Vinyl flooring damaged by delivery driver

malamay · 6 August 2010 at 2:57PM

Hi there,

We moved into a new build on the 27th of March. On the 31st of March, we had a fridge and washing machine delivered. We bought these items from Electical Discount, and they were shipped by a separate company.

I was in on my own on the day of delivery. There was one delivery guy, probably in his 60s. He was nice enough, took the washing machine in with no problems, and went back for the fridge freezer. It is a tall model, and he did have some trouble getting it through the doorway to the kitchen. He was using a small blanket to protect the floor, but with all the movement trying to get it through the door, he did rip our vinyl. Not a huge tear, it's about the size of a 2p coin.

Once he got the fridge through the doorway, he went behind it to push it in place. He noticed the rip. I saw him look at it, and then he moved my doormat to cover it! I moved it back to where it belonged, and he moved it a second time when he was able. He asked me to sign the delivery notes for both items - I had to sign that there was no damage to the goods, and none to my property. I signed for the washing machine, he looked relieved, then he presented me with the one for the fridge freezer, which I refused to sign. I said to him that I'd noticed he ripped my vinyl flooring, and he pleaded innocent. It ended with me writing on the delivery note that there was a rip to the flooring, he told me to ring the office, and that was it.

I called the logistics place pretty much straight away. The guy I spoke to asked me to email a photo, which I did. I gave him contact details on the phone, and put them in my email as well. I left it with him a few days, then called to check. He wasn't available, but I was assured it was being looked after. I had a few weeks of this, before I eventually spoke to the manager. He told me he'd fired this particular employee weeks ago, and that he would look into the matter. A week later, still no contact. I spoke to the manager again, who informed me that the delivery driver was denying doing any damage, and that he was one of the best drivers they had, and he didn't think to doubt him. I retold the story, and he said he'd speak to the driver again. I then went out of the country for a month. When I came back, I had no response.

I have called every week or two since this. I spoke with the manager again once, who said they'd get someone round to quote them for the damage. That was probably 2 months ago now, and no one has come out to have a look. Every time I call, the manager is at the bank, in a meeting, or there is no answer. I have emailed him, but have had no response.

I am tired of looking at the rip in the flooring. It is at the bottom of my stairs, and the entrance to my kitchen. I see it several times a day, and it genuinely irks me. I do not want to claim this on our home insurance, as we have a £75 deductible and it is genuinely not our fault! I'm not sure what else to do, and would appreciate your help!