Minimalist poet, minimalist lifestyle

9 - Number of known planets in Solar System (but for how much longer?)

10 - Downing Street
- A film starring Dudley Moore and Bo Derek
- The Ten Commandments

54 - A film about a New York nightclub in the 1970s.

59 - Nothing

88 - Charter 88: an independent all-party campaign for U.K. constitutional reform.
The 88: a band
88 Minutes: a film

109 - Nothing

On Monday I posted a copy of an email I sent to Sainsbury's complaining about some misleading pricing...well, here's is the reply.

* * * * * * * * *

Dear Lee

Thank you for your email. I am sorry to hear that you found our recent in store advertising for the whole salmon you purchased in our Doncaster store confusing. I can appreciate how embarrassing and frustrating this must have been for you.

We certainly would not wish to confuse our customers, so it is very disappointing to hear you have found this promotion misleading. We aim to ensure all special offers are clearly marked and our advertising should state exactly which products are included.

I have sent a copy of your email to the store manager, who will ensure there is no further confusion in store. I have also passed your comments on to our marketing team, so they can take your comments into consideration when planning future offers.

In the meantime, please accept 2000 points I have added to your Nectar card which is the same value as £10.00. This is as a goodwill gesture, together with my sincere apologies for the inconvenience you have been caused. I hope you will use these to buy something you enjoy the next time you visit Sainsbury's.

Thank you again for taking the time to bring this matter to our attention. By doing so, you have given us the opportunity to prevent it happening again. I do hope your future experiences of shopping with us will be more enjoyable.

Kind regards

Lindsay Jeffries
Sainsbury's Customer Services

* * * * * * * * * * *

My original email
Subject: Misleading Pricing
Comments:

This morning I was in your Doncaster branch when I picked up what appeared to be a bargain.

I saw a whole salmon on its own in the cooler with a 'use by date' of April 19th. and a large red label or sticker which read 'half price - £3.99 - not unusual you'd think for something perishable that would soon have to be withdrawn from sale.

However, when I reached the till I was informed that the price was actually £8.49 (£3.99 per kilo). When I complained about the misleading pricing on the product the check out operator informed me that this particular 'misunderstanding' happens regularly and then encouraged me to contact you.

I decided to purchase the salmon in order to have documentary evidence which I am initially bringing to your attention. I feel that in this circumstance at least, Sainsbury's are misleading their customers and I feel personally exploited and embarrassed about the situation.

For your information I was served at till number nine at 09:18:43.

I eagerly await your response.

Yours Sincerely

A. L. Firth