Lidl annoys consumers with a prominently advertised offer.
It's not the first time that this has happened.
Many customers are angry and express serious suspicions.
Heilbronn / Munich - It is one of the classic annoyances for consumers: a product on offer is suddenly out of stock and / or not available on site.
Companies like Lidl are more likely to get into bigger trouble with their customers as a result.
The discounter regularly has supposedly interesting bargains in the catalog (or online) that appear inexpensive and should appeal to as many customers as possible.
A current offer from the discounter made water sports enthusiasts prick up their ears: Once again, Lidl has a SUP board in its range, which beckons with an attractive price and is predestined for the upcoming summer season.
Because even though team sports are on hold due to Corona: Individual sports such as stand-up paddling are not prohibited and are already very popular.
SUP board out of stock: Lidl receives angry comments from customers
However, the retail chain receives critical comments with a sports device that will be available from Monday (April 26) according to the prospectus: Angry comments from customers who express their displeasure can be found on Facebook.
They were at the Lidl branches early from the opening at 7 a.m. - and still did not receive a SUP board.
The allegations directed at Lidl on the platform are increasing and include indignant reactions:
"Even in Bielefeld in three branches at 7 o'clock sharp not a single SUP board was available."
“As I can see, I'm not the only one who is annoyed about selling the SUPs.
There were exactly 2 pieces in the sales room. "
“What was that for today?
At six thirty in front of the shop, waiting in line at seat 5 and at 7 exactly 2 - read correctly 2 - stand-up paddles were carried into the shop.
No SUP. "
“Is it supposed to be a joke that the SUP boards are advertised and then each branch only gets one board?
Not even both versions. "
“What kind of rip-off action was that with the SUP offer on April 26th.
I was in two branches in my immediate vicinity (and that during Corona times) and both were sold out shortly after 7 am. "
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Whether in rivers, in the sea or on lakes - stand-up paddling is very popular - as long as you can get hold of one.
© Matthias Balk / dpa
Lidl disappoints with too few SUP boards - and points out delivery problems
Lidl itself points out delivery problems in the branches due to the freighter that recently paralyzed the Suez Canal - one of the most important global trade routes.
On the one hand this is a plausible reason, on the other hand consumers are wondering why the discounter does not react in time, name the products and still let customers flock to the branches.
If it is really due to the disruption on the Suez Canal, then there should have been enough time to at least indicate online, or with notices in the branches, that the boards will be on April 26th.
will not be available.
Comment from an angry Lidl customer
Those who then get disappointed with the customers are usually the employees in the Lidl branches.
"... And the poor employees have to deal with frustrated customers," one user describes the event.
By the way, it's not just "water rats" who find SUP boards appealing.
Depending on the region, other creatures are also aiming for a little jaunt:
Lidl and its coveted SUP board: This is the product
And what about the specific Lidl offer?
According to the brochure (on page 1), the discounter offers a board in blue and multicolored (with a Caribbean pattern) - but not online, but only on site.
Incidentally, this is another point that annoys some customers.
However, it should be said that the discounter offers other models on its website, which, however, cost more.
The one that is currently heating up the mind is an inflatable SUP board and available in a set with other utensils - including a paddle, an air pump and a waterproof backpack. The price for the complete package? 279 euros. A few weeks ago, Lidl left a number of parents disappointed with similar problems.
(PF)