Companies that falsely advertise... - Blu-ray Forum

Natty · 08-17-2010, 05:56 PM

Does this annoy anyone else?

I recently bought The Hills Have Eyes 2 movie pack from Play.com and I thought I was getting a good deal as the picture showed the slipcover available for this particular Blu Ray box. However when it came it had no slipcover so naturally I was disappointed and rang the company up. They told me they would email their warehouse about my concern and that I should receive a response within 24-48 hours. One week later I still hadn't received an email, so I rang them again and they told me that no such guarantee was stated on their website and that they had none of the slipcovers left. So I told them it was false advertising to have the picture up like that, as it was the main reason I bought it from them. Granted I have been offered a refund, but it's not the point. I won't be sending the item back, but will instead trawl the internet in search of the slipcover...

p.s. I can't believe some people throw slipcovers away :O Why???

groundgamer · 08-17-2010, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natty

Does this annoy anyone else?

I recently bought The Hills Have Eyes 2 movie pack from Play.com and I thought I was getting a good deal as the picture showed the slipcover available for this particular Blu Ray box. However when it came it had no slipcover so naturally I was disappointed and rang the company up. They told me they would email their warehouse about my concern and that I should receive a response within 24-48 hours. One week later I still hadn't received an email, so I rang them again and they told me that no such guarantee was stated on their website and that they had none of the slipcovers left. So I told them it was false advertising to have the picture up like that, as it was the main reason I bought it from them. Granted I have been offered a refund, but it's not the point. I won't be sending the item back, but will instead trawl the internet in search of the slipcover...

p.s. I can't believe some people throw slipcovers away :O Why???

I love Slipcovers, can't get enough of em'. HMV always send me Blu's without covers when it clearly shows that it comes with one, and they send the slipcovers out within a week. I hate false advertising!!

Jezza · 08-17-2010, 06:08 PM

I voted 'No', because usually on initial release they do include slipcovers, and the artwork always goes with when they first come out.

Although, obviously over time certain titles do loose their slipcovers, Disney springs to mind, and that can be annoying for many who don't realise this.

And then there are times when some are released with slipcovers and some without, so it's a lttle tricky.

I'm actually not sure now.

Bruce Morrison · 08-17-2010, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natty

p.s. I can't believe some people throw slipcovers away :O Why???

Well why not? All the slip covers I've ever had merely duplicate the artwork already provided with the case. What's the point of having the same artwork twice over? IMHO, slip covers are just an unnecessary waste of natural resources. I don't throw them away though - I recycle the cardboard.

Sig-gotyouth · 08-17-2010, 06:10 PM

I voted. Yes

I believe that the item you purchase online should be as depicted.

Natty · 08-17-2010, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce Morrison

Well why not? All the slip covers I've ever had merely duplicate the artwork already provided with the case. What's the point of having the same artwork twice over? IMHO, slip covers are just an unnecessary waste of natural resources. I don't throw them away though - I recycle the cardboard.

Oh yeah definitely! I agree completely! It is a waste of resources, however I just don't see why the throw them out, I can understand recycling them.

Quote:

I voted 'No', because usually on initial release they do include slipcovers, and the artwork always goes with when they first come out.

Although, obviously over time certain titles do loose their slipcovers, Disney springs to mind, and that can be annoying for many who don't realise this. And then there are times when some are released with slipcovers and some without, so it's a lttle tricky. I'm actually not sure now.

But if a company of the size and magnitude of HMV or Play.com run out of the slipcover versions then they should promptly update their database. Because it is falsely advertising that they have a slipcover when they don't.

jstn · 08-17-2010, 07:28 PM

I always e-mail Amazon or hmv prior to ordering regarding slipcovers - they usually get someone to check the warehouse stock and e-mail you back within a few hours. Play are unable to check stock, apparently. You should always consider the title's age - if it's quite old then it's probably not going to come with a slipcover.

So far, I have never not received slipcovers (when I've been expecting them) from hmv. They may be more slightly more expensive, but they always deliver my pre-orders before release date and in pristine condition (slipcover, steely) because of the boxes they ship in.

