Dear Claudienne

In 2007, I received a new King James version study Bible as a Christmas gift from a friend. The Bible in question was purchased from Sangster’s book store in Mall Plaza, Constant Spring Road.

In October 2009, while reading a passage in 2 Kings chapter 2, I realised that half of that chapter and all of Chronicles chapters 1-8 were missing from print. I immediately reported the matter to the Mall Plaza store in person and was told that I would receive a phone call with the chance of an exchange as soon as supplies of the same or a similar kind of study Bible were available.

In November 2009, I made a call to the store to inquire about the replacement bible. I spoke to a store assistant who informed me that there were still no study bibles, but I would be informed as soon as supplies were available.

In January 2010, almost four months after my initial report of the missing chapters, I am still getting nowhere with the store managers.

Their excuses include that an exchange cannot be had because I have no receipt and that taking so long to report the problem ran counter to the company’s return and exchange policy.

The store also argued that my friend who bought the Bible should have checked to make sure that all the pages were there before he left the store and that on getting the gift I should have ensured that no chapters were missing

Now, while I understand the reasoning given to me, I believe my situation is a special one and that their exchange policy should not apply in my case.

On Thursday January 7, 2010, I spoke to a store assistant who told me that the head of sales and marketing was unable to help me because I had no receipt. I also spoke to three senior managers who said they would discuss the matter and speak to me on January 11, after midday. However, I have received no phone call from any of the managers.

Please check on this for me.

CW

Dear CW

We spoke to the head of sales and marketing at Sangster’s book store. She said that she was informed about your problem on Friday, January 8, and learnt that you did not have a receipt and could not say when the study Bible was purchased. Not having a receipt posed a problem as it was possible that it could have been bought at another book store. “We have had circumstances like this before,” the Sangster executive explained to Tell Claudienne.

We next spoke to a spokesman for the Accounts Department. She said that you were informed that they would replace the study Bible. However, they no longer have in stock the Bible that you got as a gift. We note that you have agreed to accept an alternative.

The two options which are in stock in different locations will be sent to the bookstore outlet you determine. You can then review and decide which one to take, she said.

Good luck.

Dear Claudienne

I have owned a piece of land for a number of years and I am not ready to build a house on it. I need to know if the house I plan to build has to be registered on the title.

JL

Dear JL

It is a legal opinion that the title would remain the same whether there is a house on it or not. However, the lawyer explained to Tell Claudienne that if you wish to apply to a building society or the National Housing Trust for a loan to build the house you will need a surveyor’s report and a valuation report. These reports would provide a description of the lot.

Good luck.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 511-2436 or write to: Tell Claudienne, c/o Sunday Finance Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail: edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com