Damage or Normal Latex Imperfections?
Mar 16, 2010 9:24 PM
Joined: Feb 5, 2010
Points: 62
I discovered two tears in a latex topper I received. Would you consider this damage, or normal imperfections inherent to latex?

Re: Damage or Normal Latex Imperfections?
Reply #2 Mar 17, 2010 1:24 AM
Joined: Aug 17, 2009
Points: 542
I had a small tear in one of the pieces I received from FloBeds originally. it was about the size of the tear you are showing in the second picture. I contacted Dave about it and he said that he would exchange it for me if I wish to. I told him no I didn't think it was that important, that I would keep it, but I just wanted him to be aware of it.

In all of the moving of layers that I have done to try and get to the proper configuration for me, it has never developed any additional dimensions to the tear. As you can see in your photograph you are having to pull it apart with your fingers to show the degree of damage. Once the latex ( and here I'm talking about 100% natural as that is what I have and is my only experience) is encapsulated in the cover any additional tearing is extremely remote. However when you handle latex you do have to be careful to not grab it in a fist and pull on it hard, as it will tear. But under reasonably careful conditions the moving of latex has not caused any problems for me. And as I said, the original small tear has not increased in size.

I think a lot of it depends on two things. The quality of the latex in question and how careful the user is in the way they handled it. Once it is zipped up in your cover it doesn't make any difference, at least that has been my experience.

This message was modified Mar 17, 2010 by eagle2
Re: Damage or Normal Latex Imperfections?
Reply #3 Mar 17, 2010 2:27 AM
Joined: Aug 21, 2009
Points: 486
Definitely damage.  None of the layers in my queen latex mattress had any tears and barely any imperfections.  If it's returnable, I'd return it, and here's why:  if all the reports are true, our latex mattresses have a real lifespan of 15-20 years or more.  Over the relatively short time most of us have had our latex a tear like this might not be too bothersome, but over the lifespan of the latex it might become an issue.

Where did you get it and what kind of latex is it?

Re: Damage or Normal Latex Imperfections?
Reply #4 Mar 17, 2010 8:14 PM
Joined: Feb 5, 2010
Points: 62
KimberlyH wrote:

Definitely damage.  None of the layers in my queen latex mattress had any tears and barely any imperfections.  If it's returnable, I'd return it, and here's why:  if all the reports are true, our latex mattresses have a real lifespan of 15-20 years or more.  Over the relatively short time most of us have had our latex a tear like this might not be too bothersome, but over the lifespan of the latex it might become an issue.

Where did you get it and what kind of latex is it?


I think I agree with eagle2 - I have it in a zippered case and no reason to ever take it out, so I don't see how the tears can go any further.

jimsocal, I paid full price for it. I had already ordered a topper from this company and it was perfect, so I was really surprised to see the condition this one arrived in. I'm aware latex has imperfections, but I think these tears, esp. the longer one, go beyond that.

KimberlyH, it's 100% natural Talalay latex. I'm not sure if I should post the name of the company on the forum. Is that against the rules?

Thing is, it's on my bed zipped up in the case and I don't want to take the whole thing apart, find a carton, wrap it up and haul it off to FedEx. The thing weighs 50 lbs., it's not easily transported. I thought they might discount it, seeing as I feel I was shipped damaged goods. To my surprise, I got a very arrogant response from them.

The Customer Service rep forwarded my photos to their warehouse manager. He response was then forwarded to me:

If the customer is not satisfied with this product we will be glad to bring it back.  For future reference please make sure the customer knows that raw latex toppers will have imperfections beyond our control.  Moving forward, we will not accept returns for imperfections in latex toppers.
 
And the CS rep added: At this point, I will allow you to make a decision regarding whether you would like to have the product replaced.  As you can see above, we cannot guarantee that each piece you receive will be as picture perfect as the first one, however each piece will be extremely comfortable and do its job well. Let me know what you would like to do.

I think their attitude sucks. I was a repeat customer, but needless to say I won't be a customer going forward.no

Re: Damage or Normal Latex Imperfections?
Reply #5 Mar 17, 2010 8:28 PM
Joined: Aug 17, 2009
Points: 542
Narnia said: "I think their attitude sucks. I was a repeat customer, but needless to say I won't be a customer going forward."

This always the best choise it seems to me. Vote with our $'s.

