Little things I like

[VPS]

When you are feeling a bit flat and you go to pick up your BWS order

 

[Pushka]

When after 18 months you finally work out how to properly fit screen door in your apartment so it closes and locks! (Was like it when we moved in). Thanks ChatGPT. Shoulda asked you earlier.

 

[DejaBrew]

Bit of a mix here of a WCMO, but has ended up being more of a LTIL...

DejaBrew+1 bought a not-so-cheap - albeit quite nice - personalised leather business card holder from a UK-based online business selling through their AU web store. The item arrives and it turns out that although the external dimensions match what is quoted on the product page, even when conservatively factoring in a reasonable amount of lost internal space due to stitching etc, the the usable (i.e. internal) dimensions of the product - which are not specified on the product page - are such that the holder cannot house a standard Australian-sized business card. Of course, whilst they offer 30 day risk-free returns, personalised items are excluded.

I helped draft and send a polite email explaining the situation and suggesting that the item was not fit for purpose and was therefore requesting either a full refund (including shipping), or if they believed the dimensions were wrong and therefore a manufacturing error, a replacement item.

Business responds explaining that as a UK company, they designed the item to fit standard UK-sized business cards, which they note are smaller. They advise internal dimensions will be smaller and it is therefore not a manufacturing error (i.e. we're not sending a replacement good). Being personalised, the item cannot be returned, however as a "gesture of good will", they'll accept the item being returned (at DejaBrew+1's expense) and provide a refund (minus a $63 re-stocking fee ).

I then draft and send a response suggesting it's an unacceptable solution. Their product page mentions nothing about internal dimensions. The photos are deceptive and a "reasonable" person would not assume such a large reduction in usable dimensions. Also, they're marketing and selling directly through an AU store, hence AU customers would reasonably expect the product to be suited to AU business cards, especially when there is no indication to the contrary. And the kicker? As an overseas-based online business selling directly to Australia, they're subject to Australian Consumer Law which would define their product as not being "fit for purpose".

Suffice it to say that a full refund (item + shipping cost) has been processed without the need to return the item. Naturally this is flagged as another "gesture of good will"

TL : DR - Invoking Australian Consumer Law is very useful (and a fun little trump card to play strategically )

 

[RooFlyer]

Sitting in my garden on a still 5:50 Friday evening, having a drink. Text from Travel Agent - check e-mail.

I check phone. A QR fare for a trip to Europe I've been planning has popped up pretty cheap (the TA has a corporate deal with QR). Previously TK was abt $3K cheaper, and I was going to go with that; now only $1K difference. That's worth it TK vs QR. Itinerary sent to me, with several options returning to ADL, MEL and SYD (ADL cheapest). Can only hold for 2 days.

Me - dash inside to computer, re-check itinerary with ADL return yep, good, give CC numbers (has them on file), and seat numbers wanted. Doha stopover cheap 5* hotel for a couple of days on the way over.

Settle back to drink in garden 10 mins later. Who doesn't like a Travel Agent?