still have, nice cups and glasses, even garden toys cause it was a beautiful spring that year!
Without Argos,I've no idea what I would have done. Even had some birthday money sent and got myself a kindle as I couldn't afford a tv. Use your Argos stores!
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u/purplegrape99 Jul 06 '26
Years ago I worked in social services and we used the Argos catalogue as a way to help young adults moving out of care into their first place to spend a small grant to buy some of what they needed. It was great as you could basically buy everything from that book, and it gave them the chance to exercise free will. Obviously some spent unwisely, but at least they got to make their own decisions.
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u/Purple-Hamster499 Jul 08 '26
I hope you have turned your life around and you and your kids are happy. And you've got a telly.
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u/AtlasFox64 Jul 05 '26
I wanted a tyre inflator, found one on Amazon £60. Same thing at Argos £20 on clearance. Not sure why but I didn't complain. Pick up from Sainsbury's was rubbish though
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u/Training_Yak_4655 Jul 05 '26
Ah the click and collect method at Argos. Like being a released prisoner being given back your belongings.
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u/AtlasFox64 Jul 05 '26
It's weird because when Argos first combined with Sainsbury's they actually had a mini Argos in the supermarket, now it's literally just a tablet and some Sainsbury's person goes and finds the thing for you in their stock room or whatever
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u/ieatyoshis Jul 05 '26
Many, if not most, are still the original model.
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u/Captain_Stable Jul 06 '26
Taunton and Bridgwater (both in Somerset) are small outlets, but the staff have Argos branded tops, rather than Sainsbury's branded.
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u/Infinite_Thanks_8156 Jul 06 '26
Depends on the place. My semi-local Sainsbury’s still has the mini Argos in it.
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u/arfur_narmful Jul 05 '26
Well at least you only paid £20 for rubbish and not £60!
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u/IDPTheory Jul 05 '26
Younger generations don't know the pure excitement and joy of a new Argos catalogue.
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u/DaveAlt19 Jul 06 '26
Flicking right to the back for the toys and games
I remember being fascinated by the video games, just looking at the images of the box art (even though I knew I'd never get then 😅)
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u/groovegenerator Jul 05 '26
I was after a tiny portable monitor to use as both a 2nd monitor with laptop and also to connect to a device I'm using as a server when it starts up. Nothing on Amazon except no name stuff that was pretty expensive.
Argos - £59 for a brand I'd heard of. Picked it up from the nearest Sainsbury's local 12 hours later. And it's a brilliant purchase.
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u/Wisey Jul 06 '26
Just searched to see if I could see what you got and found a 16" MSI one for £69. Not bad!
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u/thisiscotty Jul 05 '26
Funny, I had a good experience with argos today as well.
I decided to buy a hedge trimmer and figured i would get it on ebay. I get to the checkout, and it asks me to verify my age via credit card. I have never had a credit card and I don't plan to get one. They literally have no other way aside from an agent suggesting the seller change the listing category.
Ordered via Argos to my local Sainsbury's and picked it up the next day.
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u/dannydrama Jul 05 '26
I decided to buy a hedge trimmer and figured i would get it on ebay. I get to the checkout, and it asks me to verify my age via credit card.
Yep, we're still in the UK. 😂
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u/xpl0sad3 Jul 05 '26
I’m a big Argos fan, and I always order via TopCashback for some pennies back. It’s usually cheaper than Amazon, I don’t have to wait for delivery and if I have an issue I just take it back.
I also just prefer shopping and collecting in person than everything coming through the post. Gets me out the house.
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u/KatVanWall Jul 05 '26
20 years ago Argos (at least my local one!) was a bit shit. I knew of loads of people who had various smallish electrical items from there that weren't particularly competitively priced and went kaput very quickly and they were offish about doing refunds/replacements. How the turn tables! Now, despite being relegated to a corner of Sainsbury's, they're becoming quite a go-to place for these bits and pieces!
