Money Moral Dilemma: Should I return the refund I got for 'dead' plants I revived?

pollypenny

Whist I sympathised with garden centre owners, Ive had some dreadful plants this year.  I had the centre of my hanging baskets die, difficult to replace. and an expensive raspberry dying. This is from a local place which I wanted to support. Not now. 

kerryajwalker

If it was a courier issue the nursery may have sought compensation from them so just keep them. You've taken time to bring them back from the dead.

Emerion

B*minx said:

I'm having a similar situation- I ordered 100 willow whips in April. They came wrapped in black plastic- in the heat wave-and very much the worse for it. I did plant them, all in a row, 10cm apart as advised, and gave them lots and lots of water, but over half of them died. I was in frequent contact with the seller, and I did ask for either a 50% refund or replacement for the dead plants. He has been very obstructive, argumentative and difficult and eventually I opened a paypal dispute, asking for the 50% refund. It seems to be at the last stage, he has come back saying he will offer a full refund but I have to dig up and send back all the plants- and at my own expense (this last bit is in the PP conditions). I'm so annoyed at how petty he's being, as the plants will inevitably die, plus it will leave a big mess in my garden. Is it right that I should have to foot the cost of the return? I am in such a dilemma about what to do. 

I think the law says that he has to pay the cost of return if the goods are faulty, which they were. You only pay if you’ve changed your mind, but the goods were OK.  I think he’s trying to make you give up by continuing to be obstructive. 

Tim11111000111

My two cents:
Were you in anyway dishonest (or incorrect) in your original refund claim? - for example, if you said the plants were "dead" that would be different to "almost dead". If everything you said was truthful and honest, and the company decided to refund you anyway (and did not request the plants back) then you have done nothing wrong. If it helps you fell better, leave a positive review praising their customer service, and continue shopping there next time you need a new plant. Good customer service is all about encouraging repeat custom and generating a positive brand image, even if the company lost out on that one sale.

Emerion

The sale of goods act states that goods have to be as described. They weren’t. People are mistaken in stating that you should pay back the refund because they’re alive now. That’s like offering to send back a garment that was falling apart at the seams, getting a refund instead, spending hours mending it, and then being expected to refund them because you now have a functioning garment. They could have asked for photographic proof, to ensure that you weren’t fibbing. Then they could either ask for a return at their own expense, or refund you, and they chose to refund. As previous responders have said, you should give them a good review for refunding. 

Paddybill

Yes offer the money back and buy more plants from them obviously an honest company so i would use them cheers 

The_Twizzle

If it is the same company I have had issues with of plants turning up extremely late and plants dead or dying, NO. Even trying to get a reply from them regarding your complaint is like pulling teeth. Keep the money and your plants! You are very very lucky to have received ‘live’ plants at all.
There is a Facebook page that has been set up regarding complaints, you will be surprised by the amount of people who have to constantly nag the company for a refund and then it takes weeks for the refund to come through 

Afourteen

Yes. You bought from a small company, in today's financial climate a gesture of returning the refund will go a long way in sustaining their business and (may) improve the service you receive from them in the future.

cwc1899

Yes. You should return the refund. 

From personal experience, they would NOT have been sent out in dead condition and have probably been hanging around in the depths of the Royal Mail system. 

You could have just planted them and given them a little TLC and then askEd for a refund if they didn’t revive...
If the company you bought your plants from is still in business, at least tell them and offer to return the refund...

Horki

Yes I think you should.  Two points: I ordered some plants online earlier this year and they did look a bit sad when they arrived but I realised they had been grown to be ready for a parcel by post. Once planted they grew very well indeed. I was not experienced enough to judge the condition when I received them from a seller, who had 100% good feedback.  I also bought a rose which was a mess.  I asked for a refund for it, sending photos, etc. and received it.  If we all accepted that dishonest people will take advantage if they can, then there is a greater need for other people to be honest.