Money Moral Dilemma: Should I ask my neighbour to pay for the meat they spoiled?

hannerrbabes

That's really disappointing. I would raise a complaint with the delivery company - directly or indirectly through the meat company. You were at home but your neighbour was kind enough to take it in for you (even if they were a little silly and didn't read the 'perishable' notice - I'm sure it was a genuine mistake). As long as you didn't agree to the package going to your neighbour's, the liability would be on the courier in my opinion.

telsco

Just tell the company it didn't arrive in an edible condition and you would like a replacement sending. They may want proof so scoop it out the bin and take photos of every piece. 

ireallycantyodel

Marvel1 said:

I wouldn't know what perishable goods meant.  
Not their fault.

Seriously? You must be still living at home with your parents....

MSE_Kelvin said:

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I recently ordered around £40 worth of meat online. I was at home when it was due to be delivered, but received a text saying it had been left with my neighbour. I went over 10 minutes later, and they told me via their video doorbell that they'd gone out and wouldn't be back until late. I picked up the parcel the next day, and it turned out they'd left it on a radiator, despite it saying 'perishable goods' on it and containing ice packs, so I had to throw all the meat away. Should I ask my neighbour to cover some or all of the cost?

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First of all - if you were at home and they just left it with your neighbour without you actually allowing them to do so (not sure what you left in the delivery instructions) I would speak to the company first and state your problem. Also, it might have been a lazy courier. Most of the time companies are quite lenient and rather than having a go at your neighbour (who, quite frankly doesn't seem to be very on the ball - in any case, I would have asked him to put it in the fridge when you spoke to him - if he had told you there and then that this is no longer possible as he will be out of the house, I would have contacted the company anyway - they must be dealing with similar issues all the time).

Either way, ring the company first as they are likely to sort it out for you

divadiow

I don't think it's your neighbour's problem really but, seriously, who puts an unknown package on a radiator? There were probably obvious clues as to what was inside too and that it should have been refrigerated. I wouldn't expect the neighbour to pay but I'd certainly be peeved they'd been so basic.

primrose_penguin

If would not fall out with my neighbour over this, it is not worth it, they did you a favour taking it in without having prior warning. However I would definitely get in touch with the firm you bought the meat from and tell them what happened, they should sort it out with the courier especially as you were at home, hopefully they will replace it. Next time I would tell the firm where they can leave it (perhaps you have a shed or porch) if the door is not answered. 

stressedofdevon

I take in a lot of parcels for neighbours, it has been known for me to have a small pile of them in my hallway!  I try never to be nosey and make a point of not looking at the sender (although sometimes it's very obvious) and don't even look at who it's addressed to if one of a couple at the address.  I just rely on the postie or courier to inform the correct person.  So I probably wouldn't ever spot if something was marked perishable and would not expect to have to compensate a neighbour when trying to do them a favour.  

HannahNP

If you knew it was perishable you should have texted your neighbour and let them know to put it in the fridge.
If you didn't know their number tried knocking the door later and NEVER leave it to next day to avoid any accident.
It was YOUR responsibility to look after your meat, not the company or neighbour after it was safely delivered.

Shezza11

Personally I'd just accept it. Contact the seller and see if you can claim but it's not worth falling out with neighbours for £30. Perhaps ask them if the situation should ever arise again they contact you and leave the parcel in an agreed place. 

penguineater

Some strong opinions in here.

OP needs to contact the company they bought the meat from and say it was not delivered to the correct address and the food was spoiled by the time it was finally rectified.

The company can chase after the courier if they want.

Neighbour doesn't need to pay for anything.

sheramber

What size was the parcel that it  fitted on a radiator?
  i would not have room for a parcel of meat in my fridge or freezer and the meat would probably have been spoiled next day even without being on a radiator.