Apologies, this rant crosses many YACF boundaries, but here goes:
So I bought a 2017 27 inch iMac from John Lewis in July 2018, cos they offer a two year warranty at the same price as anyone else reputable?. It was delivered by DPD.
The internal hardrive is now borked. Which happened during the latest Apple software/security update on Friday. The borking has been confirmed after two phone calls with incredibly fast talking Apple support people. I needed two stiff drinks and two lie downs after both.
John Lewis telephone tech support advise to send it back to them (my nearest JL store in Chester, where there just happens to be an official Apple Repair facility) via DPD, and the cost of sending would be refunded to me by JL.
Being that kinda person who retains all original packaging and boxes piled up in his spare bedroom (also bike boxes and wheel rim boxes and tiny little rear deralleur type boxes), I still had what the iMac was delivered in - and by the look of the labels, had probably come all the way from China via another country and possibly 2 John Lewis locations. Even though the packaging didn't give one/me much confidence - I have to accept that cardboard and that vile white stuff, protected MY iMac all the way to ME.
The reason for needing to send it being a) I don't have a car/motor thingy, b) only have some bicycles and two still fit legs, c) cos I live at the bottom of Snowdon and d) cos I can't use public transport (mental health panic issues), even if I wanted lug around a 14kg box of a now duff Apple.
Specifically iMacs are on DPD's prohibited list.
So started an order with DPD just so I could get to their 'online chat' or any faux personal/helpful? communication and get some kinda confirmation about this prohibition.
I was reluctant but willing to accept all risk against loss or damage, as there's no other way am I going to be able to return it without hiring a car (or seeking above and beyond reasonable help from moton friends, regardless the expense would be so far in excess of the circa £17 courier fee)
So DPD 'online chat' person when asked coud I send an iMac accepting all risks, says "no problem". I'm kinda thinking whoa, and asked for confirmation of said 'online chat' person's declaration - pointing out there is some confusion on the DPD website about what's PROHIBITED or just not covered by any indemnity on their behalf.
Then he categorically states NO - you can't send an iMac via DPD. But couldn't explain how they came to deliver it and probably hundreds over the years sold by John Lweis and others.
He then changes tack, and says yes I can book a collection, but if the contents get scanned whilst in their realm, it will be returned to me. He suggested NOT all parcels are scanned for their contents, so it might be fine and get back to John Lewis in Chester.
So my risk has doubled from damage or loss between here and Chester, to it doesn't make it cos it's randomly scanned and possibly damged or lost in its return to me.
I'm thinking i need to wean myslef completely off this crap and go as far off grid as possible, ie run away, and hope my sanity can recover?