So we've established that this is aluminium warehouse behaving improperly? If so, I recommend quoting their terms and conditions back to them. Have a look at section 15 in particular:


  • 15.1 If you receive Goods which do not match those that you ordered, unless accompanied by an explanatory note detailing the changes, stating reasons for the changes and setting out your options, you should contact us within 10 days to arrange collection and return. AluminiumWarehouse.co.uk is responsible for paying shipment costs.
  • 15.2 If any Goods you have purchased have faults when they are delivered to you, you should contact AluminiumWarehouse.co.uk within 28 days to arrange collection and return.AluminiumWarehouse.co.uk is responsible for paying shipment costs. Goods must be returned in their original condition with all packaging and documentation. Upon receipt of the returned Goods, the price of the Goods, as paid by you, will be refunded to you through the payment method used by you when purchasing the Goods.


As I see it, both of those points and possibly some others apply to you, so if you are not happy with their current offer, I would try and be firm with them. State that their policy is to allow returns for faulty items. Hopefully that overrides the "Due to the bespoke nature of cut to size products they are non-returnable" note that is given when you add the item to basket.

Even if you're not too concerned about the scratches, I think it's still worth making a point as otherwise they may continue to do this and upset people to whom it does matter.

Personally I use ASC Metals, or the university stores.