I hope they take care of my Alien egg!

I think images should be updated too - Dumbo is pictured with a slipcover on Amazon when I'm certain they're out of print. Then again, both versions of Up are pictured without slipcovers on Amazon, when I'm sure they always come with them, as I've never seen copies of Up without their slipcovers. I don't think retailers see the difference between images (slipcover/no slipcover), or consider the existence of us slipcover collectors.

They just upload the images they've given.

Jezza · 08-17-2010, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natty

Oh yeah definitely! I agree completely! It is a waste of resources, however I just don't see why the throw them out, I can understand recycling them.

But if a company of the size and magnitude of HMV or Play.com run out of the slipcover versions then they should promptly update their database. Because it is falsely advertising that they have a slipcover when they don't.

Well as I said afterwards I wasn't sure about my vote.

But if you think about the studio supplying the artwork may not have an image of it without its slipcase and it'd be rather pointless from their perspective to quickly create a new one for the sake of a slipcase. I suppose the best way would be for the supplier to simply state on their website if it has a slipcase or not.

Natty · 08-17-2010, 07:34 PM

Yer HMV are better in general in comparison to Play.com (quicker shipping times, slightly better packaging etc.). I always try to order from them over Play.com.

Also I have never had a problem with getting a slipcover when I have pre-ordered either, however I meant when a release has been out for a while and they run out of the slipcovers they should change the image. I just feel harshly done by, although it doesn't happen often. I mean to get that slipcover now is going to take some doing!

Also I received a steelbook from HMV and I can tell there is paint missing from it slightly on the right hand side (steelbook was Greenzone). It's about 1cm long, worth sending back for a new one?

The Driver · 08-17-2010, 07:59 PM

I throw away all slip covers (maybe 30 so far) unless they are special like Moon or Clash of The Titans (lenticular).

I don't think Play are doing anything different to any other business and that's using an image supplied or they've found.

It's up to the buyer (we're all collectors here of sorts) to do his own homework and establish all the facts before parting with their cash.

Caveat emptor I believe they call that!

Don't be lazy or cheap, do the leg work if the item is that important to you.

thewerepuppygrr · 08-17-2010, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natty

Also I received a steelbook from HMV and I can tell there is paint missing from it slightly on the right hand side (steelbook was Greenzone). It's about 1cm long, worth sending back for a new one?

I would. I was in a similar position with a scratched copy of the Minority Report steelbook and after mulling over whether or not it was worth it, I decided to return it for a new one. A good thing with HMV is that you can return damaged items freepost (rather than getting a later refund on postage costs like amazon).

Why pay almost £20 for something you're not totally happy with? Get a new one!

As for slipcovers, it would be nice if they updated their photos but they probably never will, and tbh I've never expected to. I kind of like the challenge of searching for them.

As for the old slipcover debate, I see them as like the equivalent of getting a hardcover book - the picture is clearer and often special. I enjoy getting the best covers of the movies I love. What's the issue?

McClane29 · 08-17-2010, 10:09 PM

False advertising? I suppose it is really. However, I've learnt a lot over the past year from collecting blu-rays, about slipcovers.

Titles that are released months before you purchase them, are certainly likely to have had their slips removed. Total stupidity in my opinion, but you can see why it is most likely done. Retailers, studios, whoever, use this as an incentive for the consumer to buy the title on release, or there abouts. Hence, you're going to pay more for the blu, and sales do well. For example, I want the recently released 'Centurion' with its slip, so I know my only option is to pay a daft £18 soon, before it goes.

In a perfect world, the online retailers would update their product images, to reflect the current availability of slipcovers, for individual titles. It would appear to me that retailers aren't aware, or concerned enough to make these updates.

Since I can assume for myself, that slips are unlikely to still be shipped for older releases (despite the product image), I have less a problem with this. It's annoying, but what can we do? What I cannot accept, is new releases/pre-orders being listed on websites with the indication of there being a slipcover, when there isn't one! Such as 'Donnie Darko' last month. Clearly the product images were showing a slipcover version of the release. Why make the image suggest a slip, if there isn't one? That certainly is false advertising.

