Waiter spill drinks on brand new bag

bigoldhenry

I have just got back home from a pretty disasterous evening out.

It is my partners birthday and I got her a hand bag costing £199 as her present. We are in a restaurant and the waiter spills a tray of drinks which manage to spatter the new bag. There were not may hits however it would not have been marked should the spill not have occured.

A waitress then tries to dab the spots off with a cloth and manages to add some small grease stains.

We complained to the supervisor who offered cleaning for the bag - we contend that it is brand new and cleaning is not good enough we are looking for complete compensation due to professional negligence.

Have got home and it seems to be covered by the supply of goods and services act 1982 but as to what we can expect in way of compensation depends upon individual fact.

Can anyone help out as regards what we are entitled to.

visidigi

What exactly is the problem with the restaurant paying for it to be professionally cleaned?

It's unfortunate for sure, but if your wife had marked the bag what would you do?

Was the bag on the table or the floor?

What compensation are you looking for exactly?

...my opinion would be professional cleaning of the bag should be sufficient...

Outpost

Why not just let them clean it? It wasn't hot tar that was spilled on it.

sjbrun

Why dont you let them clean it, then if they dont clean it to your satisfacation then ask them to replace the bag?

DCFC79

Whats the issue with letting them at least get it cleaned first, at least they offered to clean it

Amanita_2

I'd be devastated if that happened to one of my bags. I wouldn't be happy with the offer of a clean on a brand new bag either.

Some credit cards offer insurance for expensive purchases for a period after buying. If you did pay by card it might be worth making a few enquiries.

NeilF3485

Am I missing something here? It seems like we are having a discussion about a handbag that got caught in the cross fire of a Vietnam style drinks throwing free for all?

"what we can expect in way of compensation depends on individual fact"

Well, the facts appear to be, drinks got spilled* you complained, the manager offered very reasonable compensation, you've said no and want to rinse them for anything you can.

I assume that if they offered to replace the bag, you would happily give them the damaged one - surely you wouldn't take the £199 compensation, then spend 10 pence on a sponge to clean the damaged one and keep the profit? :think:

*I really hope it was milk

Amanita_2

gordikin wrote: »

Why would you be devastated if that happened to a bag?. How would you feel if all your family were....?

Would you claim s75?

I work hard for my bags and yes I'd be devasted if one of my LV bags was ruined on its very first trip out. Cleaning certainly won't restore a brand new bag to it's original condition. However I have plenty of insurance on them so I'd be claiming on my policy and letting the insurer pursue the restaurant for the cost of replacement.

Why would I claim s75 protection? I don't see anything about the handbag retailer failing to give the OP what he paid for. Wonderful example of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing.

Some cards offer accidental damage / theft protection for new purchases for a limited period.

nomoneytoday

NiallB wrote: »

Not very moneysaving is it?

It may be a £399 bag for half price, so could be a good deal

Equaliser123

NiallB wrote: »

Not very moneysaving is it?

Last time I looked, it was a democracy and up to people to determine what to spend their money on.

Moneysaving doesn't mean no-spending. Wouldn't life be just a bit boring if we had to get the cheapest (and often crappest) things just on the basis of price?

PZH

sjbrun wrote: »

Why dont you let them clean it, then if they dont clean it to your satisfacation then ask them to replace the bag?

I agree with this post. But I would put it down in writing so there is no confusion later as to what you are actually agreeing to.

Giving them chance to see if cleaning would work demonstrates that you are/were willing to at least give them a chance if it comes to needing further firmer action (small claims, etc)


As for the discussion about handbags, family (??), etc, it is irrelevant - brand new goods were damaged by the actions of an employee whilst on their premises.