Two years ago I purchased an ironing board at Wal-Mart. It was their "deluxe" model with iron rest which is 48 inches long. Recently I'd been checking each time I went in there for a new pad and cover. All they ever had fit a 53 to 55 inch board. Several times I got an "associate" to help me.....er, rather, not help me. I was told different things...they didn't carry it anymore, they were out of it, I should check on Wal-Mart.com! (I did...it wasn't available there either.) Finally, my patience ran out! I bought the larger size pad, and brought it home to see if I could make it fit. It didn't, so I took it back. I went to Customer Service and told them my story, and that they were still selling the same board that I have. One lady suggested Wal-Mart.com again and the other (snippy) one said that if my board was 2 years old and I was having a problem, I'd have to take it up with the manufacturer! Can you imagine me calling the manufacturer and complaining that Wal-Mart isn't carrying the cover that I need? By that time I was so frustrated that I found the Store Asst. Mgr. She at least took my name and phone number down and promised to check on the item for me! She probably threw out that scrap of paper as soon as I turned my back!
When I got home, I was still annoyed (putting it mildly), so I sent an email to Wal-Mart. I was shocked yesterday to get a call from the ironing board manufacturer....a very friendly, helpful man, who promised to send me the correct item via UPS at NO CHARGE! I should be getting it in 3 or 4 days. He also mentioned that he would check with our local store to find out why they are not stocking the item. What a pleasant surprise!
Alice in PA