Law On Faulty Electronics Returns

[aceizace]

Hi there,

I am under the impression that if a piece of electronics is faulty then the seller must replace or refund the item up to one year from the date of purchase. However, I have no experience with law, so could someone confirm this? Maybe quote something official? Thanks very much,

Andrew

[Ethel]

This is not straightforward, unfortunately. It depends both on the item and the fault.

Can we have more information, please? What you bought, where from (store or private seller) and the fault.

[plowter]

Basically any goods must be
- of satisfactory quality (which includes durability),
- fit for the purpose (which may cover durability), and
- as described.

The goods may have a manufacturer's guarantee or warranty which is in addition to your statutory, legal rights. The trader may also offer an extended warranty at cost.

Check your guarantee. If you're still covered you can ask the trader to repair, refund or replace the item.

Also remember that if you bought goods from a private seller you have less rights than if bought from a trader.

[aceizace]

Thanks for the responses.

The item is a TV, and I bought it off ebay (I know, probably a bit stupid). Basically it works for a while but then the power cuts, the screen goes black and the buttons stop responding. If I unplug it at the mains and plug it back in it starts working again, or if you wait long enough (about 5 minutes) then it comes back on.

The item was only bought a month ago. I guess the good thing about it being sold on ebay means I can show you the details:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIte m&rd=1&item=110169522902&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN: IT&ih=001
As you can see it was sold as in complete working order, acording to the description.

Whenever I've had this sort of problem before with goods bought off ebay I've always contacted the seller and they've been happy to replace or refund the item, however when I contacted this seller he said that he hadn't come across that problem before, and suggested I contact Acoustic Solutions about it (who said that since Argos are the only people who sell it I should contact the Argos support line).

What do you think?
Andrew

[plowter]

Caveat Emptor.

It was the seller who sold you the goods not Argos. If you'd bought from Argos you'd probably have a warranty or guarantee.

In your case if the goods are brand new and the guarantee card hasn't been used perhaps you can use the guarantee or warranty to have it fixed by the manufacturer.

Otherwise you've probably got two options. The first is to open a dispute with the seller and with eBay. Since the seller is a PowerSeller he should be willing to protect his reputation. Be clear what you want. Would you be willing to accept a replacement?

The alternative is to accept that they're your goods and get them fixed. Sounds like a dodgy fuse or capacitor.