When we were in Gran Canaria, our son Ian bought an inflatable beach ball in "Lidl". It cost the grand sum of one euro. There was nothing special about this beach ball. It had colourful sections and a plastic valve for inflation.
However, it also came with instructions in five different languages - Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, English and German. Out of idle curiosity, I perused these instructions wondering what on earth they might contain. After all a simple plastic bladder with a valve is hardly rocket science is it? Such plastic balls have been produced for many decades of seaside fun.
"Congratulations!" say the manufacturers before advising - "Get to know the product before you start to use it!" "When passing the product on to a third party always make sure that the documentation is included!"
We are told about "Intended Use" - "This article is designed as a toy for private use. It must not be used in water!" Oh no! How unthinkable to use a beach ball in a swimming pool or while frolicking in the sea! The idea is quite absurd.
Then we get "Safety Notices" and "Prevention of Damage to Property" with six serious bullet points including - "Avoid contact with sharp, hot, pointed or dangerous objects!" Well I never! I wonder if that includes knives and lighted cigars?
Moving on to "Inflating the beach ball - CAUTION!" - "Inflate the article using a commercially available foot pump or double action reciprocating pump with the appropriate adapters." Why of course - naturally - who would even dare to think that they could inflate a beach ball simply by blowing into it? Far too risky in my book!
The "Evacuating the Air" section is followed by "Repair" and "Disposal" - "Dispose of this item through an authorised disposal company...Ensure that you comply with all regulations currently in force". You can't help feeling extremely grateful for this advice as I would have simply chucked the ruined beach ball in a dustbin!
A beach ball is a "Pelota de Playa" in Spanish or a "Strandball" in German. Delta Sport who produced our Ian's beach ball also give helpful e-mail addresses and phone numbers to deal with servicing matters. How utterly kind of them! After all an inflatable beach ball is obviously not as simple to own and use as it might at first appear.
Wow. I don't know what else to say! Who knew that beach ball ownership comes with so much responsibility! ;)
ReplyDeleteYes Jennifer - Owning a beach ball requires as much responsibility as raising a child.
DeleteOut of curiosity, I'd ring the service number (for your country, of course, to ensure you really get the competence you require in dealing with all matters related to your product) and send a message to one of the email addresses, just to find out how they'll reply.
ReplyDeleteI am not as mischievous as you Miss Arian but here are the German contact details and I challenge you to follow up your own suggestion. Then you can report back.
Deletedeltasport@lidl.de
0800 5435111
This sounds like a load of balls and hot air to me.
ReplyDeleteWell, you are the expert in that particular field Adrian!
DeleteThe vocabulary used in the instructions is a bit too complicated for anyone stupid enough not to know what to do with a beach ball. I'm surprised it didn't recommend wearing protective goggles and a helmet.
ReplyDeleteAlways my chosen attire when having fun with a beach ball. Also advisable when using a toaster or microwave.
DeleteI was just going to say "Priceless" but, of course, it only takes one person to sue - remember the Chihuahua (Chiwawa)! - and someone's head rolls (ball-like into the mire).
ReplyDelete