Problems with new suite

Remodot

Hi,
I’m new to the Forum, have looked through some of the threads and see there is lots of good information.
My problem – We bought a 3 seat and 2 seat leather suite which was delivered 3 weeks ago. After a day or 2 we noticed that the leather was starting to sag and remain in the shape of your bottom when you stood up, in fact next morning it still looked the same. We called the showroom and they sent up an ‘expert’ who said it was puddling. I had researched this and piddling occurs after wear and extended use of leather seats. He agreed it might have happened sooner than on most occasions but that as the suite was leather it would happen – I reminded him that the happened within a day or 2.
I mentioned that the example in the store was in perfect shape to which he told us that the sales assistants regularly dressed them, I informed him that we had based our purchase on a long discussion with the sales guy and the example we sat on in the showroom. We were informed that the suite in the showroom would not be sat on for as long as one in a home – i reminded him again that the one in our home was only a few days old.
So, they have written to the manufacturer to ask their advice. I fear that they will not accept any liability and tell us that this is normal. We paid £3000 for the 2 sofas, that was in a sale and with the sales person deducting another 5% as his mother and my mother are friends, so its not a cheap suite. I paid by Visa, a £700 deposit when it was ordered and the remainder the day before it was delivered.
What rights do i have if we disagree with their decision?
Thanks
Remo

Anihilator

If you disagree with their expert your going to need to find one of your own to give you a report and hope a court/their management think your report is more accurate.

Remodot

Thanks, should I contact a local upholsterer or are theer other specialists?

Anihilator

an upholsterer should be fine.

slummymummyof3

Sorry, but your suite should not be looking remotely worn within a few days of its purchase - no matter how much you are sitting in it. It is clearly not 'fit for purpose' - speak to trading standards and ask their advice. I should imagine you may still be within the time frame of it being classed reasonable to reject it.

Remodot

Have contacted Consumer Direct via email - will follow up tomorrow.

Thanks for all yur help

Anihilator

Ignore whatever consumer direct say. They talk !!!!.

The company have an expert saying its not faulty, unless you can provide contrary evidence the SOGA wont apply.

Coopdivi

Ignore whatever Anihilator says. He's one of those strange individuals who joins a money saving forum and complains about people saving money.

Besides which, as the post above confirms he knows as much about Consumer Rights as I do about Naked Short Selling.

dmg24

I would agree that Consumer Direct are not always that reliable.

OP, if you contact FIRA they will be able to advise further, and if need be, arrange an independent inspection for you.

Remodot

Hi All,

I have now contacted Consumer direct and have a case opened, I have written to my credit card am am waiting for reply. The company who sold the suite have contacted the mnufacturer who is sending someone tomorrow.

I can only asume that the seller has sent contacted the manufactrer as they are not sure or are trying to pass the buck. I know the seller is the resposible party and that I have a claim on them and not the manufacturer, but guess I need to go through their process.

I may contact FIRA but the company I bought the suite from are not members.

I'll keep you all updated.

Remodot

Independent expert came by today, organised by seller & manufacturer. He agreed the suite is not acceptable. He will report back to them telling them that we are right to reject it.
I assume they will offer repair but im sure i am within my rights to demand a replacement as i did report the fault within a few days of delivery regardless of the fact its taken them 8 weeks to get this far.
Thanks to all for your advice and I’ll let you all know how I get on.
Merry Christmas to all.
Remo