Customers Claim ‘Rip Off’ Charges on Pre-Setup Laptops

  • Currys PC World faces criticism for add-on charges on pre-setup laptops
  • Over 100 customers complained to consumer watchdog Which? about extra fees
  • Knowhow setup service costs up to £40 and is not clearly advertised as optional

Currys PC World has faced criticism for charging customers up to £40 extra for pre-setup laptops they did not request. Over 100 consumers have complained to consumer watchdog Which? about the practice, with nine complaints in the past three months alone. The company offers an optional ‘Knowhow’ setup service for £35, which includes a USB recovery stick, but customers claim it was not clearly advertised as optional. Currys PC World has stated that they are urgently re-briefing store managers to ensure customers are not charged extra when only pre-setup models are available.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about customer complaints regarding Currys PC World’s practice of charging extra for pre-setup laptops without clear communication of optional services. It also includes the company’s response to these concerns.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about a specific issue with Currys PC World’s business practices and includes evidence of customer complaints. However, it lacks in-depth analysis or exploration of the consequences for the company or the industry as a whole.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Currys PC World
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a business practice that impacts the company’s reputation and potentially its sales, which could affect its financial performance.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article. The issue discussed is a customer service and business practice concern, but it does not reach the level of an extreme event.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk