Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be annoyed at Boots or at least the lady who works there

181 replies

Chocoholism · 29/05/2014 20:53

Buying some cow and gate stage 1 formula for my 6 month old and asked if I could pay with points on my advantage card, her response was no you can't as we like to promote breastfeeding.
Err how does giving points or redeeming points when buying a stage 1 formula affect a decision on whether to breast feed or not? And also I could've adhered to doh guidelines and bf to 6 months and then changed to formula.
Is this a silly rule? The amount of milk we get through, and the money I give to boots makes me feel like I am as entitled to receive points as much as anyone else for any other products.

OP posts:
ilovepowerhoop · 29/05/2014 20:55

YABU as it is the law, not just Boots, but for everyone who sells infant formula. You could use points on follow on milk as it is not counted as a breastmilk substitute, you just cant use them on first milk. Dont blame them for something they cant actually control

HoneyBooBooChild · 29/05/2014 20:55

Boots never allow you to pay with points for baby milk. For the same reasons why supermarkets are now allowed to reduce or have special offers on baby milk. It's not boots, it's the law.

cantbelievethisishppening · 29/05/2014 20:56

What a stupid policy. Is it worth taking it up with customer services?

HoneyBooBooChild · 29/05/2014 20:56

Not*

Meanderdeander · 29/05/2014 20:56

Nothing to do with the person who served you or boots- tis law.

animaniac · 29/05/2014 20:56

I think that you cant buy formula with points because formula can't be part of any promotion/reward/loyalty scheme - same reason you dont earn points when you buy it. Not 100% sure but think its something like that.

Original poster
Chocoholism · 29/05/2014 20:57

Ooops I did not know it was law, you can still use stage 1 milk after 6 months though right?

OP posts:
Annunziata · 29/05/2014 20:57

Be annoyed at Boots, the lady is just doing her job.

I get very cross at that. My DD is adopted, I am never going to be able to feed her myself, why shouldn't I get points on what I am buying?

londonrach · 29/05/2014 20:57

Yabu. Read the terms of conditions if your boots card and it's clearly in there. I think its law.

MissMilbanke · 29/05/2014 20:57

Always been like this.

Save you annoyance for something you can make a difference.

cantbelievethisishppening · 29/05/2014 20:58

Ok... Just seen above posts.

MiloSimpson · 29/05/2014 20:58

YABU because it's not really up to Boot - its against the law to offer promotions or incentives for formula. I believe it's the same with cigarettes

Pumpkinpositive · 29/05/2014 20:58

Well, if Boots feel that strongly about the matter they shouldn't fecking sell formula milk then, should they? Funny how their exorbitant sensibilities don't extend to refusing to stock or sell the item! Shock

I'd complain. Ask them to clarify the company's position. They can "promote breast feeding" till the cows come home but there are many reasons some women don't breastfeed - including that it is impossible for some - and it is none of their bloody business.

Pobblewhohasnotoes · 29/05/2014 20:59

You can use stage one milk as long as you like. They can't advertise it so hence why follow on milk was invented.

Meanderdeander · 29/05/2014 21:00

I doubt boots care; they simply aren't allowed to promote it no matter how many people stamp their feet.

numptieseverywhere · 29/05/2014 21:01

Lol, boots putting baby milk up there with cigarettes!
As a longterm breastfeeding mother, can I just say: how fucking ridiculous.
It's formula, not crystal meth.

PiperRose · 29/05/2014 21:02

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

picnicbasketcase · 29/05/2014 21:02

Pretty sure it's on all loyalty cards - it'll say something like no points on lottery, tobacco, infant formulas, stamps etc

Joysmum · 29/05/2014 21:02

For me, it's not about law or company policy, it's about the crass wording she used.

ilovepowerhoop · 29/05/2014 21:03

www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/204314/Infant_formula_guidance_2013_-_final_6_March.pdf

the appropriate bit of legislation is:

Regulations 23(1)(d), (e) and 23(2) prohibit ‘special sales’ to promote the sale of an infant formula or any other special activity at any place where any infant formula is sold by retail to induce the sale of an infant formula. For example multi packs (bulk packs), loyalty/reward card schemes, free formula, price reductions, discounts or mark downs and buy one get one free

It is the law and Boots are abiding by that law.

Meanderdeander · 29/05/2014 21:03

Piperose- did you mean to be so shockingly rude and ignorant?

numptieseverywhere · 29/05/2014 21:04

It's a shit law.
It needs to be changed.

ilovepowerhoop · 29/05/2014 21:05

I dont think its a shit law at all (and I formula fed)

hazeyjane · 29/05/2014 21:05

It is illegal to advertise or promote formula for babies under six months old to the public. This includes price reductions, displays or other
promotions in shops.

from the Food Standards Authority.

redexpat · 29/05/2014 21:05

If you want to take it up with someone, take it up with the politicians, since they actually make the laws!