How likely are the mixer bath taps from Lidl to have usable threads?

There is a 30 mm difference in the hole spaces between my present bath
taps and the model on sale there. Is that an obstacle that is not
worth bothering to overcome.

On 2007-07-22 16:32:14 +0100, Weatherlawyer said:

How likely are the mixer bath taps from Lidl to have usable threads?

There is a 30 mm difference in the hole spaces between my present bath
taps and the model on sale there. Is that an obstacle that is not
worth bothering to overcome.

Shouldn't be a problem.

Make the new hole using an Aldidl SDS drill with a 10mm bit. If you
hold it firmly, the wobble in the chuck should give a 30mm hole.

Fill any imperfections with car body filler smoothing off with a Lidldi
angle grinder.

"Weatherlawyer" wrote in message
ups.com...
How likely are the mixer bath taps from Lidl to have usable threads?

There is a 30 mm difference in the hole spaces between my present bath
taps and the model on sale there. Is that an obstacle that is not
worth bothering to overcome.

Lidl taps are standard sizes all around.

On Jul 22, 4:32 pm, Weatherlawyer wrote:

How likely are the mixer bath taps from Lidl to have usable threads?

There is a 30 mm difference in the hole spaces between my present bath
taps and the model on sale there. Is that an obstacle that is not
worth bothering to overcome.

Sheesh; a decent DIY thread and only 2 replies -and they were from the
group boneheads. Start a couple of potential caustic soda ones and
they run for hundreds of posts...

Weatherlawyer wrote:

On Jul 22, 4:32 pm, Weatherlawyer wrote:

How likely are the mixer bath taps from Lidl to have usable threads?

There is a 30 mm difference in the hole spaces between my present bath
taps and the model on sale there. Is that an obstacle that is not
worth bothering to overcome.

Sheesh; a decent DIY thread and only 2 replies -and they were from the
group boneheads. Start a couple of potential caustic soda ones and
they run for hundreds of posts...

Well, your question is rather cryptic isnt it?
Is the tap going to have usable threads - well of course it is, as it'll
be new.
Will it fit your existing bath holes?
Who knows?
You need to measure up the new and old, and compare sizes with your
existing hole/s.
If it's a GRP bath, then it'll be easy to file out the holes to make
them larger, or to drill new holes, but be sure the new tap will cover
the holes of the old one.
You've got to be a bit more specific before you can get a decent answer.
Alan.
--
To reply by e-mail, change the ' + ' to 'plus'.

On 2007-07-23 01:40:56 +0100, Weatherlawyer said:

On Jul 22, 4:32 pm, Weatherlawyer wrote:

How likely are the mixer bath taps from Lidl to have usable threads?

There is a 30 mm difference in the hole spaces between my present bath
taps and the model on sale there. Is that an obstacle that is not
worth bothering to overcome.

Sheesh; a decent DIY thread and only 2 replies -and they were from the
group boneheads. Start a couple of potential caustic soda ones and
they run for hundreds of posts...

The boneheaded aspect of this is

a) even considering buying plumbing items at a grocery store

b) not describing the bath or what the problem is - e.g. if there is a
30mm difference in spacing would that be hidden by the new tap.

If you don't ask sensible questions, you can't really expect to get a
sensible answer

On Jul 23, 1:40 am, Weatherlawyer wrote:
On Jul 22, 4:32 pm, Weatherlawyer wrote:

How likely are the mixer bath taps from Lidl to have usable threads?

Which is to say has anyone any experience of using plumbing from Lidl?
Is the thread likely to be matched in local shops.

Doctor Drivel and Andy Hall NNR.

"Weatherlawyer" wrote in message
ps.com...
On Jul 23, 1:40 am, Weatherlawyer wrote:
On Jul 22, 4:32 pm, Weatherlawyer wrote:

How likely are the mixer bath taps from Lidl to have usable threads?

Which is to say has anyone any experience of using plumbing from Lidl?
Is the thread likely to be matched in local shops.

Doctor Drivel and Andy Hall NNR.

You are a plantpot.

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
a) even considering buying plumbing items at a grocery store

Why? It's no different from buying from a shed where you basically pick
the item you want from a shelf. Or out of a Screwfix catalogue.

Of course if you expect to ask for an item for a specific job and be given
the correct one you'll need a PM. But then you'll still need the correct
information for the assistant to act on.

