I use Sainsbury's for my online shopping. Sometimes they are unable to provide an item, and substitute it for another item. I sent them a simple question about this:

I'm looking at my last order and it doesn't show the substitutions. Do you have any plans to let customers view substitutions in previous orders?

They replied with this:

Dear Sir/Madam

Thank you for your email about showing substitutions on orders.

When substitutions are made by the store they are listed on your receipt. You can check this when the driver arrives with your groceries.

If you require further assistance or advice please contact us on 0845 301 2020 option 3 and we will be happy to help. Lines are open 8am to 10.30pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 8.30pm Saturday and 10am to 6.30pm Sunday. Calls are charged at local rates.

Thank you for taking the time to write to us. We are working hard to make sure every customer has a great experience each time they shop with us.

Yours faithfully

Darren Patterson
Customer Manager
Sainsbury's Online
online@sainsburysgroceries.com

My reply:

Thanks Darren,

I know substitutions are on the receipt. It would be useful to me if the information was stored on the web site with my previous orders, so I don't need to keep track of bits of paper. Are there any plans to make this information available on the web?

Edward.

They replied:

Thank you for your email. Unfortunately this email will not be read. If you need to contact us please use the "Contact us" page on the Grocery website.

I sent them this message with their web form:

I sent a simple query (see SO292135), I was not satisfied with your reply, so I tried to clarify my question. In return you sent me this:

Thank you for your e-mail. Unfortunately this e-mail will not be read. If you need to contact us please use the "Contact us" page on the Grocery website.

Why is it not possible to hold a conversation by e-mail? Would it be okay if I asked you to fill in a form on my website instead of replying by e-mail?

Why not warn users that they are not allowed to reply by e-mail?

Can you give me an e-mail address I can contact you on, so I don't have to use this silly web form?

Thank you for your time.