What Are My Rights?

[smurfchops]

Bought integrated fridge freezer three months ago from so called reputable local white goods company.. Their young delivery guys tried but couldnt fit the integrated doors back on, they said the hinges were old and broken although previous fridge freezer was fine and everything fitted. We felt at the time that they just couldn't be bothered. So we found a local carpenter who said the hinges were fine and he fitted the integrated doors on perfectly and we paid him separately to the white goods company. Now three months later the freezer is too cold on low setting, food rock solid and really freezing over. Company said because they didnt fit the integrated doors back on, I have to ring manufacturer as doors could have been fitted incorrectly. Everything worked fine for two and half months, doors are tight. Can they wash their hands of this problem, what are my rights? They agree fridge freezer still under guarantee, but won't come round to see the problem.

[Buenchico]

If something goes wrong with an item within 6 months of purchase there's an automatic assumption that the fault must be due to an 'inherent fault' (i.e. something which was wrong with the product at the time of purchase, such as the use of poor-quality materials or poor workmanship). That obliges the retailer to provide a repair or replacement:
http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/consumers/shopping/guarantees/index_en.htm

[smurfchops]

Chris, the guy in the shop says because his company didnt put the integrated outer door on the freezer, it could have been put on incorrectly by our independent carpenter, so he just doesnt want to come back and look at it. Can he do this? Seems he is just passing the buck and making me ring the manufacturer.

[smurfchops]

I have unscrewed the integral door on the freezer, and shut the freezer door, lowering the number on the thermostat. I will give it a few days and see if this does the trick. If I still have the same problem, do I take it up with the seller again, or the manufacturer?

[hellywelly4]

Perhaps the thermostat setting was too high, which was why the things were frozen solid. Hope you get it sorted.

[gingejbee]

Sorry...but aren't things supposed to be frozen solid in a FREEZER?

[Buenchico]

Your rights are always with the retailer, not the manufacturer.

Hassle! Hassle! Hassle!

[smurfchops]

Gingibee, the ice cream was rock solid, crystals on everything, even the o utside of the shelves.

[smurfchops]

If I still have a problem after a couple of weeks, do I have to get the fridge repaired by the seller, or can I insist on a refund and get the fridge freezer taken away? Or do I have to accept a new fridge exactly the same?

[hc4361]

Just to be clear, was the integrated door supplied with the fridge/freezer or was it the door you had been using for some time with a different appliance?

[smurfchops]

Integrated door was on my last freezer. Anyway thank goodness when I made it clear I knew my rights he came and took it back, waiting for a refund.