--
*Constipated People Don't Give A Crap*

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On 2007-07-24 09:56:22 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
a) even considering buying plumbing items at a grocery store

Why? It's no different from buying from a shed where you basically pick
the item you want from a shelf. Or out of a Screwfix catalogue.

Of course if you expect to ask for an item for a specific job and be given
the correct one you'll need a PM. But then you'll still need the correct
information for the assistant to act on.

Two things.

- Does Lidl carry a comprehensive range of taps? There is probably
something better to be found in places that specialise in selling a
range of taps.

- Do B&Q or Wickes run promotions on bananas? Apart from in the
timber section, that is.

I don't see the sense in buying out of context.

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-07-24 09:56:22 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
a) even considering buying plumbing items at a grocery store

Why? It's no different from buying from a shed where you basically
pick the item you want from a shelf. Or out of a Screwfix catalogue.

Of course if you expect to ask for an item for a specific job and be
given the correct one you'll need a PM. But then you'll still need the
correct information for the assistant to act on.

Two things.

- Does Lidl carry a comprehensive range of taps? There is probably
something better to be found in places that specialise in selling a
range of taps.

Define comprehensive. No place can ever stock everything so if they have
what you want that's good enough.

- Do B&Q or Wickes run promotions on bananas? Apart from in the
timber section, that is.

Neither B&Q or Wicks could compete with the supermarkets food wise so they
wouldn't bother. Also selling food requires different handling techniques
- refrigerated counters etc. Taps don't.
So you're being stupid again. ;-)

I don't see the sense in buying out of context.

You should get a wig with pony tail, dress in hoodie and trackies and go
and grab some bargains at Lidl. Saving money is always better than saving
face. ;-)

--
*I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On 2007-07-24 15:48:45 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-07-24 09:56:22 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
a) even considering buying plumbing items at a grocery store

Why? It's no different from buying from a shed where you basically
pick the item you want from a shelf. Or out of a Screwfix catalogue.

Of course if you expect to ask for an item for a specific job and be
given the correct one you'll need a PM. But then you'll still need the
correct information for the assistant to act on.

Two things.

- Does Lidl carry a comprehensive range of taps? There is probably
something better to be found in places that specialise in selling a
range of taps.

Define comprehensive. No place can ever stock everything so if they have
what you want that's good enough.

I'd have said a minimum of 20-30 different products based on what B&Q
typically stock.

How many do Lidl have? 2-3?


- Do B&Q or Wickes run promotions on bananas? Apart from in the
timber section, that is.

Neither B&Q or Wicks could compete with the supermarkets food wise so they
wouldn't bother. Also selling food requires different handling techniques
- refrigerated counters etc. Taps don't.
So you're being stupid again. ;-)

That's really my point. Lidl can't compete with plumbers merchants
and DIY stores in terms of selection, quality and service so why are
they bothering?



I don't see the sense in buying out of context.

You should get a wig with pony tail, dress in hoodie and trackies and go
and grab some bargains at Lidl. Saving money is always better than saving
face. ;-)

Is that how one has to dress to go to Lidl? Seems like a lot of trouble.....

"Andy Hall" wrote in message
...

That's really my point. Lidl can't compete with plumbers merchants and
DIY stores in terms of selection, quality and service so why are they
bothering?

Um, because they can? They've got a business model based on selling a small
selection of stuff with no service backup at a very low price. It appears to
work quite well. So why shouldn't they bother?

clive

"Andy Hall" wrote in message
...
On 2007-07-24 15:48:45 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-07-24 09:56:22 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
a) even considering buying plumbing items at a grocery store

Why? It's no different from buying from a shed where you basically
pick the item you want from a shelf. Or out of a Screwfix catalogue.

Of course if you expect to ask for an item for a specific job and be
given the correct one you'll need a PM. But then you'll still need the
correct information for the assistant to act on.

Two things.

- Does Lidl carry a comprehensive range of taps? There is probably
something better to be found in places that specialise in selling a
range of taps.

Define comprehensive. No place can ever stock everything so if they have
what you want that's good enough.

I'd have said a minimum of 20-30 different products based on what B&Q
typically stock.

How many do Lidl have? 2-3?


