thanks for sharing this. It paints a clear picture of the importance for all business owners to be aware that their people represent their brand. I follow your blog and it’s such a refreshing experience!

Cheers,
Faz

These weeks have given me time to experience your frustration first hand. I was to fly to Queensland on Jetstar and my plans were forced to change suddenly – I had bought discount tickets and agreed to the terms and conditions – Jetstar simply said ‘you knew when you purchased.’ UGH (this is the same will all airlines)

I had purchased tickets to the moonlight cinema for my sons birthday – and the night of the show the heavens opened – they have a ‘no refund’ policy which I agreed to when I purchased on line. UGH

I was given a wonderful box of Luke and May biscuits for Christmas last year and was saving them for a special occasion – UGH they are now 3 months passed the use by date and I have had to throw them out. (It was up to me to eat them in time)

There is no doubt that all of us find waste frustrating, pointless and costly – however many and varied businesses have products and services that expire. They have terms and conditions of sale and they supply them on this basis. I have a policy that I get on and use vouchers as soon as I get them so I don’t get caught out.

RedBalloon makes its expiry dates as large as possible because we want people to take the experience as soon as possible. We provide a no charge exchange service online so that should someone not be able to take the experience for any reason (such as ill health) – they can swap it to an experience that get’s delivered to them.

Thank you for letting me know your frustration, but we too like all other businesses uphold our terms and conditions.

PS your voucher had the expiry listed on it of March 2009 which is now 12 months passed – it is clearly stated on the voucher

Regards

In October 2008 my wife and I had our 60th birthday. My sister paid your company for a scenic seaplane flight experience. In February last year we went to Canada skiing and I was severely injured in a fall. As a result I never took up the voucher.

Now I am informed that your vouchers expire worthless. This is not mentioned on the voucher.

I believe this conduct by your company amounts to a criminal offence of obtaining money by deception. You have been paid a substantial sum of money (nearly =$500) to provide an experience and provided nothing in return.

This is theft and I intend to take the matter further.

Yours sincerely
Bill Northcott