Sony Camcorder has died 16 days outside of warranty

indiegirl_2

Camcorder has been stored in its soft case for 9mths, went to use it tonight and it's flashing an error message.

Item was a gift for my birthday (in July last year) but was bought on 1st June 09. It has literally been used twice in that time - on holiday and again when new pets arrived home. It's still in an 'as new' condition - so much so the stickers are still on it; no scratches, dents or any sign of use at all, actually.

Went through the Sony site to confirm error and register for repair - was told that as item is out of warranty it would cose £172.50 (more than half the cost of the item originally).

Will speak to Sony in the morning; but I'm rather clueless where the SoGA comes in - would I have anything to state that the item isn't fit for purpose?

Does anyone have any further advice??
Thanks

dmg24

Have you asked on the Techie board about the error message?

If the item is over six months old it would up to you to demonstrate that the item was inherently faulty.

unholyangel

Jill_ wrote: »

I thought as they wern't the original purchaser they have NO rights at all?

I would have thought (although its just guessing) that that would be the case IF it was with the retailer.....as the contract would be between retailer and purchaser.

But given that its with the manufacturer, surely if they are the original user, they would have the rights? Although as stated, they would need to prove that it was a fault with the item and not something they're responsible for?

unholyangel

Jill_ wrote: »

But the sale of goods act would be between the purchaser and the retailer not the manufacter. As the OP said they received it as a gift they have 0 rights?

Manufactuer doesn't get involved in a SoGA claim

All depends on the manufacturer. I know several who have sorted out problems like this - although probably not through legal obligation.

However if they specified it was a gift at time of purchase, it gives the user the same rights as the buyer.

"Who can enforce these rights?
If you tell the seller that the item is to be a present, then the seller can, at the time of sale, insist on dealing only with you, the purchaser. This rarely happens, and indeed some retailers actually give gift receipts for the recipient to use to prove the contract. Therefore the recipient of the gift can usually deal with any faulty goods.
These rights cover any gift or item bought by one person for another, but make sure that the seller is aware of when the gift is due to be given."

indiegirl_2

Indeed, the item was purchased through Amazon by my OH. I'm not familiar with the SoGA but wondered if I have anything to go back to Sony with, that was all... I understand that the item was purchased on 1st June but wasn't used until after 9th July!

Am just a wee bit disappointed; have checked the error message and it relates to lens misalignment which would indicate a drop or knock but I can categorically state that no damage has happened to the device during my ownership of it. Tis v weird! Proving that is going to be very hard, and I suspect I am left with a duff device.

I shall ring Sony for advice today and see what they say as manufacturer; my OH contacted Amazon last night and expects a "as it's over a year you need to contact the manufacturer" response.

I think what's disconcerted me is that had I checked the item 4 weeks ago I could've got it reported before the warranty period expired... tsk!

unholyangel

indiegirl wrote: »

I shall ring Sony for advice today and see what they say as manufacturer; my OH contacted Amazon last night and expects a "as it's over a year you need to contact the manufacturer" response.

If they do tell him that, tell him to reply that as he purchased the item from them, his "contract" is with amazon and not the manufacturer

undaunted

Have a look at this
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2006/mar/25/consumernews.howtocomplain

Good luck