Over the last few years I have bought some incredible bargains over the internet and suffered a few disappointments.

In the last two weeks two companies have surpassed my wildest expectations with the quality of their service.

The first of these was Fragrance Direct. I'm one of those people on whom many perfumes suffer a disastrous chemical change and smell absolutely horrid after a few hours, but a certain number of floral scents - rose, lavender, lily of the valley etc. - maintain their sweetness. I had seen (and smelled) some lovely rose in a National Trust shop which reminded me that I had run out of eau de toilette, but it was rather expensive and I hadn't any cash on me. That Sunday evening I ordered a bottle of each of my three favourites over the internet - total cost for 3 big bottles including p&p £13.88 - and they arrived on Tuesday morning. All three are well-known brands and are so cheap because of damaged or lost outer packaging. The lavender is a bit fugitive and really needs topping up during the day, but the other two cling for a full working day without being overpowering.

The next was even better. Back in the spring I bought myself a new two person picnic set when I went for a little wander in Driffield between teaching morning and afternoon workshops at a primary school there. When, after using it just three times, I found one of the melamine plates broken in the bag I emailed the makers Concept International to ask for a replacement. The label on the bag said that they would replace any faulty items on production of a receipt, but naturally after so long I hadn't still got the receipt though I was able to say where and when I had bought it and a broken plate looks like carelessness even though I had no idea how it could have happened between putting the complete set away after washing up and opening the case a couple of weeks later. Anyway, I fully expected to be quoted a price at the very least to cover the postage, but they sent me a replacement plate absolutely free of charge which I think is wonderfully trusting and very good business because they do some lovely sets and one day soon I may decide to replace my 30+ year old thermoses and insulated bag with something a touch more co-ordinated.

Anyway, good for both Fragrance Direct and Concept International for their excellent service.