Delivery lesson

As an independent optician I find the service offered by Hays extremely good. The driver who delivers to my practice is always punctual, even in the most inclement weather. I have routinely returned goods to manufacturers via this service and never experienced difficulties Ð until last July. I returned £1,300 worth of Chanel sunglasses to Luxottica via the Hays Dx delivery service.
Because a credit did not appear on my statement the following month, I contacted Chanel and was concerned to learn that they had not received any of the returned goods. Hays Dx were unable to trace the goods either. I was very surprised, as the products had been returned in five separate boxes over the period of five days. I would have expected at least one box to reach its destination!
The lesson my practice has learnt is, only send low-priced items via Hays and use the Post Office for expensive products. At least, if they are lost in transit I can reclaim their full value.
Don Wood Nottingham

Working less?
n I was interested to see the advert for the 'Toppin/Young' system in optician (January 16), especially following his initial article and the subsequent replies (and free publicity) in your journal at the turn of the year. 'Earn more, work less'. If it works that well, why isn't Mr Toppin at home with his feet up (as in the photo) instead of promoting and running a second business?
Diarmid MacArthur Erskine, Renfrewshire

n If you read the interview you will see that I set up the company only after I was 'approached by other practices' who said they would prefer to pay me to apply my concepts and theories rather than do it themselves. Then as now I was happy to prepare an in-depth printed analysis with advice on how to increase earnings and work less, for free.
The advert was to notify people of our workshops at Eyecare 3000, which were moved from Monday to Sunday afternoon. Maybe you attended one of the workshops, it was so crowded I apologise for not seeing you. I admit I do get a buzz from analysing fellow optometrists' businesses with the knowledge that by applying my concepts they'll earn more and work less.
But do not take my word for it, check out the practitioners who have used my service. So don't fret, Diarmid, my offer to do an in-depth analysis for you, or anyone else who wants it, still stands and it's free.
Archie Toppin Glasgow