HELP ! New Baby cot retailer nightmare !
Discussion
Oh boy ... New baby due in about 4 weeks. Nursery finished last night and decided to get the Cot setup for the missus coming home from work today.
Cot was delivered in July but I stupidly did not check it ....
Lug it all into the house and unpack. 2 big splits in one end of the cot.
I just know Sal is going to be in tears about this ... She's stressed out enough as it is.
Went to the website to sort out some replacement bits or a return :
http://www.discountbabybrands.co.uk/mamas_and_papas_uk.php
This is not good. Look at the baby. I've been onto the CC Company and they are sending some forms and I've talked to Mommas and Pappas who have been great.
They are not happy with this firm and are discussing it at board level on Monday. They say they will call me back to let me know what happens.
MEANWHILE ... Mommas and Pappas say the company is operating under another name ( Little Ones )and gave me a number to call. Whoever answered this denied all knowledge of Discount Baby Brands.
Really pi$$ed off. This is our first baby and I did not want anything to spoil it for Sal.
Any advice ?
Cot was delivered in July but I stupidly did not check it ....
Lug it all into the house and unpack. 2 big splits in one end of the cot.
I just know Sal is going to be in tears about this ... She's stressed out enough as it is.
Went to the website to sort out some replacement bits or a return :
http://www.discountbabybrands.co.uk/mamas_and_papas_uk.php
This is not good. Look at the baby. I've been onto the CC Company and they are sending some forms and I've talked to Mommas and Pappas who have been great.
They are not happy with this firm and are discussing it at board level on Monday. They say they will call me back to let me know what happens.
MEANWHILE ... Mommas and Pappas say the company is operating under another name ( Little Ones )and gave me a number to call. Whoever answered this denied all knowledge of Discount Baby Brands.
Really pi$$ed off. This is our first baby and I did not want anything to spoil it for Sal.
Any advice ?
nick heppinstall said:
Oh boy ... New baby due in about 4 weeks. Nursery finished last night and decided to get the Cot setup for the missus coming home from work today.
Cot was delivered in July but I stupidly did not check it ....
Lug it all into the house and unpack. 2 big splits in one end of the cot.
I just know Sal is going to be in tears about this ... She's stressed out enough as it is.
Went to the website to sort out some replacement bits or a return :
www.discountbabybrands.co.uk/mamas_and_papas_uk.php
This is not good. Look at the baby. I've been onto the CC Company and they are sending some forms and I've talked to Mommas and Pappas who have been great.
They are not happy with this firm and are discussing it at board level on Monday. They say they will call me back to let me know what happens.
MEANWHILE ... Mommas and Pappas say the company is operating under another name ( Little Ones )and gave me a number to call. Whoever answered this denied all knowledge of Discount Baby Brands.
Really pi$$ed off. This is our first baby and I did not want anything to spoil it for Sal.
Any advice ?
Hmmm, you are not alone!
Sounds like your best bet is through the CC company, since even if the company who sold the goods have gone into receivership, they will normally hold back funds owing to the company, for this exact reason!
With M+P you *might* get some joy, but probably the best you can hope for is for them to send the missing / damaged goods out to you as a replacement.
Either way it should be sorted to your satisfaction, but you need to stress the importance of it being finalised in the next 4 weeks!
Also, if the first company have ceased trading & started up again under a new name I'm sure M+P would want to know why they are refusing to credit you.
nick heppinstall said:
"Hmmm, you are not alone! "
Hey Garrett. Are you in the same boat then ?
I would be delighted if M&P sent us the damaged bits. No reason why should though.
>> Edited by nick heppinstall on Friday 16th September 19:15
Kind of...
Wife & I bought a travel cot (one of the ones you put in the car where the baby lies flat) which had some faults on it, and also turned out to be highly dangerous in the event of a crash! We spent about 3 weeks between ourselves, the retailer, and M+P trying to get some resolution. M+P blamed the retailer for not checking the goods, the retailer blamed M+P for not having an efficient quality controller. And on, and on, and on.
Luckily, we paid by credit card (as you did) so you have a greater chance of getting your money back than say a cash or debit card transaction. My money's on the CC company coming up trumps for you before either the retailer or M+P! (Sale of Goods act and all that malarky, perception of quality, etc - see Trading Standards for more info!)
Thanks for the heads up. We looked at internet suppliers for a cot but the difference between them and Eddershaws wasn't very greaty so we're going to buy local. Sorry to hear about this, it's just not on.
I'm just as bad with not checking stuff. I bought an office chair for not far short of £150 from MFI in June. Came to unpack it last week and all the paint was just flaking off a rusted base which clearly hadn't been primed properly. In fairness, they put up an initial struggle about time to return stuff but "the glare" soon made them relent.
>> Edited by LuS1fer on Friday 16th September 19:41
I'm just as bad with not checking stuff. I bought an office chair for not far short of £150 from MFI in June. Came to unpack it last week and all the paint was just flaking off a rusted base which clearly hadn't been primed properly. In fairness, they put up an initial struggle about time to return stuff but "the glare" soon made them relent.
>> Edited by LuS1fer on Friday 16th September 19:41
nick heppinstall said:
Thanks Garrett. Did you have a look at the webpage ? See the baby gesture and the note to M&P's ?
Yes, I have just looked at it now! Charming way to use a baby's picture...
Looks like your best bet will definitely be through the CC company. It looks as though the retailer has used one of the inetrnet-only merchant services (ProtX), and these are notoriously slow at paying the retailer, 5 weeks is the norm, as opposed to someone like Streamline who will often pay within 3 days. My guess is that a certain amount will have been held back by ProtX to cover situations such as this, after the company ceases trading. Usually this is three to six months, and will only be released if the merchant is satisfied that there aren't going to be any more refund requests.
Also, if you think that the same people are running the new retail outfit you can perform a basic Company Director search via CompaniesHouse.gov.uk. You can also search to see if discount baby brands genuinely have gone into liquidation - they may have closed the website in order to stop giving out more refunds!!!
Did you pay by CC rather than debit card? If so it's definately worth talking to your credit card company. If you don't have the credit card protection read the rest of my post....
I've checked Discount Baby Brands on Companies House and there is no listing for them as a company. Do you have any more details for them? Under the Distance Selling Regulations they are supposed to give you full name and address details when they acknowledge your order.
There is a listing for a company called Little Ones http://wck2.companieshouse.gov.uk/1268ec8df744353b60f183309a919ffe//compdetails
Are these details in any way similar to the info supplied by DBB when you ordered (if any)?
If it wasn't a limited company you need to track down the partnership or sole trader behind it. You could try doing this through their internet site - someone can point you in the direction of a way of locating the registered owner of the site - if it's a sole trader business there is every chance that the sole trader registered the web site himself.
Alternatively check with your bank (if debit card) whether you have any protection through them and also whether they can give you any details about who they paid.
Keep the pressure on M&P as well - they might be helpful if you keep a polite and pleasant approach with them.
Good luck
I've checked Discount Baby Brands on Companies House and there is no listing for them as a company. Do you have any more details for them? Under the Distance Selling Regulations they are supposed to give you full name and address details when they acknowledge your order.
There is a listing for a company called Little Ones http://wck2.companieshouse.gov.uk/1268ec8df744353b60f183309a919ffe//compdetails
Are these details in any way similar to the info supplied by DBB when you ordered (if any)?
If it wasn't a limited company you need to track down the partnership or sole trader behind it. You could try doing this through their internet site - someone can point you in the direction of a way of locating the registered owner of the site - if it's a sole trader business there is every chance that the sole trader registered the web site himself.
Alternatively check with your bank (if debit card) whether you have any protection through them and also whether they can give you any details about who they paid.
Keep the pressure on M&P as well - they might be helpful if you keep a polite and pleasant approach with them.
Good luck
Piglet said:
....you need to track down the partnership or sole trader behind it. You could try doing this through their internet site
Here you go...
Domain Name:
discountbabybrands.co.uk
Registrant:
Little Ones
Registrant's Address:
6 High Street
Galashiels
Selkirkshire
TD1 1SD
This information is in the public domain so I am not breaking any rules by posting it here.
Chim Girl said:
....you need to track down the partnership or sole trader behind it. You could try doing this through their internet site
Here you go...
Domain Name:
discountbabybrands.co.uk
Registrant:
Little Ones
Registrant's Address:
6 High Street
Galashiels
Selkirkshire
TD1 1SD
This information is in the public domain so I am not breaking any rules by posting it here.
Thanks Jo
Well done chim girl - this place is fab isn't it!!! There's the link you're looking for between DBB and Little Ones.
I'd guess that DBB was run by Little Ones which is why DBB wasn't a limited company in its own right. That would mean that LO are likely to be liable for the trading of DBB.
Check out the CC aspect and if they can't help then come back and I'm sure there are other suggestions for ways of reclaiming the cash.