Natty · 08-17-2010, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McClane29

False advertising? I suppose it is really. However, I've learnt a lot over the past year from collecting blu-rays, about slipcovers.

Titles that are released months before you purchase them, are certainly likely to have had their slips removed. Total stupidity in my opinion, but you can see why it is most likely done. Retailers, studios, whoever, use this as an incentive for the consumer to buy the title on release, or there abouts. Hence, you're going to pay more for the blu, and sales do well. For example, I want the recently released 'Centurion' with its slip, so I know my only option is to pay a daft £18 soon, before it goes.

In a perfect world, the online retailers would update their product images, to reflect the current availability of slipcovers, for individual titles. It would appear to me that retailers aren't aware, or concerned enough to make these updates.

Since I can assume for myself, that slips are unlikely to still be shipped for older releases (despite the product image), I have less a problem with this. It's annoying, but what can we do? What I cannot accept, is new releases/pre-orders being listed on websites with the indication of there being a slipcover, when there isn't one! Such as 'Donnie Darko' last month. Clearly the product images were showing a slipcover version of the release. Why make the image suggest a slip, if there isn't one? That certainly is false advertising.

What a post my friend! I really couldn't agree more with what you just said

I'm in the same boat for Centurion!

The Driver · 08-18-2010, 07:43 AM

....and remember people all advertising is false. It has to be or you'd not buy something (either goods or a message from your government).

Smoking kills no doubt but it doesn't kill everyone.

I just bought some stuff off an Amazon USA Seller and I emailed him first and he even took pictures kindly to make sure I knew exactly what I was getting. Easy as that. Sellers/shops either don't reply or do. If they don't you have your answer.

Companies would need to employ lots of people to check tiny little images which may be outdated, incorrect or maybe even false.

Start with the UPC/barcode and then do your homework.

View Poll Results: Do you think that including a slipcover in a picture is false advertising?
Yes	9	40.91%
No	13	59.09%
Voters: 22. You may not vote on this poll

08-17-2010, 05:56 PM	#1
Natty Special Member Top contributor Member since:Jun 2010 Location:Devon, UK Blu-ray collection:678 DVD collection:47 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:5	Companies that falsely advertise... Does this annoy anyone else? I recently bought The Hills Have Eyes 2 movie pack from Play.com and I thought I was getting a good deal as the picture showed the slipcover available for this particular Blu Ray box. However when it came it had no slipcover so naturally I was disappointed and rang the company up. They told me they would email their warehouse about my concern and that I should receive a response within 24-48 hours. One week later I still hadn't received an email, so I rang them again and they told me that no such guarantee was stated on their website and that they had none of the slipcovers left. So I told them it was false advertising to have the picture up like that, as it was the main reason I bought it from them. Granted I have been offered a refund, but it's not the point. I won't be sending the item back, but will instead trawl the internet in search of the slipcover... p.s. I can't believe some people throw slipcovers away :O Why???

08-17-2010, 07:28 PM	#7
jstn Special Member Top contributor Member since:Mar 2010 Location:UK Blu-ray collection:80 Trading Score:14	I always e-mail Amazon or hmv prior to ordering regarding slipcovers - they usually get someone to check the warehouse stock and e-mail you back within a few hours. Play are unable to check stock, apparently. You should always consider the title's age - if it's quite old then it's probably not going to come with a slipcover. So far, I have never not received slipcovers (when I've been expecting them) from hmv. They may be more slightly more expensive, but they always deliver my pre-orders before release date and in pristine condition (slipcover, steely) because of the boxes they ship in. I hope they take care of my Alien egg! I think images should be updated too - Dumbo is pictured with a slipcover on Amazon when I'm certain they're out of print. Then again, both versions of Up are pictured without slipcovers on Amazon, when I'm sure they always come with them, as I've never seen copies of Up without their slipcovers. I don't think retailers see the difference between images (slipcover/no slipcover), or consider the existence of us slipcover collectors. They just upload the images they've given. Last edited by jstn; 08-17-2010 at 07:32 PM.

