Pamms Shoppers' Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I get the year 2009-2010 editions of Pamms Guides to Discount Melbourne / Sydney / Brisbane - Factory Outlet To You?
As policy, Pamms Guides are available at all good stores and select Factory Outlets and larger newsagents. We recomend Dymocks or Borders and at a DFO, a great place to buy, is Outlet Books. Also consider Angus & Robertson, Bookworld, Book City and independent book shops if this is more convenient for you. Pamms Books can be purchased off this web site, through MagPie Secure or by mail by sending a money order or cheque to Magpie Books Publishers Pty Ltd. PO Box 2038 Brighton North 3186 (Phone 613 9592 9931, Fax 61 3 9592 2045). The cost over the web or by mail is Melbourne: $29.95, Sydney $24.95, Brisbane $19.95. The differing prices for State editions reflect the number of pages in each State edition. Prices include, packaging, postage, handling and GST. There is an additional charge of you want your book sent by express delivery.
2. What is a Factory Outlet?
A Factory Outlet is a store, traditionally owned and operated by a manufacturer, which sells some of its product lines direct to the consumer at prices below the recommended retail price. Today, factory owned outlet stores have given way to stores often operated under contract or by agreement with the manufacturer. The reseller adopts a pricing policy to clear surplus and merchandisable imperfect stock and to encourage customers to travel any extra distance to its store. It is important to appreciate that in today's markets, a Factory Outlet is a method of marketing which describes a characteristic of both the stock and the store. Consequently, discounted "Factory Outlet" stock may sit side by side with regularly priced stock and complementary product lines. Likewise within a Factory Outlet Centre, some stores will sell retail stock. For instance, we have never seen current newspapers or current magazines, discounted when sold within a Factory Outlet Mall.
3. Do Factory Outlets compete with traditional stores?
You bet. Not only do individual outlets compete with traditional retailers, factory outlet malls compete with traditional shopping malls. The competition is often fierce and it is this competition for your dollar that brings on the greatest savings. It's even been argued in Australian courts recently that some traditional centres do not compete with Factory Outlets, but economically, the argument is nonsense. They compete on the supply side of business by competing for land, stock and other inputs. On the demand side of the firm, they compete for revenue in that now they both invite you, the consumer, to shop at their location.
4. What are the growth prospects for Factory Outlets?
The simple growth pattern which once existed has changed with competitive activity. The forced closure of Sydney's Orange Grove Outlets, has had a negative impact on growth in NSW. The major beneficiary of this, has probably been Victoria, which is seen as a more "neutral" major market, than NSW. The earlier concept we spoke of with Sydney being ringed by six significant Factory Outlet malls, no longer holds.
5. What suburbs have the most Factory Outlets?
In Victoria, the DFO Group has about 126 stores at Moorabbin, 104 at Essendon and 90 at Spencer Street, Melbourne. The Brand Smart Group has 51 stores at Nunawading, with Richmond next supporting 32 stand alone stores. Collingwood, Bayswater, Melbourne and Moorabbin all have good numbers of stores. In New South Wales, the spread of outlets is wider with 77 stores at DFO Homebush and 66 at Birkenhead Point, Drummoyne. The City of Sydney has 54 stores, the highest number of independent stand alone Factory Outlets anywhere in Australia. However, Factory Outlets have developed in many inner Sydney suburbs, particularly Surry Hills, Ultimo, Alexandria, Waterloo where there are over ninety factory outlets, mostly independent sites. In Brisbane, DFO at Brisbane Airport have a whopping 91 stores, followed closely by Harbour Town on the Gold Coast with 76 stores. Stones Corner has 23 stores with the West End showing 17. Then there is a good cluster throughout the Gold and Sunshine Coast. However, please do not take these numbers as exact, as the actual number changes from month to month.
6. Do Factory Outlets sell well known brands?
Yes, hundreds of national and international brands are sold through Factory Outlets. These include Holeproof brands such as Berlei, Jag, Red Robin and others. Also Reebok, Puma, Addidas, Converse, DKNY, Levi's, Trent Nathan, Jane Debster, Logan & Mason, Davenport, Caterpiller, Ronson, Westinghouse, Spinemaster, to name a few.
