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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Expecting a sofa company to care that my daughter choked on a faulty sofa button?

108 replies

MadMadsMum · 20/09/2019 21:07

Over a week ago, I had to forcibly retrieve a faulty sofa button from my 18 month old daughter’s mouth. The sofa is 4/5 years old (from Sofology) and a button had fallen out of the side cushion through no fault of ours. The button was not pulled or broken and simply became unattached to the button on the other side. Fortunately I was close to my daughter and noticed she was panicked and unable to breathe so was able to act.
Shortly after this happened, I called Sofology who despite repeatedly promising to call me, never bothered. I had to chase through email, Twitter and finally again by phone. Through a DM on Twitter, I was informed that due to the sofa being 4/5 years old and not being able to know how the button came loose, they would take no action. After calling them and expressing my concern that no one from Sofology seemed concerned enough about by situation to bother picking up the phone and calling a distressed mother, they offered to send someone to my home to fix the button.
I really don’t want this sofa - that represents a very clear danger to my child as it has 38 other buttons on it - in my home.
AIBU to expect Sofology to take this more seriously and do more than send someone out to fix the button?

OP posts:

Missingstreetlife · 20/09/2019 21:30

Write a shitty review. Talk to trading standards and get rid of the sofa

ChardonnaysDistantCousin · 20/09/2019 21:31

What do you expect them to tell you once they call?

Nicknacky · 20/09/2019 21:32

So all you want is a phone call? What difference will it make if they call and empathise with you?

Namechangeforthiscancershit · 20/09/2019 21:32

I can't see that it would be structural

I'm not sure a call would help unless I'm missing something

DonnaDarko · 20/09/2019 21:32

I haven't called customers for more serious problems

I really think you're overreacting. You've had the sofa for 4-5 years what exactly are you expecting.

Disclaimer: I don't work for sofology

Roussette · 20/09/2019 21:33

I'm glad I don't work for Sofology. You've had this sofa for FIVE years and you try and blame them? Watch your little one when she puts things in her mouth. End of.

This is blame culture at its worst.

clairethewitch70 · 20/09/2019 21:34

I would put a throw on the sofa, covering up the buttons. Glad your daughter is ok.

Original poster

MadMadsMum · 20/09/2019 21:35

In response to all that have asked what I want them to do, I think I really need some kind of acknowledgment that this should not have happened. My DD was unable to breathe - and yes, she could have choked on lots of things - and yes, she did put it in her mouth, but surely I shouldn’t just expect that my very well kept sofa will randomly shed small objects.
I’m just so amazed that no one has called. Even if it was just to say sorry you had to experience that but it’s not our fault.

OP posts:

MyNewBearTotoro · 20/09/2019 21:37

Orchidflower1 · 20/09/2019 21:37

It must have been a terrifying experience op but with the length of time you’ve had the sofa the shop ( and most people) will assume you’re after a new one off the back of it.
It’s a shame they haven’t called you but with the time you’ve had it I really don’t see what they can do.

Buttons that are smaller can come off costs, cardigans etc too.

What about getting some throws or bespoke covers to hide the buttons?

If you really don’t want them then sell them on/ donate them.

Your lo is ok and that’s the main thing.

WaterSheep · 20/09/2019 21:37

I think I really need some kind of acknowledgment that this should not have happened.

But they can't give that reassurance. The sofa is 4-5 years old, it's normal wear and tear.

RitaTheBeater · 20/09/2019 21:37

If you don’t feel it’s safe then get rid of it.

Nicknacky · 20/09/2019 21:39

They aren’t going to say sorry and even if they did it doesn’t change anything.

It’s a 5 year old sofa. They have no idea how it’s been treated or how many owners it’s had over the years.

Original poster

MadMadsMum · 20/09/2019 21:41

Thanks all for your responses. I don’t feel right selling the sofa on to another family. I guess I’ll just have to accept that Sofology don’t care and that they can’t be held accountable. I just hope that my sofa was an anomaly as it’s a very popular sofa. I also pray that nothing like that happens to anyone else. It really was pretty traumatic.

OP posts:

NCBabyBoy · 20/09/2019 21:43

You're getting a hard time here. I can see where you are coming from, sometimes being listened to is the most important thing. I'm also amazed that Sofology didn't get back to you, to avoid the potential PR fallout if nothing else.

Roussette · 20/09/2019 21:43

Good grief. I had a DC who continually put things in her mouth, I always had an eye on what she was doing, sofas... kitchen stuff... toys... etc etc.
Your sofa is five years old with buttond!. Do you watch what she's doing? What do you expect them to say?

SheChoseDown · 20/09/2019 21:43

Oh for goodness sake, I am so sorry you went through a very scary moment, it must have truly been awful.
But you can't think that them taking blame for this will help anything?
Its an OLD sofa!!!!!!!! Wear and tear happens.
I'm glad you were taking notice x

SheChoseDown · 20/09/2019 21:44

ginghambox · 20/09/2019 21:45

I guess I’ll just have to accept that Sofology don’t care and that they can’t be held accountable
So how much compo would you like.

NCBabyBoy · 20/09/2019 21:45

BTW, I'm also surprised that a commercially available sofa is allowed to contain parts small enough to pose a choking hazard if they come off. Does it have any warning about this on the label? Ignore the perfect parents on here btw!

QualCheckBot · 20/09/2019 21:49

The only way around this is to ban buttons on sofas. In fact, to be ban buttons that might come loose anywhere.

However, given that the sofa is 4 or 5 years old and you didn't think it a hazard yourself, its not really surprising the sofa company are ignoring you. They probably think you are mad.

Original poster

MadMadsMum · 20/09/2019 21:49

@NCBabyBoy thanks for your comments. I guess I am expecting too much. I just thought they would care more.
I’ve read the comments and I think it looks like my stance is unjustified.

OP posts:

Monday55 · 20/09/2019 21:54

What if a button falls of your blouse next? you'll be complaining forever. Your incompetence to ensure your child is safe is on you, no one else is responsible for the items you bring into your home especially after half a decade has passed.

violetswordfish · 20/09/2019 22:06

I think part of the problem is thag you think that 'wear and tear' means mistreating soemthing. It doesn't, it just means using it. Unless your sofa has been in a box in an unused room for 5 years then it has been subject to wear and tear. And buttons come off things that are used. If your dd had choked on a button that fell off a coat you'd had for 2 years, would you be looking for acceptance of blame from the clothing manufacturer? Probably not. Why is a sofa different?

HeadintheiClouds · 20/09/2019 22:06

Why are you surprised, NcBabyBoy? Haven’t you ever seen a Chesterfield?

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