Digger06: This was probably another unpleasant side-effect of the clustering process, which may have meant that the item we advertised (in advance and while it was in stock) could have been called back and transferred to another country. Also, we did have quite a few deliveries from our suppliers which didn't turn up when they were supposed to. Can you let me know what the items was and I'll see if I can give you a more detailed explanation?
WDG1340: Yeah - I'm not so keen on that point either, but this was something bequeathed to us by our US parent company and we had no choice but to add it to the UK terms & conditions this year (it's been part of the German scheme since day one, but no one told the UK). I believe it's largely due to the fact that throughout Europe we have millions of Euro in what accountants call 'liability' (but I call earned discount) on the cards that was being carried over each financial year. The people who set the CC system up (who are incidentally no longer with the company) didn't really think all the implications of this through and so the parent company Finance people just ordered that the issue be dealt with - because the market is not strong this year, the 'liability' became an issue for them. Again, it's part of that balancing act of being international, but relatively small. However, there are plans afoot to work out a compromise that will keep the bean counters happy, but also makes it worthwhile for customers to cash their points in. Our kit and service has always been of the highest level, but previously the marketing at HG was very slap-dash and more about the company than the customer. But I'm working on unraveling it and putting the emphasis on customer satisfaction. If I do my job properly, I hope that you'll be much happier from October onwards.
Just for the record, I made these posting because it personally - as much as professionally - upsets me to hear that we have dissatisfied customers. The same goes for everyone I work with. Thanks for your understanding and please don't ever think that your custom is undervalued. But if do you feel that it is, please let us know.
Cheers,
Michael