When the boss of Harvey Norman, Gerry Harvey, decided go around with Ruslan Kogan, the CEO of Kogan Technologies web site over the quality of their respective TV offerings, I don’t think that he banked on consumers coming out in force to slam his own operation.
Earlier in the week Kogan was labelled “a con”, a fly by night retailer and a person who sells “inferior products” by Gerry Harvey.
Now consumers have written to forum and comment pages in droves to slam the consumer electronics retailer.
Phil from Melbourne wrote: “I’m with Kogan. Suck it up Gerry, your stuff is usually overpriced, get used to some stiff competition. Even if you knock out Kogan, there are a dozen others ready to eat into your profits!”
Daz of Sydney wrote: “I used to work at Harvey’s. Every single item is ticketed 10 percent higher than cost before a profit margin for the franchisee is added. This 10 percent goes direct to Harvey’s HO and Gerry’s wallet. Go buy elsewhere and save yourself the money. Be careful of sales, we used to be directed by the franchisee to re-ticket stuff at higher prices before sale weekends when we could get away with it. Go to JB or GG seriously, Gerry is getting too big for his boots”.
If this is correct, and SmartHouse has no evidence that the claim is correct, Harvey Norman franchisees could be in breach Trade Practice laws.
Fairtrade Sydney wrote on the SMH web site: “Mr Harvey has always been a bit cranky – remember when he set up Harvey Norman after Norman Ross was bought out? He used to like competition. But he sells lesser known brands at the same price as Kogan? Is that an admission his cheaper brands are of the same quality as Kogan’s?
Norman Ross of Sydney wrote: “Let’s not mention having to pay for Gerry’s outdated franchisee model. He takes a nice cut on every sale. Gerry should be more worried about the likes of JBHiFi and Dick Smith than what Kogan is doing. As for Kogen’s comments, nice try but a TV is more than just a panel, he is hardly the bastion of quality”.
Mac from Balmain said: “Ultimately, you should bargain down Harvey Norman or Domayne (or should that be Harvey Domayne?). The last TV I bought was an LCD TV with LED backlight and I save about $500 off the ticket price without even trying, that was at the Good Guys and they have done great deals for me in the past”.
MindPower Coach wrote: Thanks to Gerry, I am now very interested in Kogan’s business and TVs they have on offer. See how it works?”
Stu of Sydney wrote: “Sounds to me like Gerry is getting nervous! What a git to carry on the way he is. I used to respect him for what he’s done in building his business empire, but he’s sure lost my confidence now. I don’t think I’ll be shopping at “Hardly Normal” anymore!!”
Wal of Gippsland wrote: “Gerry Harvey going undercover boss a couple of months ago told me all I need to know about this man. Go Mr Kogan”.
Robby of Sydney wrote: “The PC monitor market is pretty much the same. Only a few companies actually make LCD and LED screens and other companies buy them, maybe add some circuits, slap them into a case and put their brand name on front – instantly jacking up the price of the item.
Oh and I wouldn’t buy a TV from Harvey Normans if you offered to pay 50 percent. I’ve often found the sales staffs are rude, more interested in their commission and generally lacking in knowledge of the product they are trying to sell you – and they tend to be more expensive for the same product you can purchase elsewhere”.
Jamie of Hoppers Crossing said: “Anyone buying electronics from Harvey Norman is either lazy or unaware of the far better deals out there and not just for inferior brand”.
Elena from West Ryde said: ” Shop around is all I say. I think Gerry’s biggest issue is he doesn’t sell online. I’m sure he will change his tune about that soon enough. It’s good to see major players like The Good Guys and Bing Lee now selling quality brands online. I just ordered a new TV from Bingers Lee and its here. Panasonic at Kogans Prices. I think I win… 🙂 I like it!!!!
Mal Duxworthy of Melbourne wrote: “Harvey Norman is dearer than most other comparable stores. EG, HN has a well known brand printer ink at “sale” price, but it’s $5.00 dearer than the JB Hi Fi regular price. This was yesterday at Knox City. Keep away from Harvey Norman stores.
Another reader called Cat wrote: “Dear Gerry, you can take your overpriced tellies and your rude sales staff and your 24 months interest free and shove it up your jacksie”.
Daz of Sydney wrote: “I used to work at Harveys. Every single item is ticketed 10% higher than cost before a profit margin for the franchisee is added. This 10 goes direct to Harveys HO and Gerry’s wallet. Go buy elsewhere and save yourself the money. Be careful of sales, we used to be directed by the franchisee to reticket stuff at higher prices before sale weekends when we could get away with it. Go to JB or GG seriously, Gerry is getting too big for his boots”.
