consumer rights

[tigerthecat]

My microwave that I bought at the very end of July from the co-op has stopped working do I let them repair it or do I ask for a refund? cost �50

[Buenchico]

Your right to a full refund ceases to exist at the point when you are deemed to have legally 'accepted' the goods. This can vary depending upon the nature of the goods puchased but, in your case, this will have passed several months ago.

You retain the right, however, (for 6 years from the date of purchase) to have the fault rectified. The retailer has the right, however, to decide whether this should be by repairing the unit or by providing a replacement.

In practice it'll almost certainly cost more to repair a microwave oven than to replace it, so the Co-op will probably offer you a new oven. (They may offer a refund but they are not obliged to do so).

Chris

[tigerthecat]

thank-you. They have offered to repair it and as I have a baby have lent their spare. But... I have just plugged it in and it's set on fire - no joke - lots of flames inside the oven and all the plastic has melted. I just don't believe it - does this bode well for 2006?

[shaneystar2]

Surely it had at least a guarantee for a year. If it has gone wrong with within the year and you still have the guarantee they are duty bound to replace it.Don't accept a repair. Don't let them fob you off.
Make a fuss ..but in a nice way..ask to see the manager and tell them you are not happy. If they refuse to refund your money or replace the microwave have a word with your local Trading Standards Office and make sure they know this is what you intend to do.. Make a fuss...we should not have to accept shoddy goods and a microwave should last longer than six months.Fifty pounds is fifty pounds all said and done.

[Oneeyedvic]

Sorry, but I disagree with Chris - I beleive you were entitled to your money back in full. Whilst you have accepted the goods - you have only accepted them on the basis that they work - which they clearly do not anymore.

I say were, as once you have elected to let them repair the unit, you are no longer entitled to your money back - they can then repair it as often as they want (if it went wrong another 10 times in the next 6 months, they still don't have to give you your money back).

Personally, if I were you, I would take pictures of the unit they let you borrowed, and go back to the store. Tell them that you have lost confidence with them, that they have given you a replacement unit which is dangerous, and that you wish to have your money back. Explain to them that if they do not want to give you your money back, then you will contact the local paper (who are always quiet at this time of year and councils etc are closed), and give them the story.

Good luck.

[tigerthecat]

Thanks for your advice I spoke to co-op manager who said it could have happend if I'd got the microwaves elsewhere. Finally he has agreed to replace my original with a new one.