Every time I read about yet another product recall, I picture
this: customer service lines at Target stretching out the automatic doors,
angry hordes of parents holding recalled items aloft while they chant slogans
and demand better quality and attention to toy safety.
“The children,” they scream with passion. “What about the children!”
In reality, retailers poised to deal with the onslaught are watching tumble weeds roll by.
Most parents are just throwing the lead-covered/choking hazard/impaling risk/finger-severing crap away and moving on.
For example, when Target issued a recall in May of 5,000 000 Anima Bamboo Collection Games because of lead, no units were returned. During a recall of 190,000 Kool Toyz last year due to lead and sharp points, less than 1 percent were returned.
This lack of returns presents a problem for manufacturers in that they can’t actually figure out how effective their recalls are. Did people not get word (how could they not this year?), or did they just not bother sending it back?
Frankly, I think there’s a lack of information about what to do. Do I have to bring back an intact Polly Pocket set (an oxymoron since at least six of the microscopic boots go missing the minute the blister pack is opened) or will Polly herself do? Do I need a receipt? Do I have to remember where it came from? What if it was a gift?
On the bigger items, where there’s a repair kit or a full recall, do you just show up and describe the piece or do you have to break down the crib/play yard/swing set/bunk bed and show proof of ownership?
And for those recalls that require shipment? Forget it. No amount of refund is worth the search for a box, packing and sealing, and standing in line at the post office while your kid’s screaming for you to let her play with it one more time. No amount.
Finally, all those damn serial numbers. Which infant car seat? We’re off by one number … does that matter? And it’s not just any Polly Pocket that was recalled, right? It was a very specific one. How the hell should I know which one? Plus, it’s Polly Pocket? Really, I’m just interested in never seeing her again, so, the trash solution works best for us. Sorry, Mattel.
What about you? During this Summer of Recalls, did you take anything back? Was it easy? Was it worth it?
Photo: New York Times