I'd guess that DBB was run by Little Ones which is why DBB wasn't a limited company in its own right. That would mean that LO are likely to be liable for the trading of DBB.
Check out the CC aspect and if they can't help then come back and I'm sure there are other suggestions for ways of reclaiming the cash.
Nick, if you need further help I can get hold the Co Hse information for Little Ones, probably not until Monday though.
Mama's & Papa's have a great reputation for customer service, I don't know if you're aware that they're local. (Mamas & Papas, Colne Bridge Road, Huddersfield HD5 0RH) I appreciate it isn't an ideal situation but you may be get some replacement bits from them. Surely they guarantee their products for a year...?
Your credit card company should be able to help, in my experience there is often a 90 day limit to claims.
Good luck, if you find there is any other information you need feel free to yell - here or by PM.
Jo
>> Edited by Chim Girl on Friday 16th September 20:23
Mama's & Papa's have a great reputation for customer service, I don't know if you're aware that they're local. (Mamas & Papas, Colne Bridge Road, Huddersfield HD5 0RH) I appreciate it isn't an ideal situation but you may be get some replacement bits from them. Surely they guarantee their products for a year...?
Your credit card company should be able to help, in my experience there is often a 90 day limit to claims.
Good luck, if you find there is any other information you need feel free to yell - here or by PM.
Jo
>> Edited by Chim Girl on Friday 16th September 20:23
I know its not the done thing to slag companies on here, however; if there is any alternative to a M&P goods, buy them.
We bought a cot direct from an M&P store (so no-one else to blame but themselves), and it took as 3 months and 6 replacement parts (all the same one) to finally get the cot looking like something decent. They are truely appalling.
We bought a cot direct from an M&P store (so no-one else to blame but themselves), and it took as 3 months and 6 replacement parts (all the same one) to finally get the cot looking like something decent. They are truely appalling.
XM5ER said:
I know its not the done thing to slag companies on here, however; if there is any alternative to a M&P goods, buy them.
We bought a cot direct from an M&P store (so no-one else to blame but themselves), and it took as 3 months and 6 replacement parts (all the same one) to finally get the cot looking like something decent. They are truely appalling.
We have 3 products by M&P (A Cot Bed, Pushchair and a High Chair) Never had a problem with any off them.
Saying that never had to use their customer service, so cannot comment on that side. But i'm sure all manufacturers have problems at some point in this area.
Diff manufacturer, but we had a baby gate break on us (1 and a half years old) Found companys website and asked if they do replacements parts for it via e-mail on a Saturday night. We had the replacement part FREE of charge on the Tuesday morning.
So their is hope as M&P are a pretty big name in Baby stuff.
Our baby stuff:-
Baby changer unit - Old formica topped kitchen cabinet in good condition costing ten pounds from junk shop
Baby cot - old pram /carry cot given to us for free at the end of an NCT sale
Pushchair - second hand baby stuff shop for £15
Clothes - NCT sale and gifts from relatives
Proper cot - Asked my mum if MY old cot was still in the loft at my parents house. It was. New coat of paint. Sorted.
Car seat - bought new as no one we knew had a second hand one
Just ask for your money back and get something else. New stuf for babies is very over rated and overpriced and it won't make the baby grow up any happier.
Baby changer unit - Old formica topped kitchen cabinet in good condition costing ten pounds from junk shop
Baby cot - old pram /carry cot given to us for free at the end of an NCT sale
Pushchair - second hand baby stuff shop for £15
Clothes - NCT sale and gifts from relatives
Proper cot - Asked my mum if MY old cot was still in the loft at my parents house. It was. New coat of paint. Sorted.
Car seat - bought new as no one we knew had a second hand one
Just ask for your money back and get something else. New stuf for babies is very over rated and overpriced and it won't make the baby grow up any happier.
New stuf for babies is very over rated and overpriced and it won't make the baby grow up any happier
Yep, these firms prey on the natural wish of new parents "to do the right thing" and in their minds this means ££££££££ from you.
Now clothes/shoes for girls, don't get me started on that............
MoJo.
Yep, these firms prey on the natural wish of new parents "to do the right thing" and in their minds this means ££££££££ from you.
Now clothes/shoes for girls, don't get me started on that............
MoJo.
Mailed them. Not a peep until I mailed again with the address Jo gave me.
Here's the mails from my first to his reply and my reply :
My first mail :
Please contact me as a matter of urgency.