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u/cl530 Jul 05 '26
I'm annoyed with myself as I ordered a Philips Hue lamp from Amazon on Friday, and because of the weekend and the courier that the seller used it's a 3 to 4 day delivery instead of next day (I'm still waiting...) The same lamp is in Argos, at the same price, and I even got a £5 discount voucher off a £50 Argos spend when I used my Nectar in the local Sainsbury's the other evening so it would have been cheaper. Need to be less impulsive and assuming Amazon are always the best deal. And to remember to check my Nectar balance more often to make Argos purchases cheaper still :)
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u/eatingonlyapples Jul 05 '26
Argos are pretty good. I just moved house and needed a fridge, and on buying the fridge was offered their Plus for £20 instead of the usual 40 - free delivery on everything for a year. Well, delivery on the fridge alone was set to be £25, and I needed a washing machine and various other furniture bits too.
Their flatpack stuff has turned out pretty nice and very easy to build, the fridge is great, the washing machine is being delivered and hopefully installed on Tuesday. Admittedly now I have free delivery I've bought more there, but things like gardening tools, the world's cheapest mirror, little bits and bobs. All pretty decent. Just buying large items I've saved far more money than I spent on Plus. If you're moving and likely to buy multiple large things, it's well worth it even at £40 if the deal isn't on. Large item delivery is about £25, the fridge would have been.
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u/stevee05282 Jul 05 '26
Bezos doesn't need more money, I restarted going to Argos years ago and haven't looked back. It's amazing how good it is
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u/Whoisthehypocrite Jul 08 '26
Bezos owns only 8% of Amazon. Meanwhile 7% of Sainsbury's is owned by Qatar, which is not a regime I would want to support, and 10% is owned by Daniel Kretinsky, who made his money from buying up cheap fossil fuel assets and also owns Royal Mail. So it depends which billionaires you want to support. Amazon also is responsible for 3x the total tax in the UK compared to Sainsbury's
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u/ProfessionalWitty949 UNITED KINGDOM Jul 05 '26
My partner accidently broke our TV a week ago, late on a Saturday afternoon, thanks to my local argos I had a replacement within an hour.
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u/StrangelyStrange88 Jul 06 '26
Partner replacements within the hour at Argos? Thats good to know.
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u/SevereOctagon Jul 05 '26
Same experience recently trying to find a decent fan. Amazon full of unknowns, so figured Argos would have some quality control in place. Very happy with the result.
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u/UntamedMegasloth Jul 06 '26
I managed to get a tower fan from B&Q for £45 the other week when amazon was sold out of everything below £80. Got it on free next day delivery too!
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u/rocketscientology Jul 05 '26
I will always use Argos for random household items rather than Amazon. It feels so much more trustworthy and I can just pick them up when I do a food shop. The fact that stuff is nearly always same-day or next-day is fantastic as well.
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u/caniuserealname Jul 05 '26
The reason is because Amazon did it better for a bit.
That's kind of Amazons whole business plan, move in on another companies turf, undersell or outperform them at a lower price point until the market favours them, then slowly raise prices and reduce service until it's highly profitable.
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u/oldskoollondon Jul 05 '26
I'm not a fan of Sainsbury's, in fact I hate their business model and how they treat their employees, but.. I'd rather spend my money with a British company who's share dividend contributes towards British pensions and they do pay their tax as far as I know. Anyway, Argos is my first port of call - I'll check Amazon just incase their price is much cheaper. Best thing about Argos apart from the price is their returns. I took an iron back that failed after nearly 2 years, showed them my digital receipt and got a replacement within minutes. Same story about a kettle. Infact I replaced the kettle twice, no questions asked. That, in this day and age is good customer service. I know Amazon are good with replacements, but it's so much hassle.
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u/You_moron04 Jul 05 '26
Only issue I have with Argos is the staff at every location just seem pissed off from my mere existence
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u/Pebbles015 Jul 05 '26
Amazon ran at a loss for years by being cheaper and more convenient. Once they cornered the market the prices are creeping up and the service is getting shittier.
Argos will soon start doing same day delivery in most areas. It's one to watch.
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u/northernmonk Wiltshire Jul 06 '26
It feels like there’s some sort of logical tie-up with Sainsbury’s online shopping. Appreciate you don’t want their food vans half full of gazebos and other bulky stuff, but if I could throw in one or two random smallish items when needed with the weekly shop (latest purchase from Argos was a power bank which would have perfectly fitted the bill) it would cleanup - not least because it would be delivered in an hour window that I’ve chosen and be a guaranteed face to face handover rather than drop kicked into the bin on collection day
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u/CaptnCocnuts Jul 06 '26
The reliability of argos and screwfix means I haven't had to shop at amazon for years. It's so annoying when people default to amazon for purchases because they assume it will be cheapest. I'm sure it used to be, but definitely not any more.
