How do I get a Laptop repaierd economically?

Doublespresso

Just over a year ago I bought a SHARP laptop from PCWorld. I didn' take the extended warranty as I thought it was a rip-off. Sure enough, just as the 1st year was over the laptop died on me! (Probably needs a new motherboard...)

I have now discovered that Sharp makes some models exculsively for PCW & Dixon's group which means that they (Sharp UK) would not offer any customer support for these products! They directed me back to PCW. (BTW, is this legal?? I bought it on the basis of good reputation of the brand name!)


Called PCW and their unhelpful staff said that I'd be charged by the hour, making the cost of the repair
(estimated) around £300!!

Anyone knows a reputable and reasonable repair center who would repair a Sharp model bought from PCW?

Any help would be much appreciated!

Malestrom

A laptop should last longer than that!!

[blue]The Sale of Goods Acts lay down several conditions that all goods sold by a trader must meet. The goods must be:

 of satisfactory quality
 as described
 fit for purpose

'Satisfactory quality' covers minor and cosmetic defects as well as substantial problems. It also means that products must last a reasonable time. But it does not give you any rights if a fault was obvious or pointed out to you at point of sale.

'As described' refers to any advertisement or verbal description made by the trader.

'Fit for purpose' covers not only the obvious purpose of an item but any purpose you queried and were given assurances about by the trader.[/blue]

Its a difficult point to argue given that 'a reasonable length of time' is such a vague statement - however, I don't think anybody could convince you that 12 months is reasonable in your case. My first point of call would be to the manager of your local PCW (no Sharp are not liable, your contract of sale and warranty are honoured by the seller).

State the relevant terms of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and ask them to repair it at their cost or to offer you compensation towards loss of use, i.e. for the use you won't now get out of the laptop. If you don't get any joy, then put this demand in writing and either deliver it personally or send it recorded and state that they have 14 days to respond or you will take further action.

If you don't get a satisfactory response, contact your local CAB. This can be difficult as they are incredibly busy. Some bureaus hold surgeries where you can walk in and get advice on certain days. They will give further advice and may contact PCW for you, either in writing or by phone, and will argue your case. Having the might of the CAB behind you can work wonders. If still no joy then they may advise you to go to the small claims court. If you win then your costs will be repaid. Most companies don't even let it get that far though.

Remember to be polite at all times, not to be abusive and to stand your ground. If asked, no you don't want to go to the managers office to discuss it, standing on the shop floor is a much more effective tactic and a raised voice can do wonders!

webhamster

pcw do this all too often , as do their other outfits of the dsg.

I had a similar run in years ago , and the consensus is SMALL claims only , they DO as a matter of course IGNORE the statutory rights of the consumer , and where possible reneg on existing law and warranties in favour of selling another.

Its common practice for them to use 3rd party repairers , "swap outs" , the same equipment is being sold within the eu with 3 yr warranty as standard for the same price or less, but thats a monopoly for you.

The sale of goods act 1979 is not really applicable anymore , it has been updated and in places replaced for the consumers benefit , seek support from the local cab and then pursue a small claim , they rarely challenge it.

smallbus

Hey, have you tried the obvious? Take the battery out, unplug from mains, press down button for 30 secs to get rid of static. Put battery back in, try turning it on.

If this doesn't work, locate the memory (normally a flap you can open on the bottom). Try taking it out and reseating it. Or if you have two memory slots, try the other slot.

At least if you can get it to power on, you may be able to pinpoint the cause (battery, memory or something else). Some computers have diagnostic programs you can run on start up too.

raeble

Also speak to your local trading standards, they should be able to tell you which laws are applicable.

protonbomb

http://www.a-novo.com/gb1/main.asp?rub=groupe

based just outside manchester 0161 654 1400

they do ALL repairs for PHILIPS PLASMA/LCD TV'S/LAPTOPS/PC'S/SKY SET TOP BOXES/SKY PLUS BOXES etc..and all major Ins Co's.

They will charge £30 for evaluationa dn then contact you with a cost of repair. The tel nos is switchboard so you will have to explain to the receptionist what your wanting.

Good luck