Pros and cons of Lidl
 

Just for a break from 24/7 Covid-19 I thought I'd post about something different. Lidl. My recent positive and negative experiences.
I've bought quite a few power tools from them over the years, mainly because of the 3 year guarantee. The quality seems ok for home use and I can't afford Makita etc anyway.
Several weeks ago I got round to phoning their service centre to report my 18 month old circular saw which had stopped working. I think the motor had burnt out. The operator spoke very good English, arranged a courier to collect the saw and the day after collection a new one was sent out. Fantastic service! Then I had to call about my 20v cordless drill which had almost given up the ghost, only working intermittently. This time I had to wait about a week for collection and about 5 days for replacement but still, fantastic service, with a new drill but original battery sent out.
Now for the frustrating part... When shopping in Lidl I usually walk in and grad an empty box and fill that with my purchases. I don't often buy more than a box full as I shop regularly as the store is across the road from where I work. Using a box is convenient for keeping the items together when I put them in the car. However, on a recent trip I got to the checkout and was informed that customers are no longer allowed to take the empty boxes. Fortunately, I also had a trolley to put my purchases in but once I got to the car they had to be stored loose on the rear seat. I was really angry at the checkout and even phoned customer services on returning home. Apparently, it's policy not to allow customers to take empty cardboard boxes but many stores don't mind. What I don't understand, and no-one could explain, is why the sudden change. Obviously, I'll continue to shop there but will have to remember to take a box or shopping bag with me in future.

Re: Pros and cons of Lidl
 

Change of manager/ existing manager briefed on company policy/ employees trained on company policy? :unsure:

Re: Pros and cons of Lidl
 

Re cardboard boxes:
We also get a box or two to put our stuff in when buying at the Lidl. Sometimes I ask salespeople before I take a box out of their "garbage cage" and they've always said. No problem!
Maybe it depends on the location?
Went shopping this morning - no problem.

PS and OT:
In Germany this is also different from one chain to the other, the Lidl, Aldi and Real stores we visit say it's ok - the Kaufland says no. One guy explained that too many people would put their stuff in their cars and then leave the boxes in the parking site for the workers to collect ...

Re: Pros and cons of Lidl
 

You'll have to get one of those foldable plastic boxes or fabric foldable boxes. My sister-in-law uses the latter for her shopping and stopping other stuff in the boot shifting about at every corner!

Re: Pros and cons of Lidl
 

I've got one, it's in the wife's car :D

Re: Pros and cons of Lidl
 

I'm a lidl surprised Lidl sell such good stuff :lol:

Re: Pros and cons of Lidl
 

Would you like me to pass you your coat? :D

Re: Pros and cons of Lidl
 

Hey, I know you're angling for a lidl tip!

Re: Pros and cons of Lidl
 

With the favourable exchange rate at the moment I wouldn't be surprised if you're all off to Lidl to top up your rations.

Re: Pros and cons of Lidl
 

Bolting a boltba!

Re: Pros and cons of Lidl
 

I soon expect to see rising prices for everything if the exchange rates keep escalating. It makes our money go further for now but soon it will lead to everything rising in cost and hurting our Hungarian neighbors whom are always strapped for money to do anything as it is. But for now we should take advantage of this opportunity to make our money go a little further.

Re: Pros and cons of Lidl
 

To be honest when I've viewed properties in Hungary I've been finding it a little difficult to think of reducing the price of the property because compared to UK I could get alot more in terms of value for money. My primary aim for moving to Hungary is so I can stretch my NHS and other private pensions further and enjoy a very good standard of living which I had before I retired! Until I paid off my mortgage I've always been cash poor but asset rich. I'm sure many British Ex-pats know the feeling. I've never owned a brand new car, never been to exotic locations for holidays, so I'm sure you can see where I'm coming from. I'm sure some British Ex-pats onn this forum have something in common with me ..... I lived on a council housing estate and my parents were the poorest of all their siblings on both my father's and mother's side! I never went to univeristy because it wasn't an option.
I better stop here. Getting a bit emotional! But I will be glad once I'm in Hungary with my wife and Archie, our dog!

Re: Pros and cons of Lidl
 

Yes, against the Euro now up over 360. Next question is, will this crisis prove inflationary or deflationary in the mid / long term. The only mitigation to inflation us expats can achieve is to spend, spend, spend!

Re: Pros and cons of Lidl
 

Just out...