- Do B&Q or Wickes run promotions on bananas? Apart from in the
timber section, that is.

Neither B&Q or Wicks could compete with the supermarkets food wise so
they
wouldn't bother. Also selling food requires different handling techniques
- refrigerated counters etc. Taps don't.
So you're being stupid again. ;-)

That's really my point. Lidl can't compete with plumbers merchants and
DIY stores in terms of selection, quality and service so why are they
bothering?

To make money?
I wonder what percentage of Lidl tools and DIY products are left to rot in a
shed after purchace instead of being fitted or used.

Adam

On 2007-07-24 17:50:28 +0100, "Clive George" said:

"Andy Hall" wrote in message ...

That's really my point. Lidl can't compete with plumbers merchants
and DIY stores in terms of selection, quality and service so why are
they bothering?

Um, because they can?

One can offer all kinds of things for sale. Whether people buy them is
something again.

They've got a business model based on selling a small selection of
stuff with no service backup at a very low price. It appears to work
quite well.

Based on the infinitessimal market share that they have, I don't think it does.

However, that wasn't really my point anyway.

A bath tap is not something that one buys every day unless one is a
plumber. Therefore, it would be sensible to look at a selection
before deciding on one. It strikes me as odd that someone would
consider limiting themselves to a very small choice of different
products when there are many places offering a much larger range to
choose from. It's even more surprising when the chosen product
doesn't even fit the bath.


So why shouldn't they bother?


As I said - up to them. The strange part is people buying taps from a
grocery store.

On 2007-07-24 18:00:49 +0100, "ARWadsworth"
said:


"Andy Hall" wrote in message ...

That's really my point. Lidl can't compete with plumbers merchants
and DIY stores in terms of selection, quality and service so why are
they bothering?

To make money?

I suppose that that is the intention. A very strange business model,
however.

I wonder what percentage of Lidl tools and DIY products are left to rot
in a shed after purchace instead of being fitted or used.

Adam

Quite a few, I would imagine.

I suspect that a lot of what they sell is simply priced sufficiently
low that people don't even think about whether they actually want the
item or whether it's suitable. The logic seems to be that it's cheap,
therefore it's a bargain and I must buy it. Very strange.

On Jul 24, 5:42 pm, Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-07-24 15:48:45 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

That's really my point. Lidl can't compete with plumbers merchants
and DIY stores in terms of selection, quality and service so why are
they bothering?

Because they buy in bulk and so can charge much less while still
making a profit?

For stuff like taps unless you buy at the top end of the market
they're all basically the same with slightly different designs and a
widely varying price.

cheers,
Pete.

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
Neither B&Q or Wicks could compete with the supermarkets food wise so
they wouldn't bother. Also selling food requires different handling
techniques - refrigerated counters etc. Taps don't. So you're being
stupid again. ;-)

That's really my point. Lidl can't compete with plumbers merchants
and DIY stores in terms of selection, quality and service so why are
they bothering?

Price? And if they have something suitable you win. You're not forced to
shop there so why be so negative?

--
*I have plenty of talent and vision. I just don't care.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

"Andy Hall" wrote in message
...
On 2007-07-24 17:50:28 +0100, "Clive George"
said:

"Andy Hall" wrote in message
...

That's really my point. Lidl can't compete with plumbers merchants and
DIY stores in terms of selection, quality and service so why are they
bothering?

Um, because they can?

One can offer all kinds of things for sale. Whether people buy them is
something again.

Indeed. But LIDL aren't exactly a newcomer to selling, so it would seem a
fair guess that they've got a little bit of a clue about the market they're
aiming for. Which obviously doesn't include you, but there are a lot more
people than you out there.

They've got a business model based on selling a small selection of stuff
with no service backup at a very low price. It appears to work quite
well.

Based on the infinitessimal market share that they have, I don't think it
does.

It apparently works sufficiently well. Are they actually going bust? Or are
there sufficient non-Andy Hall types out there buying the stuff to keep them
going?

clive

On 2007-07-24 18:55:37 +0100, "Clive George" said:

"Andy Hall" wrote in message ...
On 2007-07-24 17:50:28 +0100, "Clive George" said:

"Andy Hall" wrote in message ...

That's really my point. Lidl can't compete with plumbers merchants
and DIY stores in terms of selection, quality and service so why are
they bothering?

