Two items no longer working - covered by Sale of Goods Act?

littlewren

I wondered if someone could advise me on my rights regarding the following two items, both Morphy Richards, please.

I purchased a Morphy Richards CD/Radio from the Ideal Home Show 2 years ago and it stopped playing CDs a few months ago. I have since bought another one (different make).

I also purchased a Morphy Richards hand held vacuum cleaner from the Ideal Home Show at the same time. This no longer vacuums. It turns on but doesn't suck.

I know that products come with just a year's guarantee, but I thought I'd read somewhere that electrical products are further guaranteed under the Sale of Goods Act for up to 5 years. Is this correct?

I did write to Morphy Richards when the CD/Radio stopped playing the CDs but they didn't write back.

Andy advice appreciated, thankyou.

Carrie

gordikin

Have you tried cleaning the lens on the CD player and tried checking for blockages in the vacuum cleaner?

Esqui

They are not "guaranteed" under the Sale of Goods Act, but it does allow you up to 6 years (in England anyway) to claim against the retailer for inherently faulty goods. 'Inherently faulty' generally means the fault is down to poor manufacturing (e.g. faulty component) rather than misuse or general wear and tear. After six months from purchase, the consumer must prove this.

That said, depending on how much you spent on the item, it may not be worth pursuing. Also, have you tried a lens cleaner for the CD? Also, cleaning or replacing the filters and checking for blockages on the vacuum can often help. (Spooky, Gordikin, spooky...)

littlewren

Hi Gordikin & Esqui, thankyou for your replies.

Yes, I have used a CD cleaner to no avail. When I press play, it says there is no CD inserted. And I've checked for blockages on the vacuum cleaner, but that didn't help either.

When you say it may not be worth pursuing, do you mean it will cost me money to prove that it is a manufacturer's fault and not mine?

The CD Radio cost around £50 and the handheld vacuum cleaner about £45. (It's roughly the size of a dustbuster, but used to be much more powerful and a mains one).

Esqui

You'd have to outlay for an independent report on both items, and if a manufacturing fault is found, that should be reimbursed to you.

Though most retailers don't always make it easy - is it really worth the time and stress for a 2 year old radio and vaccuum cleaner, both of which were no more than £50?

In any case, one of the 'remedies' available would be a partial refund, taking into account the use you've had. This could mean you maybe get £20 or so as a partial refund.

By all means, pursue it as you have right to. But for the effort, and fact that I have a suspicion it'll be difficult to prove a manufacturing fault, might it be time to treat yourself?

KeithP

You say you bought these items at the Ideal Homes Show but do not say who you purchased from.

Do you have receipts?

Why did you not follow up Morphy Richards not replying at the time?

If you did not purchase from Morphy Richards, then they have no legal responsibility to provide a remedy outside their guarantee period.
You need to pursue the vendor.

littlewren

Thankyou for your replies.

I agree Esqui, too much hassle for such small items. I did buy another CD Radio but I was just peeved that the other one lasted for such a short time.

Keith, yes I bought them both from the Morphy Richards stand at the Ideal Home Show and have receipts for both of them.

I had other things going on at the time which is why I didn't follow up the non-reply from them.