
No:18264984





C1635

Authorised Installer
Gilzean Electronics Television, Aerial & Satellite Services
Repairs to most makes of LCD TV, Professional Installation & Repair of all types of Aerial and Satellite Systems, Based in Cambridge UK.
Telephone Hotline 01223 861334 -
Re: Andrew McCulloch Cambridge
Like many others, I was saddened to hear of the demise of yet another local independent electrical retailer in Cambridge. I knew several members of staff personally including some of the engineers, delivery drivers and shop managers. For many years Andrew McCulloch has been a tried and trusted name in the Cambridge area operating since the late fifties. A great shame for all concerned.
My heart felt sympathy goes out to both the directors and staff, many of whom are now unemployed.
I can remember when there were many small television dealers in Cambridge in the
early 1970’s all making a good living and all co-
Then along came the likes of the big supermarkets with massive buying power churning out consumer electronics at retail prices that frequently are lower than the trade buying prices of many small businesses. The result is that the small business owner is gradually squeezed out of existence.
What you can’t buy from a supermarket is “after sales service”. Once the item is out of warranty you are on your own. Only when you have a problem will you realise the value of the small retailer over the supermarket giants.
“What a waste”
Thousands of televisions and other consumer electronics are dumped in landfill every day, many for the want of a simple repair. Many items are only a few months old. Manufacturers are totally to blame because they either won’t supply service information or parts for repair. Or the price of the parts are so expensive the job is uneconomical.
Manufacturers refusing to supply service information and spares to non authorised engineers is a problem which in my opinion is an “anti competitive practice” which should be subject to investigation by the DTI, as this also leads to more televisions being prematurely dumped in landfill sites. Most small dealers & engineers are better equipped to repair products than most of the big dealers. One day someone will wake up to the fact.
Ivan Gilzean