Um, because they can?

One can offer all kinds of things for sale. Whether people buy them is
something again.

Indeed. But LIDL aren't exactly a newcomer to selling, so it would seem
a fair guess that they've got a little bit of a clue about the market
they're aiming for.

One wonders based on their "down in the noise" market share figures of
around 2%.

In Germany, the discount chains manage shares of around 35-40%. In
the UK, they are managing under 10%.

So no, I don't think that they know what they are doing in the UK market.




Which obviously doesn't include you, but there are a lot more people
than you out there.

Undoubtedly, but the figures don't suggest that very many of them shop
in these places.



They've got a business model based on selling a small selection of
stuff with no service backup at a very low price. It appears to work
quite well.

Based on the infinitessimal market share that they have, I don't think it does.

It apparently works sufficiently well. Are they actually going bust? Or
are there sufficient non-Andy Hall types out there buying the stuff to
keep them going?


It really depends on whether the German parent company wants to play a
long game in the UK market. The market trends in the UK suggest that
that's going to be a very long game indeed.

On 2007-07-24 18:47:42 +0100, Pete C said:

On Jul 24, 5:42 pm, Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-07-24 15:48:45 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

That's really my point. Lidl can't compete with plumbers merchants
and DIY stores in terms of selection, quality and service so why are
they bothering?

Because they buy in bulk and so can charge much less while still
making a profit?

That's a reasonable selling argument. It isn't a buying argument at all.


For stuff like taps unless you buy at the top end of the market
they're all basically the same with slightly different designs and a
widely varying price.

Actually if you buy in the middle of the market, there is a very broad
range available from different plumbing suppliers.

On 2007-07-24 18:55:20 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
Neither B&Q or Wicks could compete with the supermarkets food wise so
they wouldn't bother. Also selling food requires different handling
techniques - refrigerated counters etc. Taps don't. So you're being
stupid again. ;-)

That's really my point. Lidl can't compete with plumbers merchants
and DIY stores in terms of selection, quality and service so why are
they bothering?

Price?

That's about all they have. It's a reasonable selling position, but
not a buying one

And if they have something suitable you win.

But do you? If there's little or nothing to compare with then how
does one know that there isn't something more suitable?

You're not forced to
shop there so why be so negative?

Of course. It just surprises me that people are so willing to
limit their range of choice.

"Andy Hall" wrote in message
...
Indeed. But LIDL aren't exactly a newcomer to selling, so it would seem a
fair guess that they've got a little bit of a clue about the market
they're aiming for.

One wonders based on their "down in the noise" market share figures of
around 2%.

In Germany, the discount chains manage shares of around 35-40%. In the
UK, they are managing under 10%.

So no, I don't think that they know what they are doing in the UK market.

Depends. The question is are they aiming to make money, in which case that's
2% of a very big pie, and entirely possible to make money on - if their
marketing model doesn't rely on having a rather bigger slice of course.

Are they losing money at the moment? Are they gaining market share? No idea
on the first, but I suspect the latter is true, even if it's only because
they started from such a low level. I agree there's no way they're getting
the market share they have in their home country - but they've stayed going
where competitors such as Kwik-Save have died, which suggests they're not
doing it entirely wrong. There is a gap in the market for them, and they do
have some interesting marketing tactics, the results of which include having
their names plastered over various NGs such as this one, and a rather bigger
audience than a simple price-based campaign on groceries would give them.

Whether or not one agrees with eg their shopping environment, their
treatment of staff, and the quality of goods and service they provide,
they're still being an interesting player and I think it's foolish to
dismiss them in the way you tend to.

clive

On Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:12:13 +0100, Andy Hall
wrote:


However, that wasn't really my point anyway.

A bath tap is not something that one buys every day unless one is a
plumber. Therefore, it would be sensible to look at a selection
before deciding on one. It strikes me as odd that someone would
consider limiting themselves to a very small choice of different
products when there are many places offering a much larger range to
choose from. It's even more surprising when the chosen product
doesn't even fit the bath.


So why shouldn't they bother?


As I said - up to them. The strange part is people buying taps from a
grocery store.


Brassware has become a fashion item, this over rides all logic.

