to keep complaining to ELC?

[cornflakegirl]

We have a wooden hammer and ball toy from ELC - three holes in the top, you have to bash the balls through with a little hammer. It was bought 4.5 years ago for DS1 - he loved it, played with it for a few months, then grew out of it, and we put it away.

At Christmas we got it out again for DS2, who also loved it. But after a short time, the wood between two of the holes began to crack, and eventually it split right through and a piece of wood about 1.5cm across became detached. So two of the holes are now incomplete, and the toy doesn't really work properly any more.

I emailed ELC to complain and ask for a replacement as I think that it's reasonable that a toy should last for more than one child, especially one that's only age appropriate for a few months. They have replied, twice, saying that because the toy is more than a year old it's no longer under warranty.

I am undecided about whether to keep complaining.

Points in favour:

1. I think the toy should have lasted longer;
2. the first email from ELC was really badly written (which annoyed me);
3. the second email included the phrase "I really appreciate you taking the time to let us know what you think" (I wasn't letting them know what I think, I was asking for a replacement toy!);
4. ELC have a reputation for quality and I think they should be trying harder to preserve it.

Points against:

1. The toy probably only cost about £10 so not worth a major dispute;
2. Since I'm clearly not going to escalate to the Small Claims Court, this could just turn into an increasingly annoying exchange of emails until I get bored.

So AIBU?

Oooh-my car's clutch is slipping-is only 4 years old. Do you think I can swap it for a new one if I take it back to shop?! :o

I'd let it go - as everyone has already said it is a cheap toy which has withstood at least 12 months of bashing with a hammer so it has done pretty well all things considered.

Get some wood glue on it

Alternatively, you could contact the local newspaper and get them to publish a photo of you and ds2 looking sad, sitting next to the broken toy...

"Alternatively, you could contact the local newspaper and get them to publish a photo of you and ds2 looking sad, sitting next to the broken toy..."

I love articles like that. Almost as much as the lonely hearts. Either way, it's good for a giggle or a face.

"I always think that about really oldwooden toys that grandparents drag out. They are probably covered in lead paint."

Indeed! Precisely why I politely declined my mum's old cot when I had my DCs.