Corfu still takes the prize for some things

We are in London doing some bits and pieces of work on my daughter's flat, which is five years old. When we bought it, it came with washer/dryer etc. which all seem to have died at the same time (do things really only last 5 years in England - my Corfu washing machine is about 15 years old and still going strong, ditto dishwasher and most other kitchen stuff).

I found a washer/dryer which was available within 10 days, but only if you install it yourself (if you want installation god knows how long you wait) but we needed it within 5 days. I had to go through five websites before I found one that could supply within the 5 day time limit we had. I also wanted a Dyson hoover but I couldnt have it at the same time because it came from somewhere else, etc. etc.

So I finally ended up with washer from Tesco, delivery period 7.00 am to 7.00 pm Tuesday and hoover from John Lewis, hopefully Wednesday morning before 10.30 am (extra, extra charge but never mind if it works).

At 10pm last night (Monday) I had a call from Tesco to say yes, Tuesday between 7.00 and 10.00. I got up early to wait for the delivery. At 9.50 they arrived, heaved the new machine up three flights of stairs and dragged the old one down the stairs.

When we took the cardboard off the top was smashed to bits! Drivers swearing; phone call to delivery service who said it wasn't their problem as it was OK when delivered to them; phone call to Tesco who said was I sure it was damaged on arrival; and when I said 'absolutely' they agreed to replace it - only not today of course as the paperwork all has to go through again - Thursday between 7.00 am and 7.00 pm. I mentioned it was our last day and that we were leaving on Friday, but no use, Thursday is the earliest; although they are supposed to call me tomorrow to give me an idea of what time. So, fingers crosed.

Corfu's not like that is it? I go to Sotiris at Euronics, pick something he has in the store, or at the very worst he orders it and it comes the next day. George loads it in the van, says "I will call you when I am near the house" so I can let him in, and usually by end of the day it has been delivered and installed - no charge for either the delivery or the installation.

When something goes wrong I don't call a 'help' line which costs a fortune and subjects you to dreadful music. I ring Sotiris who sends George to have a look, or the agent for whichever machine is playing up, sometimes with as much as a whole day's delay, but usually the same day, and thats it. ' If it has to go away for repair, he lends me another machine, no argument. ' I wish I could do that here!
Diana