LIDL I am sure simply observe that a market for cute fancy brassware
(Such as "Sunburst" or "Pancake" style shower heads) has developed and
seek to cash in on it by sourcing them the cheapest possible way they
can (irrespective of quality) and offering it to Mr & Mrs Scum who can
afford to buy it as an impulse purchase, are not overly concerned
about quality if it means Mrs Scum can have a shower head that looks
identical to the £199 one even down to the gold plated trim for £9.99,
and they are bound to know a bloke down the pub who can fit it using
tools from work and knock-off bits.

DG

On 2007-07-24 20:01:46 +0100, "Clive George" said:

"Andy Hall" wrote in message ...
Indeed. But LIDL aren't exactly a newcomer to selling, so it would seem
a fair guess that they've got a little bit of a clue about the market
they're aiming for.

One wonders based on their "down in the noise" market share figures of
around 2%.

In Germany, the discount chains manage shares of around 35-40%. In
the UK, they are managing under 10%.

So no, I don't think that they know what they are doing in the UK market.

Depends. The question is are they aiming to make money, in which case
that's 2% of a very big pie, and entirely possible to make money on -
if their marketing model doesn't rely on having a rather bigger slice
of course.

It would be very strange indeed to find a supermarket retailer who is
not interested in expanding market share. 2% is practically nothing
in the UK market.



Are they losing money at the moment? Are they gaining market share? No
idea on the first, but I suspect the latter is true, even if it's only
because they started from such a low level.

Both they and Aldi have around this figure for a number of years.


I agree there's no way they're getting the market share they have in
their home country - but they've stayed going where competitors such as
Kwik-Save have died, which suggests they're not doing it entirely wrong.

Same business model. Sell on price, nothing else matters. Doesn't
work in the long run.


There is a gap in the market for them, and they do have some
interesting marketing tactics, the results of which include having
their names plastered over various NGs such as this one, and a rather
bigger audience than a simple price-based campaign on groceries would
give them.

A drop in the bucket.


Whether or not one agrees with eg their shopping environment, their
treatment of staff, and the quality of goods and service they provide,
they're still being an interesting player and I think it's foolish to
dismiss them in the way you tend to.

Frankly, they are virtually irrelevant. Selling on one factor alone
is going to cause that to remain the case.

"Andy Hall" wrote in message
...
On 2007-07-24 18:00:49 +0100, "ARWadsworth"
said:


"Andy Hall" wrote in message
...

That's really my point. Lidl can't compete with plumbers merchants and
DIY stores in terms of selection, quality and service so why are they
bothering?

To make money?

I suppose that that is the intention. A very strange business model,
however.

I wonder what percentage of Lidl tools and DIY products are left to rot
in a shed after purchace instead of being fitted or used.

Adam

Quite a few, I would imagine.


I suspect that a lot of what they sell is simply priced sufficiently low
that people don't even think about whether they actually want the item or
whether it's suitable. The logic seems to be that it's cheap, therefore
it's a bargain and I must buy it. Very strange.

That would have been my next point. It is cheap so "buy it".

My first apprentice bought a set of cheap screwdrivers. Non of the drivers
were of the PZ type and therefore useless for what he needed. The apprentice
said "they were cheap" I told him they were the most expensive screwdrivers
in the world as he would never use them.

Adam

In article ,
ARWadsworth wrote:
I suspect that a lot of what they sell is simply priced sufficiently
low that people don't even think about whether they actually want the
item or whether it's suitable. The logic seems to be that it's
cheap, therefore it's a bargain and I must buy it. Very strange.

That would have been my next point. It is cheap so "buy it".

My first apprentice bought a set of cheap screwdrivers. Non of the
drivers were of the PZ type and therefore useless for what he needed.
The apprentice said "they were cheap" I told him they were the most
expensive screwdrivers in the world as he would never use them.

You could equally as well have bought an expensive set of screwdrivers
which didn't do what you needed - like spanners of the wrong size.

I've not bought many tools from Lidl - but those I have are of decent
quality and were a very good price. Perhaps the best is a set of long and
short Torx, long and short metric Allen keys and a reversible hex drive
ratchet handle for under 10 quid which has proved very useful. The other
Torx and Allen sets I have fit a 3/8 socket set so are rather larger and
not so versatile.

--
*Marathon runners with bad footwear suffer the agony of defeat*

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On Jul 24, 11:14 am, Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-07-24 09:56:22 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
a) even considering buying plumbing items at a grocery store

Why? It's no different from buying from a shed where you basically pick
the item you want from a shelf. Or out of a Screwfix catalogue.

