HappyMaz Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 I bought one of those dark dens (cube-shaped tent type thing which blocks out all light). Here's a picture so you can see what I'm on about! Brought it into nursery this week for the first time and within a day the window in the side was under strain and by the end of the week the fabric has completely torn. I was wondering if anyone else has one and if they have had any problems with it? I don't think our children are particularly rough but it is from an educational supplier so I would expect it to stand up to being used by a group of children rather than just one or two in a home environment. I'm going to write/email customer services to see what they say, but thought I would ask on here first to see if anyone has had the same experience! Maz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andreamay Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 no we havent but was looking at them today funny enough so will watch with interest any developments Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hali Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 sorry never heard of them M but definitly complain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlettangel Posted September 27, 2008 Share Posted September 27, 2008 I would complain too! Like you said you bought from an educational supplier, probably paid a horrible price for the pleasure and really it shouldn't fall apart within a week. I would complain. DEFINITELY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Wolfie Posted September 27, 2008 Share Posted September 27, 2008 I'm going to write/email customer services to see what they say, but thought I would ask on here first to see if anyone has had the same experience! Maz I would give some strong hints about what they SHOULD be saying.....definitely a refund situation I reckon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narnia Posted September 27, 2008 Share Posted September 27, 2008 we were looking to buy one of those, so let us know how you get on.................i might save the money for something else instead! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 27, 2008 Share Posted September 27, 2008 I have used my Tesco vouchers for one and am waiting for it to arrive. I will let you know what it's like when it gets here. I wonder what happens if mine tears-do you think I will be able to send it back? Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunt Sally Posted September 27, 2008 Share Posted September 27, 2008 I had looked at them in the catalogue and thought they were reasonably priced at £39.99. They have also won an award for it. However what put me off was where the access opening was placed [just a little off the ground] because I knew my sen children would probably catch it with their feet and rip it.I wouldn't have thought there would be a problem returning it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 27, 2008 Share Posted September 27, 2008 Definately ask for a replacement or refund,I don't think the number of children using it is an issue, if it's that weak a child on their own could break it as well, so I would say the material is of insufficient strength / quality for it's purpose. Peggy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marion Posted September 27, 2008 Share Posted September 27, 2008 The company supplying them is an educational supplier so they should be fit for purpose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted September 27, 2008 Author Share Posted September 27, 2008 I had looked at them in the catalogue and thought they were reasonably priced at £39.99. They have also won an award for it. However what put me off was where the access opening was placed [just a little off the ground] because I knew my sen children would probably catch it with their feet and rip it.I wouldn't have thought there would be a problem returning it. Actually the children have had no problem getting in and out, and because the 'door' is round, there is no strain on the stitching as there has been with the square window. As you say though, children who have co-ordination difficulties may find it awkward getting in and out. At 1m x 1m x 1m it is very snug indeed: we found there was room for five children, when it is very hot in there indeed! I have to say I wasn't that impressed with the accessory pack though: the colour changing ducks are lovely, but the torches are small and difficult for the littlies to manage. Thanks for your comments: I'll let you know what happens! Maz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 I was about to put an order in for one of those this week! Interesting hearing how yours has been. I think it's a great idea and didn't think it was too badly priced so may still go ahead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 I have that exact one of those on my Wish List that I have given to committee to approve. I might not bother with it now tho. Let us know how you get on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 We have one, it's mainly for a child with complex needs but all children can access it. Had no problems with the den itself, though as you say, M, some of the accessories are a bit 'off'. Children love it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted October 16, 2008 Author Share Posted October 16, 2008 So here's an update. I didn't email or ring or write: but I spied the supplier at the Education show last week and discreetly approached. I waited for the chap to finish his sales spiel and for the customer to walk away. He brightly said "would you like me to tell you all about it?". I said that I already had one, so no thank you. Must have been something about my sad little face - he knew this wasn't going to be good. Anyway I explained what had happened and he said that the first batch of Dens had problems such as I described and that the newer ones had been reinforced in the corners of the square windows. He did say that children really shouldn't be climbing out of the windows - but added that children being children it is kind of inevitable. He said if I email him in November he will send me a replacement! What a result. Turns out I was speakingto the Marketing Director! So a big thumbs up to TTS! I also overheard him say to his previous customer that the Dark Den comes with its own carry bag - which was one of my initial complaints because ours didn't have one. He said the new ones also have a bag so that's even better. I'd be interested to hear whether those of you with Dens have similar problems - and I'll keep you posted about what happens when my new one turns up! Maz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beau Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 A happy ending - really warms the heart, doesn't it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 Ours arrived today Maz-complete with bag-so I will let you know how we get on with it. Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 I have recently purchased one of these. the accessories are not of the best quality and i might have to send some back that dont work wel. Has anybody any tips on which age group this works best with, how you have used it succesfully with the younger ones etc. I want to give my staf some directions but any extra ideas would be really great. Also, do you leave yours up all day/week or take it down. Like the other lady who purchased it, I am concerned about how fragile it might be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 I' ll be watching this thread, as I have just ordered one of these with the accessory pack and can't wait for it to come. Hope it's the newer one they send. We'll see. Netta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lucyevans Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 I've got one of these.. its one of the children's favourites, but you do need to watch that they don't try to climb in/out through the window or it starts to rip :-( I ended up sending the accessory pack back and ordered some batons etc. from here instead http://www.glotime.co.uk/category_2-13_Wan...-%2526-More.htm HTH, Lucy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dransfieldm Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Hello, We have one of those and exactly the same has happened! I ended up putting mats and cushions under the middle of it to take the strain. Badly designed i feel!!! Hope you sort it out. T C xxx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 We used our Tesco vouchers to get one - it lasted a week! One of the plastic joining pieces got broken so we can no longer assemble it. We have not yet worked out how we go about getting this replaced. Mo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 oh dear, we ordered one with our tesco vouchers, i am now NOT that excited about it arriving expecially if it has a tendancy to break promptly. Dawn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clairew28 Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 wow what a mixed response...it does seem such a good idea but the 'ripping' really isnt good!! I would love a dark den but I know with the children in my school it would last a day...the windows would be too tempting!! However on a more positive note I am thinking about constructing one using a tent frame/garden canes and then blackout fabric....hoping it might be cheaper and would also allow a better 'opening' for access! And yes I know it is more effort to build one but my children would take more care that way! I know some of my children would benefit from the lights etc that you can use in them almost like a 'sensory den'!! Ohh I so need to get searching for blackout fabric now....hmmmm!! More to add to my shopping list xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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