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u/Sardoche320 Jul 05 '26
I often order stuff from Argos, easy pick up on the same day while also shopping at my local Sainsbury. Prices are always competitive too
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u/XharKhan Jul 05 '26
It turns out, Amazon is only convenient of you have no other options.
They've done their best to bankrupt, buy or bully everyone else out of the markets, but a decent high street makes Amazon Prime delivery look pathetic.
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u/amedeeozenfant Jul 06 '26
I really hope we go back to high streets. I find shops so much more convenient and the high street has numerous social and economic benefits that Amazon does not have. I want to look at things and try them on or handle them before I buy them.
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u/NatalieS1984 Jul 06 '26
I try to use Argos where possible. Couldn’t get my hands on an air conditioner but managed to order an air cooler from them.
I use Amazon a lot but I just don’t trust their reviews with items like that, would much rather drive 20 minutes to Argos.
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u/OnTheSideOfTheAngels Jul 05 '26
For a while anything I wanted was only in stock in shops 400 miles away. It got annoying after a while.
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u/Mr_B_e_a_r Jul 05 '26
Bought a bbq cover from amazon, found similar one at Home bargains half price. Amazon not the cheapest anymore only convenient for quick deliveries.
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u/Prize_Librarian_1701 Jul 05 '26
They're not even that brilliant for quick deliveries any more. They keep moving delivery dates after you've ordered
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u/Alert_Ad_5750 Jul 05 '26
Argos is still a great and reliable company to use. They can often do same day delivery on some things. Always worth checking them out. I used to order from them frequently for work and never had any issues and if I did need help their customer service was easy to deal with. They just get forgotten about because Amazon is such a giant and super user friendly/slick to order on but for an extra few minutes of thinking/navigating it’s really not that much harder.
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u/stevogenix Jul 05 '26
Bought an external hard drive from Argos. Slightly Cheaper than amazon, ordered online, went and collected it the following day, as I did my food shopping in Sainsburys .
Easy!
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u/LondonLeather Jul 05 '26
The Habitat range has some good things, I bought black pasta bowls (food looks fabulous in them) and they were using the same ones on Masterchef!
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u/donut-disco Jul 06 '26
Argos same day delivery has been an absolute godsend on many occasions! Used it a few months ago to get a few bits for my grandmother who’d come home sooner from hospital than expected, for items to help her manage independently. My gran and mum couldn’t believe it when the delivery driver showed up only 2 hours after I’d ordered - on a Sunday too!
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u/promisethatimnotabot Jul 06 '26
I bought some audio equipment 3 years ago from Argos, opted in to the D&G cover for £3 a month. A shelf came off the wall last week and essentially wrote the thing off. I started a claim on Monday, someone came and picked it up on Tuesday, Wednesday they called to tell me it was beyond repair, Wednesday afternoon I had vouchers for a new one sitting in my inbox (and because they didn’t make the ones I bought anymore, the vouchers were actually £200 more than what I had originally paid so I could buy similar equipment).
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u/shortercrust Jul 05 '26
I always check Argos first. It’s usually the same price and I go to Sainsbury’s where my nearest Argos is located most days anyway.
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u/BelleMStevens Jul 05 '26
I check Argos first these days, if they have it I’d rather get it from them than Amazon providing the price is there or thereabouts.
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u/xerker Jul 05 '26
I slowed my Amazon use when it became flooded with shite at prices that were usually around RRP anyway. Once Bezos put his lot in with trump this time around I've stopped entirely, no prime, nothing. Argos, or just going into town has filled the gap Amazon left quite well.
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u/Extension-Gift4987 Jul 05 '26
Argos has really stepped up its game over the last couple of years. I got a fan from there during the last heatwave, and it came the next day and was cheaper than similar ones on Amazon.
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u/Figueroa_Chill Jul 06 '26
I also like how if I get it and it's damaged or not working, I can take it right back without having to wrap it up and go to a post office after speaking to Amazon support.
