Sainsbury's messing me about with broken WM

frogga

HI Guys,

Could really do with some quick advise as Sainsburys are phoning me back shortly...

I bought a WM from them in Sept 2009. It broke down just before Christmas. It took weeks for Hotpoint to come out and fix it but that's another story. It was fixed last Friday. It's now broken down again.

I have asked for a replacement machine but they wont replace it as it has now gone up in price from £330, which I paid, to £440. They said they will give me an E voucher for £330 but that's all.

Where do I stand? Does anyone know my rights? Would be really interested to hear from anyone

Thanks xx

angelavdavis

I would say you were entitled to a full refund of the original price on the card on which you made the original payment - not an e-voucher! That is no use to you as you are not happy with the service you have received from them and want to take your business elsewhere.

Since 2002, the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002 has stated that you are able to get a refund* within the first six months as the item is deemed "inherently faulty".

*Sometimes, a supplier can insist on only a partial refund as you have had some use from the item.

Threaten them with trading standards. If they refuse to budge, speak with Trading Standards in the morning and put your complaint in writing to them (sending it via a delivery method that requires a signature).

Just a thought for the future - I have heard never to buy a washing machine from a manufacturer which starts with an "H". Apparently, the quality of build of these appliances has gone down-hill over the last few years. Not speaking from personal experience, but no doubt someone will come on here and offer advice on a replacement.

frogga

Thanks for the reply Angela,

Well I've been intouch with Trading Standars and they told me that Sainsburys do not have to give me a refund. They have to replace like for like which could mean a second hand machine. It's tough that the machine has now gone up by £120.

Sainsburys have said just now that they will give me my £330 as a cheque which is "above and beyond" what they have to do but unfortunatly I will not be able to buy a replacement without putting another £120 to it.

This all seams so unfair to me. I seam to have very little rights at all. I paid £330 for something 18 weeks ago, it's broken down but they don't have to replace it?

Am I the only one who thinks that's not right? Really, really cheesed off

CKdesigner

Hi

Take the money and run!

Don't buy another Hotpoint what ever you do! Think of it as a lucky escape!

Buy German and you won't go far wrong. There are plenty of threads on here recommending Miele, ISE, Siemens and the like.

Oh and don't buy from Siansburys appliances online, boots appliances, M & S appliances, Next appliances, this list goes on a bit! These appliances websites are all run by a company called DRL and have very little to do with the household retailer you think you are buying it from.

Good luck

CK

angelavdavis

I agree with you 100% frogga - you don't expect to be lumbered after only a few weeks of use. Not sure Sainsbury's are going "above and beyond" in my opinion!

If you buy a washing machine from Costco, they give you a 3 year money back guarantee! My friend had a machine go wrong mid-cycle 2 years after he bought it and they told him to crowbar the door off to get his clothes off and bring the machine back for a full refund!

However, this isn't typical service - but just shows what some companies will do for their customers.

Have you checked out Kelkoo for a comparison on the price of the machine? Personally, when I had a fridge freezer go wrong about 4 months after I bought it, I went for a completely different model and paid the difference. I know that might not be everyone's option, but I didn't want to tempt fate a second time!

I must admit, I paid extra and got a Miele washing machine and have never looked back, but that's not everyone's experience from reading on here!

frogga

Thanks for taking the time to reply Angela and CK :A

I really don't know what to do to be honest. Am listening to you though CK when you say take the money and run. I'm just cheesed off because all I wanted was a 1600 spin speed, an 8kg drum, and a timer thing to tell me how long I have left. I'll look for a German one with all those but I don't expect I'll get one for £330? Who would you recomend I buy from if not Sainsburys et al?

CKdesigner

Hi Frogga

I'm sorry to say with your budget forget the spin speed and definately don't get taken in by a claim of 8kg load, it really makes me mad these large quoted capacities are total B*******.

Basically any load over 5-6kg then the wash quality drops dramatically and it would rarely hit the maximum spin speed.

I know this is way over your budget but if you could possibly push to it then the cheapest Miele is the one to go for it will out last any other machine many times over but you will need to find £660 ish. Next down then look at Siemens. As an outsider do a search for ISE.

Where to buy from - check out prices online and then go and see a local independent retailer and see what they can do. Should get better service.

Good luck.

CK