Archers TV Service Ltd in Dartford | Best Phone, Laptop, and Computer Repair Services at Affordable Prices | Quick Fixes

My parents contacted Archers Dartford after their TV developed a fault. The engineer took it away for further inspection, temporarily replaced it with a loaned TV set, before advising them that they needed a new TV (with the vague explanation that their faulty one was 15 years old and replacement parts weren’t available).

My parents are well into their 80’s and know little about tech and simply followed the direction they were being advised. They therefore ended up paying PS429 for a new Samsung TV with an RRP of PS369 that can be purchased online for as little as PS319, Archers explanation being that particular model (Archers choice, not the customers) was “out of stock” at retailers advertising it at reduced prices (not true for all of them) and my parents’ one had an 5 year warranty as opposed to the usual one year.

Additionally, they were charged PS50 for a “Universal Pedestal” when the new TV had its own stand included, because the customer “needed a stand that swivels”. A PS70 installation fee was also added for a job I could’ve done myself, although it must be said that the engineer was patient with them, completed the job to their satisfaction and gave me an explanation of what he was doing over the phone at the time.

A tech savvy customer could’ve got the exact same new TV from another retailer, installed it themselves and saved PS250. This smacks of elderly people being charged top dollar because they went along what they were being sold in good faith. Nothing illegal took place because the shop acted “under instruction” from the customer, be they poorly advised or otherwise. No impropriety has been accepted by Archers nor any refund offered. Ultimately, my parents got what they wanted (a TV that works!) but I strongly feel that they were overcharged an expense they can ill afford.

Moral of the story … Shop around! And if you don’t fully understand what you are buying, get a trusted relative or friend to help you.

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FOOTNOTE (in response to Archer’s reply below):

The response from Archers to this review is wholly inadequate and misleading. It contains a number of false statements. I did not “rant” at them over the phone. Rather, we had a calm & measured conversation (“meaningful dialogue”, to use Archers own words), all be it with unsatisfactory answers, during which time Archers chose not to remedy the situation favourably.

Their policy seems to be (judging by other negative reviews) that an unhappy customer is always wrong. Archers clearly need a lesson in customer service and public relations.

I stand by my earlier statement … I remain unconvinced that the old TV was unrepairable, that my parents got a bad deal from this retailer, as evidenced by the fact that this product is available right now from numerous other sellers for considerably less than they paid, and their vulnerable status as pensioners ignorant about modern tech & electronics left them open to being taken advantage of.

I needed a new tumble dryer, got prices from all of the normal big suppliers and then saw Euronics (Archers Dartford), supply and delivered they were cheaper than any other online company that I compared them with and they could deliver far earlier than anyone else.

Online ordering through Euronics was simple and easy, received confirmation emails and then a couple of texts confirming delivery.

On the day of delivery got a text with a 1 hour slot, driver arrived within 2 minutes of agreed time. Nice delivery man, friendly and chatty. Unpacked, packaging removed, ready for me to slot tumble dryer into place.

What more could anyone ask for, best price, best delivery time, friendly local company service with national company back up.

A well deserved 5 stars.

Gave these a ring after my LG OLED stopped working. They came and collected the TV a few days later and returned it 10 days after that. A much better service than I was getting from LG who has no interest in providing any after sale service.

TV is working perfectly again. 2 great guys collected the TV. Very polite and knowledgeable. When they returned the TV one of them explained the fault and why they carried out the type of repair they did.

I was very happy with the price I was quoted and that price never changed. Great service, highly recommended.