Consumer Rights

mwain

I would like some advice please if anyone has had the same experience.

Purchased a laptop from Currys in July. Paid by Credit Card for £299.99
In September screen on laptop developed a fault whereby lines appeared on righthandside of screen.
I advised Currys who asked me to send laptop back to their Techguys for inspection.
This was returned a few days later, advising that fault was due to LCD damage and not covered under Manufacturer's warranty. My option was to pay for a new screen or buy new laptop (Very helpful advice !!!)
I was not happy with this and contacted Currys via their customer service email address - and received a standard reply saying sorry to hear but not interested.
I sent a further reply stating they were responsible under Sale of Goods Act but again got the go away reply.
I spoke with the Trading Standards Office for advice and was told I had two options - pursue Currys under Sale of Goods Act and pursue Credit Card Company under Consumer Credit Act 1974.
I also spoke with my Solicitor who gave me the same advice and said quite clearly that Currys were responsible and also to pursue Credit Card Company as they were jointly liable.
I have written to both and met a brick wall, Currys are just not interested even though I spoke with a customer service advisor for over an hour.
My Credit Card Company have written back and said they are not liable. I wrote back again stating I was not happy with this and they have basically told me to sue them.
I feel very let down as I have done nothing wrong and paid good money for this item which developed a fault after only 2 months. I do not think it is fair or reasonable that I am unable to obtain either a full refund or a replacement item.

Anihilator

The problem here is if Curry's can show that the screen was damaged outwith their possesion i.e you broke it then you have no rights.

However in the first 6 months the burden of proof is on Currys although I am sure there "experts" will issue a report blaming you at which point I think without contrary evidence you would get nowhere.

dmg24

Was the screen damaged?

McKneff

Can you take it to an independant for an opinion.

I think that's the only way at the moment.

neilmcl

Follow through and take them to the Small Claims Court. Given that the onus is on them to prove that it isn't an inherent manufacturers fault, I'd imagine they'll settle fairly quickly.

Mankysteve

You can try taking them to small court but you'll lose if you dont first try McKneff advice

Get a independent report stating that what caused the fault. Then you'll have the clout in court if you just just into court saying i didnt break it and they say i did without any indepent experty advice you'll lose.

Ruby_Moon

You need to get an independent engineer report. So take it along to your local repair guy and get his written report.
If he says the screen has been damaged then you have no leg to stand on.
If he says there seems to be an inherent problem, then let Curry's know that and give them chance to respond.
If they are not forthcoming, sue their socks off.

mwain

Thanks for the advice - I will try a local computer shop to see if he can give me a report and take it from there.