Sale of Goods Act Help

Laneyboo

Hey everyone

Just wondered if i could ask for some advice.

I bought a leather sofa from Reid Furniture back in 2005 on HP (including 5 year extended warranty, sucker i know!) and within a few weeks it was clear it had a number of faults and was replaced in June 2006.

It is now some 4 years later and the sofa is literally falling to bits. The 3 seater sits at an angle where one end has collapsed. When turned over its clear the chipboard thats meant to hold the whole thing together has just crumbled. The arms of the chairs have big dips in them where the 'stuffing' underneath has just given way and the whole thing looks damn ugly if i'm honest. The 3seater collapsing happened over a period of time where i just noticed one end getting closer to the ground but its been like that for about a year now.

I have looked at my 'extended warranty' only to find that Structural Damage isnt covered under my Platinum Super Plus warranty (shock!) but i wondered if i have any come-back with the sale of goods act?

I know its been a while but these issues are similar to why it was replaced way back at the start. Should i just put it down to being an old sofa?? It wasnt cheap (£1900) and so im reluctant just to think theres nothing i can do here.

Help anybody?

kimberleyanddarren

Have you actually made any contact with the company to see what they say? Although it isnt covered on your insurance you can always quote it isnt fit for purpose if it is going to keep breaking like that.

Laneyboo

Hiya, yes i have contacted the company. I got a rather rude woman who guffawed at me and said 'we are talking about a 4 year old sofa here yeah?' she then went on to tell me i have 12 months manufacturers warranty after that if they were to recieve a complaint from me they will simply say 'No Action'.. I have a letter in the post to both the manager of the company in Glasgow and a letter to the company i had the HP with. Will see what responses (if any) i get.

Thanks

BigLee_24

For £1900 you would expect a sofa to last longer than 4 years.... And if the company doesnt why offer an extended 5 years warranty?? Have you tried getting in contact with the manufacter? I know the company you bought it from is who you have your contract with but it might just be worth getting in touch with the manufacter to see what they say....

Googlewhacker

Letters probably will not do anything, the only way you will get them to play ball is to get an independant report that states the settee is not in its current situation due to misuse or general wear and tear and that it was faulty on purchase

kimberleyanddarren

Quote them with the relevant sections of the sales act, bits about it being built to last an expected amonut of time etc etc. and see what they say.

unholyangel

kimberleyanddarren wrote: »

Quote them with the relevant sections of the sales act, bits about it being built to last an expected amonut of time etc etc. and see what they say.

Hmmmm i cant remember SOGA stating how long a sofa needs to last.

All thats basically said is it must be of reasonable quality etc. Courts do take into consideration price paid etc when deciding how long a item should last. A £200 microwave would be expected to last longer than a £20 one.

However, seeing as the extended warranty doesnt cover it, the only real way ahead is as googlewhacker says. Commission independent report to find out if the fault is inherent. If it is, you'll be able to claim this money back. If not, well you'll be liable for paying for it. I dont believe they're that expensive though prices do vary obviously.

Laneyboo

Thanks for the info guys.. will google and see if i can find someone to do a report on the sofa.. Hopefully its not too expensive!

Annoyingly, i found that the equivalent of my Platinum Super Plus (Multimaster) cover which is now called Super Cover Platinum actually includes structural defects!..