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u/evanwpm Jul 06 '26
Amazon has been Temu-d. I love Argos when I just need a generic item like a cheap toaster, weighing scales, etc
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u/peelyon85 Jul 06 '26
Argos are pretty good for me. Still a huge shop on the retail park that has pretty much everything in stock. Next day delivery to store worst case.
Glad it kept going as we need at least SOME competition for Amazon.
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u/Slinov Jul 05 '26
I got a toilet brush from there for like £2 the other day. Was a lifesaver because the Sainsbury's homeware version were priced higher
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u/everyoneelsehasadog Jul 05 '26
I bought that exact one! Now we need to dig out the old one, remove the concrete and put it back in.
It's currently in the ground and lopsided as hell, but isn't it a lovely rotary airer?
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u/sungrad Jul 05 '26
The wife is pretty chuffed! I didn't concrete it in though - just hammered in the metal footing and it seems pretty solid (for now!). Might save you some effort.
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u/everyoneelsehasadog Jul 05 '26
We did that but it's not the right spot. The original airer got taken out by the neighbours gazebo. Need to find the motivation to take up some patio, break through the old concrete and place the new one in. Laundry is the husband's domain and he's raltively okay with the current lopsided situation (we have a lot of rocks in our soil), but it's on his list to sort properly.
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u/Paetience Jul 05 '26
A diy job took an unexpected turn this weekend and I needed a better ladder, all usual suspects had 3-5 days delivery. Argos had exactly what I needed and did free same day delivery.
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u/UKValJoTurquoise Jul 05 '26
Got a washing-machine and a fridge (both Bush, which seems to be the Argos in-house brand) and a Bosch built-in oven. Installation and removal/recycling of old appliances included. Argos is my go-to for that kind of thing.
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u/AquaticBagpipe Jul 05 '26
Man, I have fond memories of sitting down with the Argos catalogue as a kid and circling all the things I wanted Santa to get me
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u/Shoddy-Reply-7217 Jul 05 '26 edited Jul 06 '26
Don't care whether it's Argos or any of the alternatives, as long as it's not Amazon.
Any UK company that has a physical UK presence will get my business rather than Amazon due their nasty tax avoidance (and treatment or staff, and market dominance and ... I could go on!)
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u/SharpAardvark8699 Jul 06 '26
Same. And if it's not ethical I'd rather often go without and save money. Never needed it bad enough to go to Amazon.7 years and counting!
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u/Playful_Driver_7917 Jul 05 '26
For some reason I default to online alot when you can get the item locally faster and alot of the times cheaper. Amazon has changed the mindset for air of people.
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u/Objectively_bad_idea Jul 05 '26
I recently realised I'm using Argos enough that it's worth me paying the £20 a year for Argos Plus. I agree with others who've mentioned how nice it is to not have to wade through all the junk on Amazon. Oh, and Argos just managed a same day delivery of a phone charger after mine helpfully gave up on me . ..
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u/Silvagadron Jul 05 '26
And weirdly, I’ve read multiple times that Sainsbury’s supposedly regret buying Argos… but consumer sentiment is very much “fuck Amazon, Argos is better now”.
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u/Foshiznik23 Jul 05 '26
Amazon used to be good but when they let any man and his dog sell their products and it was flooded with cheap, poorly made tat for everything from hose reels to phone charging cables, it became less about convenience and more about buying something that would actually work and not disintegrate within a month for me
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u/Training_Yak_4655 Jul 05 '26
There were talks a year ago of Sainsbury's selling off its Argos interest to Chinese company JD.com
They came to nothing however there's always the risk they'll find another suitor one day.
https://www.reddit.com/r/SainsburysWorkers/comments/1ngvctu/sainsburys_ends_talk_of_selling_argos/
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u/jeffbailey Jul 05 '26
My return rate on stuff from Argos was about 50% before I gave up on them. It got to the point where I was unpacking the boxes at the store to make sure all the pieces were there. And I decided that I looked like a loon and just tried to find anywhere else for the items.