08-17-2010, 06:08 PM	#3
Jezza Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Apr 2010 4K collection:431 Blu-ray collection:820 DVD collection:36 Trading Score:1	I voted 'No', because usually on initial release they do include slipcovers, and the artwork always goes with when they first come out. Although, obviously over time certain titles do loose their slipcovers, Disney springs to mind, and that can be annoying for many who don't realise this. And then there are times when some are released with slipcovers and some without, so it's a lttle tricky. I'm actually not sure now.

08-17-2010, 06:10 PM	#5
Sig-gotyouth Senior Member Member since:Dec 2009 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:5	I voted. Yes I believe that the item you purchase online should be as depicted.

08-17-2010, 07:34 PM	#9
Natty Special Member Top contributor Member since:Jun 2010 Location:Devon, UK Blu-ray collection:678 DVD collection:47 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:5	Yer HMV are better in general in comparison to Play.com (quicker shipping times, slightly better packaging etc.). I always try to order from them over Play.com. Also I have never had a problem with getting a slipcover when I have pre-ordered either, however I meant when a release has been out for a while and they run out of the slipcovers they should change the image. I just feel harshly done by, although it doesn't happen often. I mean to get that slipcover now is going to take some doing! Also I received a steelbook from HMV and I can tell there is paint missing from it slightly on the right hand side (steelbook was Greenzone). It's about 1cm long, worth sending back for a new one?

08-17-2010, 07:59 PM	#10
The Driver Blu-ray Guru Member since:Feb 2009 Location:UK Trading Score:1	I throw away all slip covers (maybe 30 so far) unless they are special like Moon or Clash of The Titans (lenticular). I don't think Play are doing anything different to any other business and that's using an image supplied or they've found. It's up to the buyer (we're all collectors here of sorts) to do his own homework and establish all the facts before parting with their cash. Caveat emptor I believe they call that! Don't be lazy or cheap, do the leg work if the item is that important to you.

08-17-2010, 10:09 PM	#12
McClane29 Senior Member Member since:Feb 2010 Location:UK 4K collection:11 Blu-ray collection:11	False advertising? I suppose it is really. However, I've learnt a lot over the past year from collecting blu-rays, about slipcovers. Titles that are released months before you purchase them, are certainly likely to have had their slips removed. Total stupidity in my opinion, but you can see why it is most likely done. Retailers, studios, whoever, use this as an incentive for the consumer to buy the title on release, or there abouts. Hence, you're going to pay more for the blu, and sales do well. For example, I want the recently released 'Centurion' with its slip, so I know my only option is to pay a daft £18 soon, before it goes. In a perfect world, the online retailers would update their product images, to reflect the current availability of slipcovers, for individual titles. It would appear to me that retailers aren't aware, or concerned enough to make these updates. Since I can assume for myself, that slips are unlikely to still be shipped for older releases (despite the product image), I have less a problem with this. It's annoying, but what can we do? What I cannot accept, is new releases/pre-orders being listed on websites with the indication of there being a slipcover, when there isn't one! Such as 'Donnie Darko' last month. Clearly the product images were showing a slipcover version of the release. Why make the image suggest a slip, if there isn't one? That certainly is false advertising.

08-18-2010, 07:43 AM	#14
The Driver Blu-ray Guru Member since:Feb 2009 Location:UK Trading Score:1	....and remember people all advertising is false. It has to be or you'd not buy something (either goods or a message from your government). Smoking kills no doubt but it doesn't kill everyone. I just bought some stuff off an Amazon USA Seller and I emailed him first and he even took pictures kindly to make sure I knew exactly what I was getting. Easy as that. Sellers/shops either don't reply or do. If they don't you have your answer. Companies would need to employ lots of people to check tiny little images which may be outdated, incorrect or maybe even false. Start with the UPC/barcode and then do your homework.

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