Can we have our ball back, Mister

[Doodle]

Ordered a set of brake pad pins from the local dealer, and picked them up this morning. Paperwork and payment settled, the parts chap hands me a bag of parts, it looks vaguely right so I think no more of it and put it in the boot.

Get a phone call a few minutes ago from the dealer, apparently there were 5 in the bag (I had ordered 4, obviously) as that's the minimum number they can order from Milton Keynes, and would I mind coming to the dealership to give the extra one back.

I'm not sure whether to laugh or stare at them with blank incredulity.

 

[renault12ts]

How much did you pay for the 4?

How far are you from the dealer?

 

[Doodle]

Comparatively, a kings ransom! In real terms, £40.

 

[renault12ts]

Comparatively, a kings ransom! But in that respect I'm fairly sure I've been invoiced the correct amount relative to what I ordered...I will be checking, obviously.

I was just trying to calculate the cost to them of sending someone out to you to collect the part...versus the cost of it.

Edit. So £10...I bet it would cost more to send someone out plus the rest.

 

[Deleted member 6183]

Maybe they would like to collect them in recognition of their error?

 

[PobodY]

"That's funny, I only count four!"?

 

[Doodle]

I was just trying to calculate the cost to them of sending someone out to you to collect the part...versus the cost of it.

Edit. So £10...I bet it would cost more to send someone out plus the rest.

Edited once I realised what you were getting at

As it happens I usually pass it on the way to work. But they don't know that, and from my home address it's 15 miles (and not my closest dealer at that point).

 

[RonFleet]

Perhaps they would care to pay your fuel and time...?

 

[MancMike]

So what did you say? Or is this hypothetical?

I assume you didn't answer "I'll get back to you"?

Just tell them they're welcome to collect it.

 

[grober]

Edited once I realised what you were getting at

As it happens I usually pass it on the way to work. But they don't know that, and from my home address it's 15 miles (and not my closest dealer at that point).

If this is the case then basically its no skin of your nose to return it. This might even stand you in good stead with the parts department in the future if they haven't been telling you porkies.

 

[st13phil]

^ This.

What goes around, comes around.

 

[Doodle]

So what did you say? Or is this hypothetical?

It was a voicemail, I haven't replied yet.

If this is the case then basically its no skin of your nose to return it. This might even stand you in good stead with the parts department in the future if they haven't been telling you porkies.

I agree, and they can have it back sometime next week. It's the sheer front of their demand that I struggle with. They don't know that's the case, all they have is my home address so to all intents and purposes I'm expected to make a 30mile round trip so that they can correct a cockup that otherwise doesn't involve me. Welcome to MB customer service, eh?

It would be nice to think it would stand me in good stead, but I fear the reality is it'll count for jack all, I'll just be another face in the daily crowd.

 

[219]

Comparatively, a kings ransom! In real terms, £40.

Shocking , for a humdrum service part .

I normally just clean mine with a wire brush then good for another 10K
Or whatever .

 

[Druk]

Try ordering four plastic clips that hold the sacho panels on. They come in bags of (say) twenty, which won't be split by dealers because they're left with sixteen and won't sell any for another ten years.

"But I only need four"

"Tough...it's twenty or none"

"Why"

"Cos Milton Keynes says so"

Been there...done that.

 

[kid-jensen]

Tell them you'd love to make the 30 mile round-trip to return thier mistake by your car is on axle stands having the brake pads replaced, so you have no transport.

I'm sure Euro Car parts have plenty of transport, let them collect it!

 

[Charles Morgan]

Try ordering four plastic clips that hold the sacho panels on. They come in bags of (say) twenty, which won't be split by dealers because they're left with sixteen and won't sell any for another ten years.

"But I only need four"

"Tough...it's twenty or none"

"Why"

"Cos Milton Keynes says so"

Been there...done that.

My favourite was the bolts and screws I had to order from MB as they were not otherwise identifiable. I'd pick up a box from Rivervale and there would be all the bolts etc loose with no identification of which was which. I asked why, to be told they come in minimum quantities so they gave me what I wanted and they kept the bag with the part number on for the remainder. Got lots of them sitting around in my W114 spare parts box, free to whoever can identify them!

 

[brucemillar]

My favourite was the bolts and screws I had to order from MB as they were not otherwise identifiable. I'd pick up a box from Rivervale and there would be all the bolts etc loose with no identification of which was which. I asked why, to be told they come in minimum quantities so they gave me what I wanted and they kept the bag with the part number on for the remainder. Got lots of them sitting around in my W114 spare parts box, free to whoever can identify them!

I am blessed with having a fabulous "fixings" company, not too far from me. His speciality, is stainless fixings. Nuts & bolts, washers, screws etc. My appearance at his counter can be like an enema. As I arrive at the front, all the staff run out the rear. Why? Well, I hand over my old bolt and ask "can you do these please?" He disappears off into the back returning with exactly what I need in stainless. "How many you like sir?" Errr 10? He sells these by the ton to the trade. My mahossive under order causes consternation. But..... WIthout fail, he grits his teeth, smiles and hands over a bag of about fifty. "Stick a couple of quid in the charity box please Bruce!!" Off I go.

What a place. I love it. Oh the owner has a VW Beetle that he has invested upwards £40k in and that is thing of beauty (if you like Dub's)

 

[Doodle]

I'm sure Euro Car parts have plenty of transport, let them collect it!

I'm sure they do, but I don't think they've branched out into courier services yet.

 

[dejongj]

Please don't ask them to collect. They've offered to come and collect my car from me, I'm sure they will go to you to pickup the pin on the way back

Free return next time you are in I would have no issue with it.

Any sooner it will be 45p per mile, plus an hour of my time. But happy to discount that to the hourly workshop rate

 

[flat6buster]

Sad thing is that if you got home and found you had three, not the four you ordered and paid for, what do you think their response would be?

Alas I am old fashioned and believe quite strongly in doing what is right. Return them when you are passing.