7. How much can I save compared to retail by buying at Factory Outlets?
Typically anywhere from 25% to 50%. When the Myer Group offered clearance stock through a clearance outlet, they guaranteed 30% off the original Myer price, which is good guide to the level of discount. Levi jeans can be purchased in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne at up to 50% off rrp in discontinued lines, as can Australis Cosmetics and Berlei, Bonds, Red Robin, Wonderbra, King Gee and others. Electrical goods can be purchased from stores such as Seconds World (NSW) or Beep World, Appliances Galore and Newtons (Qld) or Panasales or DEC (Victoria). Look also for specials at good utility stores, such as Office Works, Harris Computers and any number of specialised computer stores.
8. How good is the quality?
Quality can be broken down into first quality and second quality. First quality goods are manufactured perfects. They appear in Factory Outlets mostly as samples, overruns, surplus and end of season clearance stock. Second quality has faults which in practical terms are usually minor, but not always. When shopping examine the goods closely. If you can't find the flaw, ask the shop assistant to show it to you. There may be a run in the material or a scratch on the fridge door or a small dent in a washing or drying machine. These things are often of a minor nature and will not affect the wear or durability of the item. However, occasionally, you will come across knitwear with gaping holes, etc. and these items are not worth purchasing at any price.
9. Are Factory Outlet prices, always less than retail?
Usually, but there are some exceptions. When a retailer has an end of season clearance sale or makes a special purchase of items, then the sales lines in a retail store may well be less than in a Factory Outlet store. While this is an exception, it is an important exception and one that consumers should be aware of. Though generally, across the board we expect Factory Outlet prices, to be less than retail by a quantum of between 25% and 50%.
10. What is a factory second or a factory return?
Some items in Factory Outlets are labelled factory seconds or slightly imperfects. This means they did not pass the manufacturers strict quality control standards and are second quality as described above. In the case of major electrical goods, there is a term called factory returns. These are items returned to the factory service centre for repair after delivery to the retailer but before being sold to the end user. They are repaired at the service centre and sent onto Factory Outlet centres, usually with a new warranty for resale. Televisions, video recorders, video cameras, microwave ovens and computer equipment often fall in this category. BUYER BEWARE - ensure that electrical goods are covered by the MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY for new goods.
11. Are there other ways to determine the type of factory second?
For major electrical appliances there is a trade classification system which is worth considering. T0 is a trade perfect, T1 means, the goods have not been previously sold but suffer minor damage in the store or warehouse, T2 means the goods have been sold at retail and returned to store or manufacturer under warranty. T1 and T2 appliances are much sought after because they are sold by approved dealers at a significant discount. However, T2 goods may also be considered by consumers, as just second hand.
12. How can manufacturers afford to drop their prices by high percentages?
Manufacturers need economies of scale on the manufacturing floor. They cannot afford to interrupt production to repair "slightly imperfects". They are more often than not happy to sell "imperfects" cheaply, sometimes for as little as the cost of the raw materials. Modern electrical goods can cost more for a manufacturer to repair and re-box than to make. Consequently, the stock we call seconds is put into their Factory Outlet or clearance centres and sold at heavily discounted prices in order to recoup costs.
13. Does Pamms Guide cover other goods as well as fashion and accessories?
Yes. Pamms Guide covers everything from home furnishings, power tools, sporting equipment, gardening gear, food everyday to gourmet, travel and leather goods to sunglasses, tapes, toys, bedding, car care products and accessories, cleaning products, bridal dresses and products, baby goods to larger sizes in clothing for men and women to uniform clothing, imported fragrances and cosmetics, and discounted services including movie tickets, hair and beauty care, plus craft and mail order companies.
14. What then, is a Clearance Centre?
A Clearance Centre is similar to a Factory Outlet, but is a shop operated by a retailer. One difference in the clothing trade is that at these shops you can usually buy clothing for both winter and summer seasons from the stock of a major retailer. For overseas travellers, this is a real boon.
15. Does Pamms Guide list Clearance Centres?
It is our policy to list most retailer clearance centres.How do I use the book to find what I'm looking for?
