Familliar sounding experience?

We went to the Sony store to buy a washing machine.

When we found the one we wanted, I asked the salesmand for a discount, but he said its already at a special price, so they can't discount it. But then after I said I wanted to buy it, he scribbled a couple of numbers on a piece of paper, showing me that he was giving us a 500 baht discount. (Is this a special sales technique - make sure the customer is comitted before offering a discount?)

While looking at the washing machine, I commented to my wife that its a good thing its on a pedestal, because without it, the machine would be harder to load. The salesman overheard, and said that the washing machine doesn't come with a pedestal. If we want one, we'll have to build one or buy one oursleves. A pedestal was included in the box.

I asked if they could install it and hook it up. The salesman said they couldn't hook it up, but when it was delivered later that night, the guy hooked it up and said he would come over the next day and make a proper water connection. And he didn't come back.

AAAAARGHHHHHHHhhhhh!!!!!!!!

It only took a couple of trips to Global to get the stuff to hook it up properly. The machine works very nicely.

This reminds me of a similar story when we bought a front loading automatic washing machine.

Before showing any interest in any particular model, I went to great lengths to establish if installation was included and to ensure that we had understood each other corrcetly. (I had previously bought washing machines in Phuket and it was included there). They told me it was included in the shop here. So we decided which machine we wanted and then went to do the paperwork.

It was at that point that they started trying to explain something about the installation, but neither of us could properly understand the other.

So anyway it arrived and a team (who turned out to be from a different shop or business) installed it, and then presented me with a lengthy itemised bill for every little part (rubber washer, piece of plastic pipe etc) that had been used in the installation, amounting to about 1300 baht.

At which point, rightly or wrongly, I threw what Wokka recently described as a "Wokka Wobbly" and said that if I had to pay any extra (for installation) they could uninstall it and take it back, particularly as I had gone to considerable lengths to originally establish that it was included. After a number of phone calls back to the shop I bought it from, the matter was resolved without any additional payment on my part.

Upon subsequent reflection, I guess they had been trying to tell me that the installation was free, but not the parts! But if so they should have told me that in answer to my original questions and not mislead me (in my view deliberately).

When we bought our washing machine the salesman also gave us a piece of paper, but with a couple of phone number on it, told the wife to call them first. Turned out to be a shop elsewhere in Udon that sold the same machine but cheaper. So we bought it there. Guess who turned up when it was delivered and plumbed in FOC...... yep, the first salesman.

Get a salary from one of the large shops and commission from a smaller shop, way to go young man....

Interesting.

Must admit I'd allways thought that one of the advantages of living in LOS was that you didn't need a washing machine.

The side street launderettes are dirt cheap AND you get you clothes ironed.

Easy, hassle free, cheap service.

Wouldn't it take years to pay the equivelent price of a washing machine?

Gary

I have a nice big Whirlpool washer and dryer set.Great for the the feelings of independence and freedom!Don't have to rely on the weather,''Thai time'',lost items etc.

Plus it gives me an ''easy job'' around the house!Combined with washing the dishes,mowing the lawn and washing the car,I feel I have contributed around the house as the wife is/was continously busy busy!

One can get many services very inexpensively in Thailand.I personally have a difficult time with ''full time'' retirement,as I am more about my family life versus finding things to do outside the home ,while the wife is home cooking and cleaning(her choice,and I like it)!

I guess it depends on where you are at in your life journey,how you choose to live.I have more free time than I need or like!Yet,I'm not interested in having a ''full schedule'' either

I agree with BKKSTAN,

I got fed up with the laundry coming back Thai time and sometimes with items missing, nothing of value as I didn't send anything expensive to the laundry shop.

Plus as with BKKSTAN it gives me something to do round the house, my wife too does all the cooking and cleaning, my contribution includes washing the car, the clothes and walking the dogs....... oh and paying the bills....lol

I got fed up with the laundry coming back Thai time and sometimes with items missing, nothing of value as I didn't send anything expensive to the laundry shop.

Yes, I too prefer to have/use a washing machine. You can wash what you want when you want and get it back and dry the same day. Keeps the wife occupied ironing and I deal with the technical stuff like selecting the programme number!!

I found when I used to work in LOS, laundries would always iron the shirts far too hot (seams, collars, cuffs, etc) and they would all come back shiny. Also you would get bits of fluff and white on dark clothes, presumably where they had mixed the colours together.

one of the best things i ever puchased for the house was a washing machine from Tescos delivered and plumbed in in a flash.

Kudjap or Bust wrote:I agree with BKKSTAN,

I got fed up with the laundry coming back Thai time and sometimes with items missing, nothing of value as I didn't send anything expensive to the laundry shop.

Plus as with BKKSTAN it gives me something to do round the house, my wife too does all the cooking and cleaning, my contribution includes washing the car, the clothes and walking the dogs....... oh and paying the bills....lol

We found our calling in life

Now let me get this straight.

Some of you have washing machines because it gives you something to do!!!! next your be telling me you sit in front of it and watch the washing go round.

Arjay, your right, they do come back shiny sometimes. Also I noticed the indentation on the back of a t-shirt from a pocket on the front. Ironed to hot I think.

Don't fortget folks, you can allways cut down on your washing by turning your underpants in side out and wear then again.

Gary

Galee wrote:Now let me get this straight.

Some of you have washing machines because it gives you something to do!!!! next your be telling me you sit in front of it and watch the washing go round.

Arjay, your right, they do come back shiny sometimes. Also I noticed the indentation on the back of a t-shirt from a pocket on the front. Ironed to hot I think.

Don't fortget folks, you can allways cut down on your washing by turning your underpants in side out and wear then again.

Gary

And be seen in different colors No way

Arjay, your right, they do come back shiny sometimes. Also I noticed the indentation on the back of a t-shirt from a pocket on the front. Ironed to hot I think.

and some hotels write your room number in permanant marker pen on the inside of your garments, most annoying.
and the shiny trouser's and the indentation's remind me of school days, especially the "V" section on jumpers. lol

beer monkey wrote:

Arjay, your right, they do come back shiny sometimes. Also I noticed the indentation on the back of a t-shirt from a pocket on the front. Ironed to hot I think.

and some hotels write your room number in permanant marker pen on the inside of your garments, most annoying.
and the shiny trouser's and the indentation's remind me of school days, especially the "V" section on jumpers. lol

The ''permanent marker'' action might help Thom as he trolls the streets looking for the alleged 200 baht action

WhoPEEEEEEEEEEEEEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! got somehthng new to do wartch the washing machine great idea guys thanks

So the guys in here keep busy with washing clothes? Man, I can see I'm gonna have to find some more hobbies when I get over there. I know there's a couple of good bowling alleys. Might have to learn to play golf. Play a little tennis but at a very slow pace these days. Used to enjoy chess until tried playing against computers. I like to fish and hope there are some places to do it there. Good thing that I like to read. Gives me a reason to make trips to Bangkok to check out Asia Books places. I should be alright.

Do any of you guys employ fulltime housegirls for the washing and cleaning? Cost of living index shows 3 to 4,000 Baht these days. My wife is against it but I'm just wondering.