Argos - Terrible Delivery Service

starlite_2

On saturday we paid for a cot in store at Argos and were given a delivery date of yesterday.

To my amazement it actually arrived on the right day, but the delivery man refused to bring it in for me.

This meant I had to haul it up two flights of stairs alone, otherwise it would have had to stay in the street until my O.H got home last ngiht.

I explained to the driver that I am currently pregnant and suffering from hip and pelvic displacement, but he said it was not part of his job.

This morning I contacted Argos and was informed that this is classed as a 'small item' , in which case the driver has no obligation to deliver it to a room of my choice.
Given that it is a solid pine cot bed including mattress and was very heavy I cannot believe they class it as 'small'. Fair enough for a kettle or something, but this is ridiculous.

Any suggestions as to what more I can do, or should I just take my business elsewhere in the future?

hollydays

I had a look at Argos website-under conditions (delivery) it says they will delivery large and bulky items to any room provided the delivery driver thinks there is no health and safety issues such as a staircase thats too narrow.I would argue that the item was bulky and the definition of large was not defined on their website,only in terms of delivery one or two drivers.You could also ring up with the question,i am pregnant can you deliver a cot,if i order it up two flights of stairs,see the response then quote that back.You have had very bad,customer service and should IMHO not have been put in that position,as its hazardous to your health.In addition under corporate responsibility they have a helpline for the disabled-i would say being pregnant would make you less able so try speaking to them.Given your particular circumstances you would expect them to be sympathetic.

sooz

hmm, i recently had some wardrobes delivered from them. i had specified at the point of order that they had to go up 2 flights of stairs, and the CA had put that on the special instructions on the bill.

wardrobes arrived, and the drivers said sorry, but they only deliver to just inside the front door - so i tipped him to carry them up the stairs.

bonnie_2

I think you'll find it's to do with health and safety. I have never been able to get drivers to take goods upstairs.

stressedoutmum

I think delivery 'to the first point of entry' is all delivery drivers are required to do. This applies to lots of companies. I had a bathroom suite delivered and had to help the driver into my hallway with it because he had no one to help him. I do think the driver's could be a bit more helpful especially in your situation however as posted aboveI was told it was for health and safety reasons and if they injure themselves going upstairs etc then its unlikely they would be covered by the company as it was against company procedures.

Astaroth

I think this is simply a case of bad service but probably stems from their definition of a large item. Whilst I sympathise with your situation I dont think the fact you happen to be pregnant makes any real difference to the situation.

Whilst a lot of drivers will take things further into the house than the front door up stairs requires further training and normally at least 2 people - if the driver breaks these rules and is injured he has no comeback on anyone as he has breached company rules.

Personally I would point out the apparant miss classification of the item and if you feel strongly about it take your wallet elsewhere.

starlite_2

You all make fair points, thankyou.

It hadn't occured to me that there may be health and safety issues.

It was obviously just my misinterpretation of a 'large item' , but I think this should be made more clear on their website. Had I known I would have asked for delivery at the weekend so my O.H would have been there to bring it in.

Guess I'll leave it at that..they obviously haven't acted outside their policy, and no harm was done!

Cheers for your opinions!
(for some reason the thanks button no longer exists for me so I can't press it! lol)

Eels100

totally unhelpful, but at least you got your item!

starlite_2

Lol, I know, quite remarkable for a home delivery to arrive on the right day!
And with all parts present, hehee

italia

i can understand the health and safety aspect, i.e if they hurt themselves then they wouldn't be covered if they were off work etc.

on the other hand given that the delivery guy was i suspect a fit bloke - i.e he must deliver things all day and he must carry the larger items that they are suppsed to carry up flight of stairs etc - then it was plain rude and unkind of him not to help you. it would be unkind of anyone not to have helped you in that sitituation i mean u told him you are pregnant and have hip problems.

I am sure they can get out of it on health and safety reasons and he can just say it isn't in his job spec, but i really think you need to report him, he is probably awful like this to everyone so the more people that report him the better. it is difficult enough being in for a delivery which is between 8 and 6pm when u have to work without them behaving like this. personally i would have told him to take it back.

chalky_bertie

italia wrote:

personally i would have told him to take it back.

but then they wouldn't have got the item.

OK the guy was unhelpful but really they shouldn't carry it further than inside the door. If it was a guy on his own than I think just inside the door would have been fine - some of the stuff they bring is heavy and bulky.

I wonder how many of you would be there if they take parcels to your chosen room and then he hurts his back or is injured falling down the stairs - probably not many, most people just want their stuff and sod the drivers (my opinion only).