Of course if you expect to ask for an item for a specific job and be given
the correct one you'll need a PM. But then you'll still need the correct
information for the assistant to act on.

Two things.

- Does Lidl carry a comprehensive range of taps?

That's irrelevant if the ones they sell are the ones you want. You are
missing a lot of good deals if you only ever buy from shops that carry
a comprehensive range.

MBQ

On 2007-07-25 11:03:47 +0100, "
said:

On Jul 24, 11:14 am, Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-07-24 09:56:22 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
a) even considering buying plumbing items at a grocery store

Why? It's no different from buying from a shed where you basically pick
the item you want from a shelf. Or out of a Screwfix catalogue.

Of course if you expect to ask for an item for a specific job and be given
the correct one you'll need a PM. But then you'll still need the correct
information for the assistant to act on.

Two things.

- Does Lidl carry a comprehensive range of taps?

That's irrelevant if the ones they sell are the ones you want. You are
missing a lot of good deals if you only ever buy from shops that carry
a comprehensive range.

MBQ

Therein is exactly the point.

What constitutes a "deal"?

Is it something where somebody walks into a store or sees a one item
promotion on a web site and impulse buys something because of the price?

Alternatively is it something where somebody decides that they needs a
particular item, looks for what they want in a place that has a range
of choice at different price points and selects what they want,
commensurate with a price that they are willing to pay?

I consider that the second is a "deal", not the first because there is
a match to customer need, choice and price, whereas the first is just
an impulse buy.

It is very clear that these promotions of Lidldi stores are there
solely to hook in gullible punters who will impulse buy things on price
that they don't really need. They hope, of course, that the punter
will then buy more things.

On Jul 24, 7:37 pm, Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-07-24 18:55:20 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
Neither B&Q or Wicks could compete with the supermarkets food wise so
they wouldn't bother. Also selling food requires different handling
techniques - refrigerated counters etc. Taps don't. So you're being
stupid again. ;-)

That's really my point. Lidl can't compete with plumbers merchants
and DIY stores in terms of selection, quality and service so why are
they bothering?

Price?

That's about all they have. It's a reasonable selling position, but
not a buying one

And if they have something suitable you win.

But do you? If there's little or nothing to compare with then how
does one know that there isn't something more suitable?

By shopping around. If Aldi/Lidl have what you want then go back there
to buuy it.


You're not forced to
shop there so why be so negative?

Of course. It just surprises me that people are so willing to
limit their range of choice.

Why do you assume that people who shop there are limiting their
choice? Does shopping in a Clark's shop limit your choice of shoes? Of
course it doesn't, there are other shoe shops to choose from.

MBQ

On Jul 24, 7:33 pm, Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-07-24 18:47:42 +0100, Pete C said:

Because they buy in bulk and so can charge much less while still
making a profit?

That's a reasonable selling argument. It isn't a buying argument at all.

People buy because they offer the right products at the right price,
largely.

cheers,
Pete.

On 2007-07-25 11:13:43 +0100, "
said:

On Jul 24, 7:37 pm, Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-07-24 18:55:20 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
Neither B&Q or Wicks could compete with the supermarkets food wise so
they wouldn't bother. Also selling food requires different handling
techniques - refrigerated counters etc. Taps don't. So you're being
stupid again. ;-)

That's really my point. Lidl can't compete with plumbers merchants
and DIY stores in terms of selection, quality and service so why are
they bothering?

Price?

That's about all they have. It's a reasonable selling position, but
not a buying one

And if they have something suitable you win.

But do you? If there's little or nothing to compare with then how
does one know that there isn't something more suitable?

By shopping around. If Aldi/Lidl have what you want then go back there
to buuy it.

.... and how long does that take?




You're not forced to
shop there so why be so negative?

Of course. It just surprises me that people are so willing to
limit their range of choice.

Why do you assume that people who shop there are limiting their
choice?

Does Lidl stock bathroom taps as a comprehensive range? No.
Are they on some kind of promotion? Usually.


Does shopping in a Clark's shop limit your choice of shoes? Of
course it doesn't, there are other shoe shops to choose from.