That is one of the reasons sites like this one are so important. So us "Little People" can be heard. We get to have our say and many folks can read all about it. I would post there name. Board members are inteatled to know how companys threat there paying customers.

Thank you for posting!!cheeky

This message was modified Mar 17, 2010 by eagle2
Re: Damage or Normal Latex Imperfections?
Reply #6 Mar 17, 2010 10:59 PM
Joined: Jan 31, 2010
Points: 54
That's really low of them how they try to shield themelves from selling damaged latex by saying it's imperfect. I guess its the latex sellers' equivalent of PU foam sellers' 'your sagging mattress is not defective and your warranty says so so it must be true." angry

Then again, I don't know what 'imperfect' latex looks at as opposed to 'damaged' latex.  What is the difference, exactly?  If I bought damaged latex or imperfect latex, I'd be confused about which it was.

 

Re: Damage or Normal Latex Imperfections?
Reply #7 Mar 18, 2010 12:15 AM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
Yes, it is a hassle to return it, and so I can see why you might not want to. But in my opinion that is DAMAGE, not an imperfection. Please post who it is because I don't like their attitude and prefer not to buy from them. Yes, it's okay to post who it is.

If it is going to be enclosed the whole time, then I see little reason to return it. See, my layers often get changed around and none of them are enclosed, so then a tear like this does become an issue. You can buy special glue for foam to spray it and keep it closed but the glue is probably toxic to some extent. Also it makes a bit of a hard edge around the seam.

If it was me and it was going to remain enclosed I would not go to the trouble of returning it.

Re: Damage or Normal Latex Imperfections?
Reply #8 Mar 18, 2010 11:59 AM
Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 850
the first rip is definitely unusually large in terms of the length.  I really don't think these are going to effect the life of the product significantly.  I would ask for an exchange for another piece or even maybe a small credit.  My logic on this as follows if someone bought a topper from me....even if I don't think its defective, if its defective in my customers eyes then I will give them some options on what we could do to make them feel better about their purchase, id either offer to exchange it, or offer a credit of say maybe 10~30% depending on how minor or major the defect is to see if they would want to keep it. 
Re: Damage or Normal Latex Imperfections?
Reply #9 Mar 18, 2010 12:45 PM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
I have had some small tears and little chunks torn out in a number of latex pieces.  Not as big as your tears though.  It has not botthered me, but I would worry about it getting larger when handling.   I glued one of mine to try to prevent further damage.  Not sure what the best type of glue to use though.
Re: Damage or Normal Latex Imperfections?
Reply #10 Mar 18, 2010 2:57 PM
Joined: Aug 21, 2009
Points: 486
I would like to know what company this is - we talk about specific companies all the time.  This is what we are here for, to discuss our options, look at people's set ups, and find the best companies to do business with.  It's not against the ruleds for US to name companies, we just don't want companies touting their services on this forum.

 

I'd like to know so that I can be sure not to purchase from them in the future.  I'd return it solely on the principle of thier approach and attitude.

Re: Damage or Normal Latex Imperfections?
Reply #11 Mar 18, 2010 3:27 PM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
KimberlyH wrote:

I would like to know what company this is - we talk about specific companies all the time.  This is what we are here for, to discuss our options, look at people's set ups, and find the best companies to do business with.  It's not against the ruleds for US to name companies, we just don't want companies touting their services on this forum.

 

I'd like to know so that I can be sure not to purchase from them in the future.  I'd return it solely on the principle of thier approach and attitude.


I am in total agreement with Kimberly, that I would not do business with this company.

I would not do business with them, NOT because they sent a damaged piece of latex - that can happen with any company. But rather, the fact that they said in the future they will not guarantee that any piece is in better shape than this one so would not offer a return or anything on it. If they'd said, "Oh, sorry, we shouldn't have sent that out, we'll send you another one or offer you a discount", then I'd say "That's fair!" But to say that it is "just an imperfection" and not damaged, is b.s. imho.

I think it's up to them not to accept damaged latex from their supplier and to make sure it does not get damaged in their warehouse. So therefore they should not send out damaged latex.

I think a smaller tear, like maybe one inch or so, or a small "scoop" like my Dunlop piece has, is "imperfection", but THIS is damage, and I don't like their attitude about it.

Please tell us who it is.

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