Ok, let me keep this simple. 3 large pizzas, 2 garlic breads, 1 pepsi (1.25L). Cost: $47. Order time: 10.15pm, Delivery time: 11.45pm. Do I need to say anymore?

On my return to Melbourne (from India), I ordered a few pizzas to be delivered at 11pm. I got out of the airport about 10.10pm so at 10.15pm ordered and specified the pizzas to be delivered at 11pm. I got home at 10.50pm. 11.15pm -> no pizza! My stomach was telling me to eat something quickly. 11.25pm –> no pizza! I tried to ring 131 166 but they had closed. The call centre guy guaranteed that delivery will happen.

By 11.30pm, I ran out of patience and with no way of confirming whether I was going to get my dinner I made a quick visit to the local shopping centre (which closes at midnight) and bought some food.

I returned at 11.45pm, and saw the pizza guy driving behind me trying to find the house. He was very apologetic, and explained that he was the “only driver”. I explained that if he was running late, is there any reason he didn’t call me (my number given to call centre) and inform me so I was aware. He apologized once more, and said it was an “oversight”. I appreciated his honesty.

He rang his manager to ask if he can give the pizzas for free since it had taken so long. To my surprise (and the driver’s), I was entitled to only 10% discount. After talking to the manager (took 15 minutes of hammering my point) myself, I negotiated a $20 deal. The manager’s reasoning was that: “I gave you an extra 45 minutes to make sure you arrived from the airport”. My point: “I did not ask for extra time mate!”.

In summary
* Total time taken: 90 minutes
* Cost: $20
* 1 of the pizzas did not have a hot symbol (although I didn’t make a huge fuss about this)
* No phone call from driver to warn of delay
* No way of me contacting Pizza Hut to confirm delivery (hot line closed)

Suggestions
* 4 simple steps of avoiding is: 1) tell the customer which store is making the pizzas, 2) give the customer a way of contacting the driver (pager, mobile phone), 3) Pizza Hut informing the customer of any delays, 4) Do not unfairly argue with the customer.

Rating - 0/10 (when you argue with the customer unfairly, the buck stops!)
Here’s my question: am I entitled for the pizzas to be free considering it took them 1.5 hours from the order time? The answer: I do not know. Pizza Hut’s website does not specify any time limits, except to say delivery times to Mt Waverley is 30 minutes. They do have a “Hot 2 you” guarantee. What do you think? I will be interested to hear your comments. I have emailed Pizza hut for clarification and will keep you updated. I am not so much worried about the cost, but rather the approach the manager took. It’s a matter of principle.