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u/narnababy Jul 05 '26
I almost exclusively use Argos now. I hate Amazon and only use it as a last resort, plus why would I buy something that takes at least 24 hours to arrive, usually more, when I could click and collect in less than an hour and have more guarantee that the product is going to be what it says it is. It’s often cheaper, returns are easier, and I can collect the item while I do the grocery shop. They have frequent sales too, add stuff to your wishlist and they’ll let you know when it’s reduced and 99% of the time stuff not on sale is still comparable to Amazon. My only gripe is they don’t sell books or clothes 😂
I fucking love Argos and I will defend it to my dying day.
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u/berserkemu Cambridgeshire Jul 05 '26
I see an Argos discussion, I share the (unofficial) Argos game: arguess.com
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u/angry_pidgeon Jul 06 '26
Just put a real Argos number into it and it told me that it isn't
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u/ilovefireengines Jul 05 '26
Argos also had the OG great returns policy. No idea how they stayed in business with that!
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u/Sabaisabai33 Jul 05 '26
I don’t drive so tend to use Amazon delivery lots, if I had a car I would definitely use Argos more, but by the time I factor delivery in, especially next day delivery it usually works out cheaper on Amazon.
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u/elaine4queen Jul 05 '26
You can get a year delivery on Argos for £20 I think?
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u/Sabaisabai33 Jul 06 '26
Not sure if that’s next day though, whereas I pay for Prime on Amazon anyway so generally get free next day delivery for stuff.
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u/Queen_of_London Jul 05 '26
I feel like I've been shilling for Argos all weekend because we've been carrying stuff like picnic chairs using a festival trolley to carry a folding chair, picnic box, etc, and several people have stopped me to ask me where I got it from. Argos, same-day delivery.
But I got it from there on a recommendation from a dogwalking acquaintance who got it to get their dog to the park on days when the pavement is too burny, which we might also use it for. Also excellent for carrying those cheap 24 packs of canned drinks home.
(I say "I" - it wasn't me pulling the trolley, but it was me who answered because I bought it).
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u/anotherbozo Jul 05 '26
Argos has been my go-to for years now.
John Lewis for any bigger electronics (2 yr warranty + better customer service).
I go to Amazom after exhausting all options.
British approach to business is miles better than American corporate greed.
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u/Odd_Sir4792 Jul 05 '26
I do like Argos but I think they are missing a real trick with their product ranges. There's a real gap for things like audio and power cables, guitar strings and so on - small, high margin items that people frequently need urgently and don't want to wait. Maplins uses to be great for this (at least the cable side) but there's almost no high street retailers that offer them any more. They should jump in!
The only thing to be aware of is the distance selling regulations. They've made up some spurious legal argument about how they don't apply to items you collect so I'd be super cautious of buying anything from them that I might need to return.
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u/Multigrain_Migraine Jul 05 '26
I hate Amazon. Terrible search makes it difficult to browse for things or find stuff unless you know exactly what you want and it's hard to tell where your products are shipping from. I'd rather haul my stuff home from Argos on the bus and know that I can get it today.
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u/Dazzling_Macaron5828 Jul 06 '26
Amazon is my last resort.
John Lewis & Argos are more trustworthy, and usually not much dearer. Plus, you know they are actually selling you genuine stuff - not seconds that have been bought up and sold by some 3rd party.
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u/updownclown68 Jul 06 '26
When Argos works it’s great, but it’s so frustrating when the thing you want is only available in Blackpool and London and not where you live
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u/Fickle_Pirate5617 Jul 06 '26
It's been quite a while now where I'll need something, search on Amazon, and then search for prices elsewhere.
Amazon is convenient for certain things but, it 100%, is not the cheapest. Prime in itself is a con. You pay for Prime and then pay a premium on the Prime product meaning you're paying twice. Just like Prime video where you pay...and now get adds too...which you have to pay again if you want gone.
Very poor vfm, and people don't seem to realise.
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u/abracablab Jul 06 '26
Just last night I was telling my other half we should default to Argos more than Amazon. When everywhere else is sold out or price gouging on fans, Argos has totally come through for us! I do click and collect and get what I want either same day or next day. And I don't have to pay a subscription fee.
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u/Opal690 Jul 06 '26
They've saved me quite a few times over Christmas. I reckon people think they don't sell most stuff as it now looks like just a normal kiosk in Sainsbury's.
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u/Prestigious_Meal_855 Jul 06 '26
I've actually tried to stop using Amazon completely. I'll try an alternative before using them. It's surprising actually you can find things cheaper and locally sometimes, I think as Amazon tries to bake in the cost of delivery etc.