We have come to unpack the Cot Bed in this order and it is damaged. There is a large split in the leg of the cot. My Wife is devastated. Our baby is due in 2 weeks.
As there is no phone number on your ( now closed ) website I have contacted out Credit Card Company.
Please sort this out ASAP. We cannot be without a cot !
My Second mail :
Hello this is a follow-up mail in case Fridays mail did not reach you …..
I have been in contact with M&P who are discussing your firm at board level. I have been in contact with my credit card company who will shortly start the wheel rolling to reclaim the money for our Cot. I hope you realise how dimly credit card companies look at your type of operation. Judging by your website I do not hold out much hope of you contacting us.
I also have your address and know you are still trading under the name of Little Ones. I will also be taking legal advice if I do not hear from you in five working days.
6 High Street
Galashields
Selkirkshire
TD1 !SD
Here's the mails from my first to his reply and my reply :
My first mail :
Please contact me as a matter of urgency.
We have come to unpack the Cot Bed in this order and it is damaged. There is a large split in the leg of the cot. My Wife is devastated. Our baby is due in 2 weeks.
As there is no phone number on your ( now closed ) website I have contacted out Credit Card Company.
Please sort this out ASAP. We cannot be without a cot !
My Second mail :
Hello this is a follow-up mail in case Fridays mail did not reach you …..
I have been in contact with M&P who are discussing your firm at board level. I have been in contact with my credit card company who will shortly start the wheel rolling to reclaim the money for our Cot. I hope you realise how dimly credit card companies look at your type of operation. Judging by your website I do not hold out much hope of you contacting us.
I also have your address and know you are still trading under the name of Little Ones. I will also be taking legal advice if I do not hear from you in five working days.
6 High Street
Galashields
Selkirkshire
TD1 !SD
His reply:
Nick
I can Assure you were not still trading...Full stop.
You have left it two months to tell us you have a damaged panel.
The terms and conditions of the website state that everything must be checked with seven days of recieving the product. Now it imposible for us to claim from the Carrier for damage.
Have you tried contacting Mamas and papas spares and see if they can send you out a new panel and what it would cost?
With our business not having an account with Mamas and Papas through no fault of our own we are both in a predicament
I would prefer if you would not threaten us because we no longer are trading and only keeping the website open as a statement of our dissatisfaction towards Mamas and Papas.
Few Solicitors would be keen to chase a company that does no longer exist.
My advice is to see if Mamas and papas can send you out an end panel and at what price?
Then get back to me
Regards
Alistair
Nick
I can Assure you were not still trading...Full stop.
You have left it two months to tell us you have a damaged panel.
The terms and conditions of the website state that everything must be checked with seven days of recieving the product. Now it imposible for us to claim from the Carrier for damage.
Have you tried contacting Mamas and papas spares and see if they can send you out a new panel and what it would cost?
With our business not having an account with Mamas and Papas through no fault of our own we are both in a predicament
I would prefer if you would not threaten us because we no longer are trading and only keeping the website open as a statement of our dissatisfaction towards Mamas and Papas.
Few Solicitors would be keen to chase a company that does no longer exist.
My advice is to see if Mamas and papas can send you out an end panel and at what price?
Then get back to me
Regards
Alistair
My reply :
Hello Alistair. Thanks for contacting me. I can only go on the information I have received from M&P’s about you still trading. I did not check the contents of the delivery ( a mistake on my part ) because after a visual inspection of the packaging everything looked intact.
Please don’t read into my mail that I’m threatening you. My mails are simply a statement of fact regarding my possible courses of action. I did not expect you to reply but you have done the honourable thing and replied. I respect that and hope we can come to some mutually agreeable solution that would bring this matter to a close.
Their were two damaged panels both on the same side. C1 and C2 on the instruction panel. I have talked to M&P and the prices are £60 and £88 respectively.
Regards
Nick
Hello Alistair. Thanks for contacting me. I can only go on the information I have received from M&P’s about you still trading. I did not check the contents of the delivery ( a mistake on my part ) because after a visual inspection of the packaging everything looked intact.
Please don’t read into my mail that I’m threatening you. My mails are simply a statement of fact regarding my possible courses of action. I did not expect you to reply but you have done the honourable thing and replied. I respect that and hope we can come to some mutually agreeable solution that would bring this matter to a close.
Their were two damaged panels both on the same side. C1 and C2 on the instruction panel. I have talked to M&P and the prices are £60 and £88 respectively.
Regards
Nick
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