Such a disappointment! This store is cute and is apparently locally owned. We loved it when we first discovered it recently and have made numerous purchases over several visits. Indeed, we’ve brought in half a dozen other customers.
So we were terribly disappointed by the rude and dismissive treatment we got when we tried to report to them a faulty product. While the rudeness was upsetting, they chose to knowingly sell faulty products – with the justification that they won’t order more. That’s irresponsible and unethical.
We recently purchased a little metal kazoo toy. Within an hour of giving it to a four-year-old, we noticed paint had chipped off the mouthpiece – apparently swallowed by the little girl.
We notified the store of the problem during a future visit (didn’t even try to return it, just wanted to warn them.). At first, they dismissed our concerns by saying the store wasn’t planning to order more of the toys. But what about the toys left on the shelves, we asked, shouldn’t those be pulled? Apparently not. When we tried to explain that it’s dangerous for children to eat paint (whether or not it contains lead,) we were again blown off. My mother – a quiet, sweet woman and a social worker – was told by someone identifying herself as the owner that she might have more luck getting cooperation had my mom been nicer about it. It was bizarre. (Ironically, it was my mom who discovered the store, became a huge fan and brought in all that business.) Regardless of the owner misunderstanding of my mother, should such personal feelings be a factor in product safety decisions?
Given how they run their business: Be on the safe side, shop elsewhere.
more