Printware

I recently purchased a printer + extra toner cartridge from Printware. Due to delivery problems by some courier firms to my home, I 'phoned my order to Printware and discussed who they used. Having selected a firm with a good reputation of delivering on time, we agreed that the goods would be delivered by them next day. Unfortunately only one package turned up - the extra toner cartridge. The next working day, no sign of the printer, so I 'phoned Printware who agreed to find out what had happened and 'phone me back. I chased them some hours later as no return call was made - only to be informed that it would be delivered the next day by an entirely different courier firm. No delivery next day despite another 'phone call. On the 4th day I had stayed in for the delivery, I gave Printware an ultimatum - get it delivered today (by the depot manager if needs be) or I cancel the order (contrary to their terms and conditions). At 5pm the courier depot manager turned up with the printer. It had a label on it stating that they had been unable to find my home!! The 'phone no. on the label had a digit missing - gross carelessness by somebody - which meant the driver could not make contact with me and so they left the package in the depot.

Advice to customers - the company you place your order with are responsible for the courier as you do not have a contract with the delivery firm. If they are sub-contracting the delivery, you have a right to know who they are using. Be aware that the terms and conditions regarding online sales are often incorrectly stated by the firm selling the goods, as you have a "cooling off" period. Refer to the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000.