Share This PageShould recalled collectibles offer more than refunds?
By Robert Ballantyne
Friday, June 4, 2010, 12:33 PM
There's
a McDonald's in the food court next to the CBC Broadcast Centre in
Toronto -- and I eat there far more than I should. As a McD's
connoisseur, I bought the entire recent set of promotional Shrek 4
glasses - and bought some for friends.
Today it was revealed that the paint used in the glasses contains cadmium and are being recalled. McDonald's is offering full refunds - but is not manufacturing replacements.
Since the cups are collectibles (12 million were manufactured in North America), I, like many people in the office that I gave glasses to, are considering not returning them - cadmium paint and all.
Pre-recall notice, I've been drinking out of the Puss-in-Boots cup, and for almost a month now I've drank both hot and cold liquid out of it, put in the dishwasher, and the microwave once, too.
Yikes.
Certainly, I won't be drinking out of it any more. But I wonder how many consumers won't be parting with their "collectible" glasses to hold pens or loose change?
When a product is marketed as a limited edition collectible and is recalled for safety reasons, should they offer to either replace or refund to ensure consumers comply?
Update (June 8): I ended up returning the two glasses I had, and I received a $3 refund for each -- almost a dollar over the original purchase price.
Today it was revealed that the paint used in the glasses contains cadmium and are being recalled. McDonald's is offering full refunds - but is not manufacturing replacements.
Since the cups are collectibles (12 million were manufactured in North America), I, like many people in the office that I gave glasses to, are considering not returning them - cadmium paint and all.
Pre-recall notice, I've been drinking out of the Puss-in-Boots cup, and for almost a month now I've drank both hot and cold liquid out of it, put in the dishwasher, and the microwave once, too.
Yikes.
Certainly, I won't be drinking out of it any more. But I wonder how many consumers won't be parting with their "collectible" glasses to hold pens or loose change?
When a product is marketed as a limited edition collectible and is recalled for safety reasons, should they offer to either replace or refund to ensure consumers comply?
Update (June 8): I ended up returning the two glasses I had, and I received a $3 refund for each -- almost a dollar over the original purchase price.