There are a few ways you can locate what you are looking for. Go to the back of the guide which has a very detailed product index and look up an item, for example a refrigerator in which case we have electrical goods, major and minor appliances, select an entry. Alternatively, you may be curious about what Factory Outlet stores are available in your suburb. In that case, select a suburb and read what is available.
16. Do Factory Outlets take credit cards?
Many of the outlets accept the major three credit cards, i.e. Mastercard, and Visa as well as EFTPOS. Some also take American Express or Diners. They usually take a personal cheque if you have a driver's licence for identification. A good number offer a layby option.
17. Will Factory Outlets permit returns?
Usually, no, but refer to your copy of Pamms Guide for specific store policies. If you are at all uncertain about a purchase you are about to make, always ask the sales person if the item is returnable. It's important to remember you can contract out of your normal right to return an article. If for instance, a shop sells you goods at heavily discounted prices in return for you agreeing to a condition of "final sale".
17a. Can I insist a Factory Outlet take a return or provide a refund?
This can be complex and if you have a serious issue over a return, you should contact the Office of Fair Trading for your state, a solicitor or a Community Legal Centre. On the shop floor, the commercial decisions are usually:-
Did you make an incorrect choice, based on say the color, that is, did you just change your mind?
Did you find the same product at a cheaper price elsewhere and want to avail yourself of a lost saving?
If you purchased a second, damaged or faulty product, was the fault clearly labelled?
The rules usually are, that if you simply change your mind or have found a better price, then you can't get a refund or exchange. However, if the fault was hidden or you were not advised the product was damaged, then you may be able to insist on a refund. Most companies also require the return of the cash register receipt, but if you had for instance, a credit card receipt or a delivery receipt, the company cannot use the issue of evidence of payment, by itself, to deny you a properly due refund.
18. Do Factory Outlets have parking facilities?
About 50% of Factory Outlets provide off street parking for their customers, the balance rely on On Street Parking. The on street/off street parking mix for Factory Outlets is probably a bit better than that offered by regular retail shops. Look at Pamms Guide for specifics. The letters PL mean parking lot and on-site means on the same land as the Outlet, in all editions from 1999 onwards.
19. Do Factory Outlets have the same shopping hours as regular retail stores?
It's a mixture. The majority trade six or seven days a week but some have highly restrictive hours. Factory Outlet Malls such as DFO Homebush, Birkenhead Point, DFO Moorabbin, Harbour Town on The Gold Coast are all open seven days a week. It also varies according to the type of produce sold. Food stores such as NQR, have the longest hours, but manufacturers with a relatively small amount of stock, or specialist stock alter their hours on a seasonal basis. For instance, the House of Christmas is usually open five days a week, then opens seven days a week from October through to December. Check with Pamms Guide for details and always ring ahead to avoid disappointment if you don't know the store.
20. Where are the largest Factory Outlet Malls in the eastern states located?
In Victoria, it is Direct Factory Outlets at Cheltenham, followed by BrandSmart in Nunawading and Richmond Plaza in Bridge Road, Richmond. Sydney shoppers have Direct Factory Outlets at Homebush, Birkenhead Point at Drummoyne, Super Factory Outlets at Tuggerah, Market City at Haymarket in the centre of Sydney and Shopsmart at Mt Druitt. In Queensland, it is DFO Brisbane Airport, and Harbour Town at Labrador on the Gold Coast. Harbour Town is an interesting mix as it is a purpose built centre, the one of the few of its type in Australia, which features an American type "main street" shopping mall, 14 cinemas and parking for 3,000 cars. Factory Outlets have concentrated in the West End and at Stones Corner. Each one of these shopping centres offers the canny shopper, a good range of shopping at better than retail prices.
21. Do Pamms Guides cover Country Outlets?
Yes. In NSW we cover Sydney and suburbs as well as Albury, Dubbo, Wollongong, Newcastle, Gosford, Goulburn, Lisarow to mention a few. In Queensland we break the state up into Brisbane and suburbs, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. We report on stores in Brisbane and suburbs and regional towns such as Caloundra, Noosa and the Gold Coast all of which feature high quality Factory Outlets. In Victoria, we cover Melbourne, Geelong, Torquay, Ballarat and many other country towns.