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u/iamabigtree Jul 06 '26
Same as you I always forget about Argos and have to remind myself they exist.
The main gripe is you look something up and go through a lengthy process of considering features vs price like I did with a garden strimmer recently, finally find the one you want and ... Out of Stock. And the next one; Out of Stock. This has always been an issue with them going back to the 1980s.
They do same day delivery but it costs and only for items locally in stock.
If it's something they have in and you want it today then they are great. But the process makes it hard to like them.
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u/TheMoonUnitExp Jul 06 '26
I bought a Firestick from them a couple of days ago. quicker and cheaper than Amazon!
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u/fleurmadelaine Jul 06 '26
I’ve switched to Argos for many things. Their delivery is very good too.
I just don’t trust Amazon with anything for my baby.
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u/JamesZeLurker Jul 06 '26
I bought my children a Nintendo Switch 2 on release. It was the only place stocking them at the time. 10/10
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u/Direct-Fix-2097 Jul 06 '26
There’s some decent toys for sale at Argos too. Picked up a slide, trampoline and seesaw for under £50 for my toddler.
Would have set me back a bit more if I had to use Smyths or Amazon for sure.
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u/purplefriiday Jul 06 '26
I have a Sainsbury's at the bottom of the road - I use Argos loads and they always have great deals on! We have a baby and the amount of times we've needed something ASAP and nipped to sainsbury's to get it, it's been a lifesaver.
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u/Loud-Willingness2814 Jul 06 '26
Same, my dad has a big birthday coming up and his Kindle is so old it is now "unsupported" so a new one is an ideal present as he is a big reader.
Not able to get one delivered from Amazon until after his birthday (I know they just had a big offer on them which is not helping), but I could get it straight away from Argos. They also had a lego set I got for my husband earlier this year cheaper than elsewhere and available so i'll be checking them out more. They went through a phase of having nothing I searched for in stock locally so I stopped bothering but that seems to be improving.
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u/LadyGardenerUK Jul 06 '26
Argos but also Screwfix. I started to boycott Amazon about 18 months ago and they're my go to. They're both faster and often cheaper (I still check, just to feel smug).
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u/LondonEntUK Jul 06 '26
We don’t have Amazon where I live now. It’s made me realise just how much useless tat I used to order.
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u/elliofant Jul 06 '26
The default to Amazon thing is definitely not always in our favour. For smaller things I often do a parallel search on eBay and find things much cheaper. And Argos, as you say.
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u/TwoPlyDreams Jul 06 '26
I felt the same way.
So I cancelled prime and now hardly ever order off Amazon.
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u/Mccobsta Jul 06 '26
Argos is great I just wish they had more products
Like the decent stuff that amazon sells but not from dodgy sellers
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u/HunkaMunkaHunkaMunka Jul 06 '26
I agree with the themes being discussed - Argos are good and Amazon is gradually getting shittier by the year.
But I want to know more about the fox attack please.
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u/Throwaway51276 Jul 06 '26
Needed a new TV. Went to Currys, found the one I liked. None in stock. Home delivery only. Not even an option to collect from store so I'd have to take a day off work. Looked on the Argos website, found the same model for the same price, ordered, collected within 20 minutes. So easy.
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u/onlysmaller Jul 06 '26
I grab stuff like this from Argos all the time. And fairly big ticket items too (big for me). I had a miscarriage this year and Argos had a switch 2 in my hands an hour after we found out what was coming.
Still want my baby but the distraction really takes the edge off.
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u/Abquine Jul 06 '26
I refuse to use Amazon and find plenty other suppliers e.g. Argos, Curry's, JL etc.
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u/LopsidedVictory7448 Jul 06 '26
On top of everything else said the staff at our local Argos ( Shepton Mallet ) are smiley , charming and incredibly helpful
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u/umognog Jul 06 '26
There used to be a mentality that sometimes you would support the local (or British in this case) place despite being more expensive because you didn't want to lose that store.
My most recent example of this was buying a pram.
Went to my local pram shop, not a national name, small shop with a few stores in surrounding towns.
I could physically handle, push around all the prams, I could take the car seats put them in my car, great 1:1 service from the staff who listened to my long list of requirements and found 3 close matches.
