Welcome to the My Czech Republic Blog

Shopping & Service

Permanence Guaranteed! For Four Months.

January 22, 2007

It seems that the dm drogerie markt drugstore has an unusual perception of permanence. If you pass by one of their storefronts these days, you may notice large signs plastered over the doors and windows that boldly proclaim: “500 products now permanently discounted! For at least 4 months. Guaranteed!” According to dm’s website, the lowered prices themselves are [...]

From Tesco with Love

October 27, 2006

I can’t help but point out another one of Kamal’s articles that we published on My Czech Republic this week. This one describes Kamal’s recent experience with the customer disservice – as I like to call the type of “service” that is still too easy to run into in the Czech Republic - at a Prague [...]

Everything Is Possible. Absolutely Everything.

May 26, 2006

Our gas heater gave us a scare last night, so we decided to call the service place first thing in the morning. This morning, we pulled out the warranty booklet, which listed the name of the store where the heater was purchased, and the name, phone number, stamp and signature of the servisní mechanik who personally [...]

How I Got My Money Back

April 14, 2006

I’ve been asked a few times including here on the blog whether or not it is common in the Czech Republic to return merchandise to a store and get a refund. I’ve always answered no. I would still answer no, but I had a pleasant experience today that may mean that the times are a-changin’. [...]

Why Shop When You Can Steal

December 17, 2005

In one of my posts back in October, I wrote that customers are presumed thieves in the Czech Republic. Now I know why. According to the Czech daily MF DNES, the guards at an average hypermarket (a large supermarket) catch thieves trying to steal products worth a total of 300,000 – 500,000 CZK (roughly 10 [...]