There are indeed. The difference is that Clarks is a shoe shop and
that's its business. Lidl is a food supermarket that brings in odd
items on the cheap for marketing promotions to impulse buyers.

On 2007-07-25 11:26:38 +0100, Pete C said:

On Jul 24, 7:33 pm, Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-07-24 18:47:42 +0100, Pete C said:

Because they buy in bulk and so can charge much less while still
making a profit?

That's a reasonable selling argument. It isn't a buying argument at all.

People buy because they offer the right products at the right price,
largely.

cheers,
Pete.

I think not. For this type of product, on a marketing promotion,
people impulse buy because the product is cheap.

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
It is very clear that these promotions of Lidldi stores are there
solely to hook in gullible punters who will impulse buy things on price
that they don't really need. They hope, of course, that the punter
will then buy more things.

You buy bath taps on impulse? Is there a name for this condition?

--
*When companies ship Styrofoam, what do they pack it in? *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
Lidl is a food supermarket

I don't know of such a thing - do you?

Every supermarket I've ever visited sells a variety of household goods as
well as food. And a tap is a household good...

Do you only buy lamp bulbs from an electrical wholesaler to make sure you
have a good choice?

--
*The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On 2007-07-25 15:20:50 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
Lidl is a food supermarket

I don't know of such a thing - do you?

Sure. Waitrose is one example - here anyway.



Every supermarket I've ever visited sells a variety of household goods as
well as food.

Washing powder etc.



And a tap is a household good...

That's stretching it.


Do you only buy lamp bulbs from an electrical wholesaler to make sure you
have a good choice?

Usually specialist lamp suppliers these days and in bulk.

On 2007-07-25 15:17:05 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
It is very clear that these promotions of Lidldi stores are there
solely to hook in gullible punters who will impulse buy things on price
that they don't really need. They hope, of course, that the punter
will then buy more things.

You buy bath taps on impulse? Is there a name for this condition?

Definitely not. I don't buy anything on impulse.

On Wed, 25 Jul 2007 15:50:48 +0100, Andy Hall
wrote:

On 2007-07-25 15:20:50 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
Lidl is a food supermarket

I don't know of such a thing - do you?

Sure. Waitrose is one example - here anyway.

Andy - I'm surprised you use supermarkets such as Waitrose.

What's the matter with specialist food suppliers such as greengrocers,
fruiterers, dairies, butchers, fishmongers &c? They're much more
likely to have more choices than a 'supermarket'.

As a vegetarian I eschew butchers and fishmongers, but I do get most
of my fruit 'n' veg from a local independent greengrocer. Only in a
dire emergency do I use multifood outlets - as it happens I've only
ever seen Guinness Marmite in Waitrose, so I do have to pop in there
now and again :-))

--
Frank Erskine

On 2007-07-26 00:42:26 +0100, Frank Erskine
said:

On Wed, 25 Jul 2007 15:50:48 +0100, Andy Hall
wrote:

On 2007-07-25 15:20:50 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
said:

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
Lidl is a food supermarket

I don't know of such a thing - do you?

Sure. Waitrose is one example - here anyway.

Andy - I'm surprised you use supermarkets such as Waitrose.

I didn't say that I did.


What's the matter with specialist food suppliers such as greengrocers,
fruiterers, dairies, butchers, fishmongers &c? They're much more
likely to have more choices than a 'supermarket'.

I agree with you.

Ask yourself why there has been decimation of the specialist food
suppliers. It hasn't happened to anything like the same degree in
France for example. There are also street markets selling very good
quality produce whereas here, much of it is rubbish.

The conclusion is that people want to buy on price and will accept any
old rubbish. Compare any UK supermarket with a French one and the
difference is stark in terms of quality and presentation of product.



As a vegetarian I eschew butchers and fishmongers, but I do get most
of my fruit 'n' veg from a local independent greengrocer.

Finding good quality ones is a challenge.


Only in a
dire emergency do I use multifood outlets - as it happens I've only
ever seen Guinness Marmite in Waitrose, so I do have to pop in there
now and again :-))

Never seen that. Sounds very attractive,

In article ,
Andy Hall wrote:
Lidl is a food supermarket

I don't know of such a thing - do you?

Sure. Waitrose is one example - here anyway.

The one here sells more than food.

--
*I can see your point, but I still think you're full of ****.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.