Can I keep It?

Tackyplum · 3 August 2009 at 7:48PM

I recently had a childs bed delivered but have no idea where it has come from. There were no documents enclosed with the parcel. I contacted the manafacturer/distributor whose name was printed on the box but they have no record and had recently carried out a stock take with no discrepancies. The company asked that I simply return it to them but when I asked for them to confirm in writing that they had made a mistake in sending it to me, I haven't heard a thing since. Can I keep this or will someone somewhere want it back, is there a specific time limit. I want to put it together for my daughter as it is taking up all the space in my garage. Many thanks.

kriss_boy · 3 August 2009 at 7:58PM

I think we both know that morally you should send it back...

...but looks like you want people here to assure you theres nothing wrong with keeping it! :P

Searcher · 3 August 2009 at 8:25PM

Tackyplum wrote: »

I recently had a childs bed delivered but have no idea where it has come from. There were no documents enclosed with the parcel. I contacted the manafacturer/distributor whose name was printed on the box but they have no record and had recently carried out a stock take with no discrepancies. The company asked that I simply return it to them but when I asked for them to confirm in writing that they had made a mistake in sending it to me, I haven't heard a thing since. Can I keep this or will someone somewhere want it back, is there a specific time limit. I want to put it together for my daughter as it is taking up all the space in my garage. Many thanks.

Sorry but why do you need written confirmation before you send it back?
You know they made a mistake, you didn't order it.

Bogof_Babe · 3 August 2009 at 9:02PM

I'd say the onus is on the company concerned to arrange collection if they want it back. Certainly the OP shouldn't have to go to the trouble and expense of returning it.

wannaberichbtch · 3 August 2009 at 9:05PM

You have given this firm your address and you have admitted to having the item, there's nothing to stop you installing it in your daughter's bedroom. However, someone at some stage may knock on your door to ask for it back, how you handle that is up to you.

Bowling_4_Gold · 3 August 2009 at 9:35PM

You should really give it back. Check to make sure the address on the parcel is actually your address, and not a neighbours or a neighbouring street... we all know what these couriers are like!

DVardysShadow · 3 August 2009 at 10:31PM

This is 'unsolicited goods'. There was a law introduced years ago that the company had 6 months to reclaim their goods, IIRC, although whether this was after notification, I really am not sure, nor am I sure if it still applies. Some research required. One thing is for sure, the OP is not responsible for paying for the return.

Could it be an anonymous gift? As it appears that the OP could use it?

Bogof_Babe · 4 August 2009 at 9:14AM

It's possible that the value of the item is less than the cost to the company of collecting it, which might work in the OP's favour if they decided to cut their losses.

I'd go ahead with putting it in your daughter's room, but as a precaution don't dump whatever bed/cot she is sleeping on now, at least for a couple of months.

You say "recently" - how recently was this delivered? After a month I'd think you'd be unlikely to hear any more about it. Up to then they could just have it in their "pending" tray - if say perhaps the person who deals with such things is on holiday.

myrnahaz · 4 August 2009 at 9:42AM

You don't have to send it back - they must collect it.
Contact the company by letter. Say that you have had no response from your previous conversation and that if they do not collect the bed within 7 days of the date of the letter then it will be disposed of.

Keep a copy of the letter (plus proof of posting- which the post office should provide free of charge).

You are not a storage warehouse, and you'll have done everything you can to return it, so it'll be up to you how you dispose of it.

Mark_Hewitt · 4 August 2009 at 11:26AM

Plus they must collect it at a time which is convenient for you, not them. e.g. They say, we'll be around between 9am and 6pm on Wednesday tell them that's not on and they should come at the weekend (say). It's not your responsibility to go out of your way to make sure they collect it. However it is your responsibility to look after it for a reasonable time.

Laz123 · 4 August 2009 at 11:44AM

DVardysShadow has the answer. They know where the bed is. If they don't collect within 6 months it's yours. There's no moral dilema here, and don't let others judge you for keeping it. There's too many cyber saints in this world.