Warranty disclaimer

Minklet

I bought a DJ mixer from decks.co.uk in the summer for £300. Its a German brand reloop with 4 channels.

Now after a couple of months it started to sound a little muddy when I used the crossfader. Then after further use the power supply unit started playing up, the cable needed to be held in to keep the power on.

I needed the uni over the festive period so I waited until January to send it, just over 6 months after I bought it. I returned it to them at my own expense (£23) as it was outside of the 28 days window they give for returning for replacement.

After them having it for a month I continually phoned with no one saying much else except tI would have to wait. Eventually one chap phoned the manufacturer who told them that the repairs under warranty had been carried out, but I would have to pay £32 for the crossfader to be replaced as this was not in warranty.

Now I had barely given this mixer even average treatment. Certainly not enough for this crossfader to be worn out. I understand that faders have a limited life and so would have a different warranty, but saying that they are not covered at all is a bit strong if you ask me. Now I know that because of the length of time I dont have a leg to stand on with this charge, but I'm curious how this stands up for the future.

For example, I pay £32 to get it replaced (so £55 altogether) and use it about as much as I now have time to. I estimate that the usage I gave the mixer since the summer would equate to about 2months regular use. If this crossfader fails again aftert 2months, where do I stand? Surely this warranty disclaimer is illegal? Otherwise they could just fit flimsy rubbish inside the equipment and rake it in when they fail (like they clearly have)

Also, I was not made aware of this when I bought it, they got me with the "oh the warranty you recieved would have said it".


So, does anyone know where I stand?

Esqui

There's no requirement to provide any warranty of any sort.

However, there is a requirement to comply with the Sale of Goods Act. This means that goods sold must last a reasonable length of time and be of satisfactory quality. The annoying part (for you, in this case) is that after 6 months from purchase, it is up to you to show that the item is faulty, has not lasted as long as could be reasonably expected and has not been damaged by misuse or accident.

I'll admit I know nothing about DJ equipment, so I have no idea if it should have lasted longer or as long (but from your post, I'm guessing not!).

One other thing, though from reading it does seem unlikely - have you tried calling the manufacturer directly, and not getting the retailer to do it? You might get someone a bit more sympathetic.