Yesterday while printing photos at office works I sat down at one of the provided stools only to have all 4 legs splay out and leave me to fall from rather high onto my butt. Luckily there is no major damage done but I spent last night quite sore and today there is some bruising.
Luckily a paramedic was in the line up at the store and checked me over and no major problems were spotted but he was concerned as he watched me fall.
Staff response was great. They were very concerned and the manager took a report and offered to pay for my photos. I declined as it didn't feel right and I was not in a great head space after the fall.
After I fell we looked at the stool and it appeared the side supports were snapped off previously and the chair was in bad shape. I have seen the same chair for sale in their stores. My wife was previously on the chair holding my 8 week old son.
Later I realized that my new MacBook Air which was being used to send photos to the printer also fell. It copped a decent dent and the keyboard is little busted.
I'm not too concerned about the MacBook, but the quality of the chairs is a worry. I have similar office works chairs in my own retail store and I have had them replaced multiple times due to them coming loose at the base. Officeworks have always been ok about replacing them under warranty. But at the end of the day they sell a substandard product that might be putting my customers at risk? And my liability insurance, especially if I know they are not up to standard? Karma kicks in?
I'd love some advice here. I hate the idea of asking for compensation or legal action and I would hate for something similar to come back to me in my own shop. However it has been niggling at me and some fresh takes on the situation would be appreciated.
Send them an email then forget it. Litigation is costly and unless you have major issues or costs not worth the effort.