something strange just happened with ELC

snagglepuss16

i placed an ordered recently with the early learning centre when they had a 20% off day.
I bought something for £20, so discount took it down to £16.
Today i found out on mothercare i could get the same item for £16 minus another 20%.
So i placed my order with mothercare then called up ELC to arrange a return.
They told me as it was under £20 they dont arrange a courier and that you are advised to return it to your nearest store-thats over £50 miles, hence why i was buying online.
The advisor spoke to his supervisor, who said i was to donate the toy to charity and they would refund me!!!!!
I'm not complaining, just a bit strange, i can always return the other one or sell it on, it just the 28 days would of been up by the time i got to nearest store with the first one(or i might try the same thing with mothercare!)
Anyway has anybody ever experienced anything similar?i will wait and see if my card is refunded.
They must have some mark up if the can afford to throw away £20's

pcombo

Looks it will cost you more just to return to just get couple of pounds of the same item.

Just be contented what you got.

snagglepuss16

i am, i just think for a large company its a strange way of operating.

Lip_Stick

Sounds good of them. Must be the Christmas spirit kicking in. I just hope the OP doesn't ebay it. Think of the children!

fozzeh

...but if they do eBay it, list it as a charity item and donate all of the proceeds that way?

POPPYOSCAR

I think they have some kind of extended return policy because of christmas so the 28 day might not apply.

SazzleJazzle_2

I had a very strange experience with Boots last Christmas... Ordered a big bulk of my presents online for home delivery. I got home from work the evening that they had attempted to deliver and there was a note though the door saying that the boxes had been left in a safe location, which had been stated as: "over gate". Thing is, I didn't have a gate... I could only assume that it had been left next door, as they had a gate. However, it was late and dark so I couldn't see if the boxes were there, and I didn't want to go onto their property at that time. The next day I caught the neighbour who had found the boxes that morning, behind their gate! The boxes were sodden and a lot of the items had been damaged by the damp cold weather. They were still 'usable', but certainly in no condition to be used as gifts. I called customer services, who confirmed that I had not agreed when placing my order to have my items left anywhere than with myself and advised that replacements would be sent for all of my items. They asked me if I could return the other items to my nearest store, as the courier would not be able to take them from me. I couldn't do this due to work restraints, hence the fact that I ordered online. So they just left it at that. I got to keep the damaged, yet perfectly usable items and had a duplicate of everything redelivered for gifts. I'm not sure if this was some kind of clerical error on behalf of the manager/customer service rep that I spoke with, or if this is how they genuinely deal with damaged items. But I surely was pleased with the result.

themull1

I bought a hamper from Lakeland, and when i got it the cellophane was ripped on the top, but the stuff was fine. As i wanted it for a gift, i rang them, and they sent another one free.