22. Do your Competitions have special conditions?
Yes, they do. The conditions are usually spelt out for each competition. We have also found it necessary to limit the number of times an individual may win any given competition to two within a twelve month period. The reason for this limitation is to offer the prizes to as wide an audience as possible.
23. Do we cover second hand or used goods?
No we don't, except with whitegoods a merchant might sell new, side by side with used (as for instance is common with motor vehicles) and the T3 category whitegoods may be used. Places that specialise in second hand material such as Op Shops, store houses at Municipal Tips, Pawn Brokers, and stores that offer syndicated resale of goods for charities are not included in Pamms Guides. There is also a small niche market which has emerged which is called "second use". Here a merchant takes goods into a store on a consignment basis and offers them for sale, splitting the revenue between the store and the owner of the goods. We do not include "second use" stores. This question becomes extremely complex, because Auction Houses which we list, may well sell used goods. Additionally, such things as second hand timbers are often highly sought after. Our editorial aim is to list those stores that offer the best on new goods. Including merchants that sell second hand goods would defeat this purpose. If a "second hand" or "second use" merchant is included in our titles, we would like our readers to tell us so that that store can be removed from future editions.
24. E-mail links and the way we validate your e-mail address?
Firstly, we limit email addresses we will register on our computers to those containing the ASCII character set. This is the character set you would see on a normal keyboard.
We ask that the domain name and all characters following the @ sign be in lower case.
Our software does not programmatically convert or alter any e-mail address. We either accept it, offer an end user the option of editing or re-entering it or reject it outright.
The portion of your e-mail address before the @ character is the local part. This normally identifies your mailbox, within a site mail system; for example your company's or ISP provider's e-mail system. This part of your e-mail address is not usually of interest to outside systems, such as Shoppertunities. This prefix, that is the front portion, is not checked by us, other than to ensure that what is there, conforms to the ASCII character set.
Finally, there is the verification of the e-mail address. This is the procedure to ensure the e-mail address exists. Despite advanced technology, the only way available is to send an e-mail to the address and check for a bounce or return message. Computer users will be familiar with this "transmit and test" as it is widely used throughout the industry. This is Shoppertunities principle method of verification.
25. The CVN (verification number) system for credit cards.
Magpie Books' objective is to eliminate all computer fraud. To help us with this, we participate in the Cardholder Verification Number (CVN) system.
Internet computer transactions present a special challenge to the credit card industry. In a traditional store, your credit card is checked by a special terminal linked to the credit card company or bank through the telephone system. In major department stores, this link is usually via the store's own cable or network.
The objective of CVN programs is simple. If a crook steals a credit card number, they will not normally have access to the CVN, unless they steal the physical card.
The CVN is a printed number visible, in print, on either the front or the back of all major credit cards. It is a unique part of your credit card number. The number is never printed on a receipt or cardholder statement, and may not be stored in a merchants' computer system.
American Express and Discover programs are known as Card Identification Data (CID), MasterCard refers to the code as CVC2, and Visa as CVV2.
With Visa and Mastercard the CVN is a three digit number printed in ink above and to the right of your signature on the rear side of the card. It may appear to be the last three digits of the credit card number. For American Express, it is a four digit number, printed on the face of the card, but below its surface, just above the embossed credit card number.
Any online transactions, such as banking transfers which do not involve credit cards, do not use the CVN system.
26. Which resolutions should I use to view Shoppertunities?
In general, standard resolutions are differentiated between tube monitors and TFT displays.
In the case of tube monitors, use the following:
TFT LCDs are the "flat screen display" used in television sets, computer monitors, mobile phones and computers, handheld video game systems, personal digital assistants, navigation systems, projectors, etc. The TFT stands for "thin film transistor" and LCD for "liquid crystal display".
The display on a TFT monitor is ONLY correct when the PC is configured to display at the monitors "Native Resolution". There is only one natural resolution. Lower resolutions are possible, with TFT, however they will lead to a display of lesser quality than optimum. You should take the precise resolution for TFT from the display's Operating Instructions!