Then & Now

When we first moved into our home a little over a year ago, Luke was adamant that he wanted a brand new sofa for our lounge. I admittedly humoured him for a little while and let him have a look around. Then before he got to in love with the idea I told him that there was no way that we were forking out for a beautiful new suite when my toddler was bound to put his mark on them instantly.

There was part of me who loved the idea of splurging but at this time I knew I would be so disheartened when Leo did spill something on them, I also knew that at this time we had so much for pay for… this being our very first family home we really did need to kit the entire house out. From the basic kitchen appliances to wardrobes…so I thought realistically and educated Luke in my reasoning for being the bearer of bad news when it came to a brand new suite.

In the end he did come around to my way of thinking, and Leo definitely proved me right in the long run. Now however we are getting to a stage where Leo is growing up, and although he still avidly jumps on our sofa suite…or in some cases climbs onto the arm of the chair and then catapults himself onto the sofa as if he is a world class stunt man.  I know that we are fast approaching a time where it may even be a possibility to start looking at some new sofas at some point in the not so distant future.

 

What I have always wanted is a corner sofa, I find them really inviting to curl up on. Unfortunately our lounge is an odd shape and we couldn't realistically have one without blocking off entrances to the room on either side. One day though, when we move to a bigger house and have more room to play around with, I will be treating myself to a lovely big corner sofa that I can spread myself out on once Leo has gone to bed.

We are not planning on moving anytime soon but when the time does come, I know that Leo will be that bit older and ready to accept his big boy role that incorporates no snacking, no jumping and no juice on the sofa.

I am sure we will get there eventually, but until then I am rather fond of my second hand suite, that is still in remarkable condition… even after a year of Leo exposure.   

Disclaimer: This is a featured post

Dear Homebase...

Dear Homebase,

Back on the 17th December 2012 we placed an order with you for a wardrobe. A wardrobe that was going to take until the 18th January 2013 for you to deliver it, despite this long wait we decided to proceed with the order and booked the time off work to be in for the delivery.

The day before delivery was supposed to take place, I received a text telling me to expect my order between 12:30 and 2pm the following day as arranged. The 18th January brought with it a dusting of snow, and I wondered whether or not the delivery would still take place. I had to guess that it would as I heard nothing from you to say otherwise, and knowing that you had my number I liked to think that you would contact me and let me know if this was not the case. 

So I waited in all day, denying my little boy his first proper experience of the snow as I was worried that I wouldn't hear the front door knock while we were outside! However I shouldn't have worried as you didn't show. You didn't bother to let me know and it was I who had to call you to re-arrange delivery! You wouldn't have got in touch at all.

We re-arranged delivery for the 2nd February 2013, 2 weeks and 3 days since the first failed delivery. 6 weeks and 3 days since our order was first placed with you. 

Of course I cannot argue with the weather, and I don't expect you to be able to predict it, but I sure as hell would appreciate the communication to let me know. But I brushed this under the carpet and told my partner it was ok, that delivery had been re-arranged.

So you can imagine my surprise yesterday while I am waiting in the house expecting a delivery between the hours of 7am - 12pm and nothing arrives. We didn't even receive a text with an expected delivery slot this time. Nothing. Zilch. Especially nothing to say there was a problem and you wouldn't be delivering.

So I called you back up and gave you our order number, only to be told that no delivery had been booked in for the 2nd February and that we were not going to have our wardrobe again, but you could book it back in for delivery on Friday 15th February. 

Friday 15th February is 8 weeks and 1 day since we first placed our order and in my opinion completely unacceptable. I have lost all faith in you as a company and your delivery service. You are wasting my time having me sit in waiting for a parcel that most likely will not turn up.

Your explanation for being out of stock for the wardrobe we ordered back in December, a wardrobe that should have been delivered weeks ago is not cutting it. 

Why would you arrange a delivery for an item that you don't currently have in stock?

Why did you not contact me on any occasion to let me know what was going on?

So Homebase your service to me has highlighted that you have no sense of urgency or honoring a pre-arranged delivery date. You obviously don't know how to pick up a phone and provide the customer service that is needed. However you are very organised when it comes to debiting the money and not providing the goods.

I am so close to saying forget the order and go elsewhere, but after waiting this long I do want my wardrobe and for this whole pa-lava to be over. One thing is for sure though, I will never order through you again as it has been a awful experience and not something I wish to repeat.

Yours,

Dissatisfied Customer