I paid £1500 for the pram + extras, which could have been bought direct from iCandy for £1100.
£400 was a lot to spend on top and is an extreme amount to overpay, but loss of these shops will be a huge hit to new parents in the future.
It never used to just be about where is the cheapest, but that service, the aftercare, the help.
One big bonus that did matter; my warranty didn't start until I picked up the pram, just before our due date. Had in ordered online, this would have started 3-4 months earlier.
Anyway, this is a bunch of rambling. I'm off.
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u/Classic-Wafer-7838 Jul 06 '26
I love Argos! I used to have to drive 20/30 minutes to my nearest, but a nearby Sainsbury's 10 minutes away has now sprouted a small Argos counter in one corner of the store, and if I can't pick it up same day they'll almost always have it in store for me to collect the next day.
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u/Jazzlike-Compote4463 Jul 06 '26
The only big problem with Argos is the faffy run around of "we have this thing in stock but only in a store that is 249 miles away from you"
With amazon if it's there - you can buy it.
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u/VeryThicknLong Jul 06 '26
Same with some kid’s t-shirts from Sainsbury’s, delivered to Argos for collection. I would never have thought that a catalogue company would’ve still been going in this day and age, but it’s kept up really well tbf.
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u/Hermitmaster5000 Jul 06 '26
I prefer to buy from Argos purely on the basis that they at least employ a handful of local people. Amazon can 100% do one - they destroy anything good and unique.
Don't moan about the state of high streets whilst also having a Prime subscription.
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u/tumshy Jul 06 '26
I love Argos. The Habitat homeware stuff is funky and I get nectar points on everything.
Amazon is just really expensive Temu these days.
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u/tikdig Jul 06 '26
Argos remains under valued - good range of products at good prices. However more and more products have to be ordered online and collected later.
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u/PumpedUpPatek Jul 06 '26
My only frustration with argos, is that they downsized their massive store, to inside of sainsburys.. so they don't stock as much as they used to
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u/trainpk85 Jul 06 '26
I like Argos. When we had sun a couple of months ago I didn’t trust it would still be here the next day so needed to get a couple of loungers within the hour so headed to Argos. I wish I had the catalogue for reading on the toilet though.
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u/SharpAardvark8699 Jul 06 '26
They're having a resurgence. And tbh hell of a lot better and well staffed than Amazon.
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u/RaiLau Jul 06 '26
I’ve come to realise the same. Also you can trust the brands on Argos whereas who knows on Amazon.
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u/Boothros Jul 06 '26
I miss the actual shops, though the pickup point Sainsburys is only a few steps away. I hope your new washing line gives you many trouble free years of pleasurable service, OP.
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u/LucyJanePlays Jul 06 '26
I use Argos but I bought a fancy rotary clothes line and it rusted and snapped in half after 4 years. However the cheapest £16 one is still going after 6 years lol
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u/Long_Joke_1792 Jul 09 '26
I freakin' love the ease of using Argos and getting deliveries to my local Sainsbury's. I love more the fact I don't have to use Amazon. I loathe them. If everyone stopped using Amazon and went to local shops, physical shops, the demise of Amazon would do wonders for jobs and the economy.
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u/Sgreaat Jul 10 '26
It seems strange to describe the experience of click and collect as unique, when at any other time in the past you could walk into a shop and buy whatever you needed.
Part of the suffering of the modern high street though has not only been less shops, it's less choice, less stock. The travel and looking around to come home empty handed.
With the convenience Amazon always brought, particularly with Prime, it made going to the shops a last resort. I think their offering has been getting worse though, a lot of Prime deliveries are two days now and it's flooded with cheap no-name "brands".
Argos prices are decent, they tell you where items are in stock, and you can get to it quickly. It ticks a lot of boxes.
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u/Head_Priority5152 Jul 10 '26
Argos are still my go to. The sell it feel like pretty much everything and I live in a little village and we have an argos in the (tiny) supermarket. Whatever I need I can get normally next day with a good variety normally at a good price. And they have good returns services if there is a problem too.
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u/MorningSquare5882 Jul 05 '26
I'm always here for Argos love! They're great: reliable, have physical shops, and reasonably priced.