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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To complain to Sainsbury’s about their Valentine’s balloons?

276 replies

BalloonTrauma · 12/02/2021 23:50

I was blowing one up when it popped right in my face - forehead and cheeks now extremely painful, red and swollen. I wear glasses, so I don’t know if that had a protective impact, but I could have sustained a corneal abrasion or some eye injury... very scary to think about.

And it was still relatively small when it popped - hardly overinflated. I’ve never had this happen before either.

AIBU to complain about these bastard objects?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
NuniaBeeswax · 13/02/2021 14:15

"OK, but if it did actually happen you wouldn't be laughing? Or you think what I describe is an impossible occurence?"

It's not impossible, just very unlikely, and as someone has already pointed out you over egged it a bit with the traumatised child angle. And most people genuinely scarred for life (metaphorically speaking) wouldn't pick the username "BalloonTrauma". But well played though, points for originality and you've managed to whip up a couple of white knights into a froth defending you. 10/10.

Original poster
BalloonTrauma · 13/02/2021 14:16

@Sparklingbrook

Moving on from the 'Mumsnetters are all horrible meanies' whining etc *@BalloonTrauma* what are you actually going to do now?

Take it up with Ginger Ray? Or Sainsburys?

I would have written a note to Sainsbury's, saying that heart-shaped balloons have been especially known to injure the person inflating them (as per the research I linked to), and that they should - at the very least - explicitly state that pumps only should be used. And stock items that do do the same. Maybe someone else will find it helpful.

That's if I was to care. After reading this thread I don't know why I would bother tbh. Sure, I inserted some splashes of humour early on (didn't want to be too po-faced), but now people are piling in saying that I made it up, hence why they find it funny (?)

OP posts:
Hetilia · 13/02/2021 14:16

I'll be right there for you tooty, supporting you all the way 😂

WilsonMilson · 13/02/2021 14:17

For the love of fuck, get a grip. You’re an adult, no one about the age of 12 wants a balloon!

Sparklingbrook · 13/02/2021 14:18

@RootyT00t, yes it is very mean to not believe everything i read on the internet, and I am sorry for that.

I don't actually disbelieve the OP, a bit bemused by the explosive drama though and wondering what's going to happen next with the complaint.

RootyT00t · 13/02/2021 14:19

@Hetilia

I'll be right there for you tooty, supporting you all the way 😂
Thanks Hets. Appreciate it. 💖
RootyT00t · 13/02/2021 14:20

[quote Sparklingbrook]@RootyT00t, yes it is very mean to not believe everything i read on the internet, and I am sorry for that.

I don't actually disbelieve the OP, a bit bemused by the explosive drama though and wondering what's going to happen next with the complaint.[/quote]
I don't either.

I just thought the wording was ridiculous.

But I'd better say that quietly , after the trouble I got in last time.

RootyT00t · 13/02/2021 14:20

@WilsonMilson

For the love of fuck, get a grip. You’re an adult, no one about the age of 12 wants a balloon!
Now now. Everyone likes a good pumping now and again.
Sparklingbrook · 13/02/2021 14:22

You should still make the complaint if that's what you want to do @BalloonTrauma, maybe (as I suggested earlier) you could post in Legal Matters if you want some advice? As they are not a Sainsburys product they would have to take it up with Ginger Ray. Depends on what outcome you are after...

I don't know why you wouldn't complain just because of what a load of internet randoms think.

RightOnTheEdge · 13/02/2021 14:24

This happened to me once years ago.
Same as the OP I hadn't blown it fully up and it exploded and hit me right in the eye.
It really scared me because it hurt so much. I honestly thought I'd lost my bloody eye!

It was just a normal one though not one with a light or heart shaped or anything and I didn't think about complaining to anyone to be honest.
I just thought it was one of those freak things and was so relieved to still have an eye!!

RootyT00t · 13/02/2021 14:26

I would also complain.

Just not in those words.

Bluesername · 13/02/2021 14:26

I think you're getting some unfair responses here, OP. Obviously if you over-inflate a balloon it might burst, but no-one would expect only partly-inflated balloons to burst in their face. I would let Sainsbury's know so they can get the manufacturer to do safety tests and recall the product if needs be, so it doesn't happen to someone else. If some other product exploded at you I reckon everyone would say to complain.

Sparklingbrook · 13/02/2021 14:32

Just looking at the Ginger Ray website for Valentine balloons. Shock

To complain to Sainsbury’s about their Valentine’s balloons?
RootyT00t · 13/02/2021 14:33

@Sparklingbrook

Just looking at the Ginger Ray website for Valentine balloons. Shock
Bloody hell.

Are you a secret Ginger Ray worker, Sparkling ? Good advertising

Sparklingbrook · 13/02/2021 14:35

No @RootyT00t, Grin I was aware of the brand as they did some Christmassy bits in my local supermarket (not Sainsburys!) but I'd never looked at their stuff before.

Treacletreacle · 13/02/2021 14:37

Best thing you can do for your daughter is never buy her a balloon they are total crap and an environmental problem. Much better to make her some birthday bunting but be careful with the sewing needle 😉

MrsMackesy · 13/02/2021 14:39

99 Red Balloons....and one red face.

Hope you and DC recover from your trauma soon, Balloon

RootyT00t · 13/02/2021 14:39

@Sparklingbrook

No *@RootyT00t*, Grin I was aware of the brand as they did some Christmassy bits in my local supermarket (not Sainsburys!) but I'd never looked at their stuff before.
Theyre quite cool.

But I'm over 12 so MN would not allow it.

DrCindyPops · 13/02/2021 14:52

Ok so having read the backstory I don't understand why you bought the balloon then if she is so terrified of them? Confused

VienneseWhirligig · 13/02/2021 14:55

Well I'm in my 40s and my mum buys me a balloon for my birthday every single year. She does for everyone in the family but she does get helium ones so no danger of injury.

MrsMackesy · 13/02/2021 14:55

forehead and cheeks now extremely painful, red and swollen

Can you post some photos OP? Or at least take some. It would be useful for the retailer, brand and manufacturer to see the actual damage done.

RootyT00t · 13/02/2021 14:56

@MrsMackesy

forehead and cheeks now extremely painful, red and swollen

Can you post some photos OP? Or at least take some. It would be useful for the retailer, brand and manufacturer to see the actual damage done.

Dont tell porkies. You want to see Grin
HeyDemonsItsYaGirl · 13/02/2021 14:59

It's like Hindenburg all over again Sad

MrsMackesy · 13/02/2021 15:02

Well yes Wink but giving good advice too...and I'd be surprised if Sainsbury's or Ginger Ray's 'people' aren't in touch with MN (or the OP via this thread) - almost certainly would be if it came to their attention via Tw*tter.

Fairydustrust · 13/02/2021 15:18

Just trying to work this out? Taking it very seriously. A partly inflated balloon...exploded? What was the force causing it to explode? That's some strong breath!