COMET - ripped off

Comet_company_representative

ncarr1 wrote: »

Today, I bought (what I thought was) a brand new HP Desktop PC from Comet for £379.99. When I got home, I was horrified to see the Windows Recovery screen on first boot. I continued to boot up the machine - only to find an account named SUE with the account passworded!!!! This obviously points to a second hand machine and without the original Windows 7 disc (which wasn't supplied) - I cannot use the PC!!

I am unable to get to the store tomorrow as I don't drive and had to rely on my brother - so I want them to deliver me a new PC and collect the second hand one TOMORROW!!! Any ideas what I should say to them if they refuse???? Thanks :mad:

Hi ncarr1,

My name’s Matt and I’m from Comet.

I was concerned to learn of the problems that you are experiencing with your Hewlett Packard computer.

Based upon the information that you have supplied, it is possible that a display model computer was supplied in error, for which I apologise. Therefore, so that I can have this matter resolved as quickly as possible for you could you please supply me your purchase details so that I can contact the relevant store to make the necessary arrangements.

With regards to the ~Windows 7 disc, an on screen prompt will appear upon initial installation of your computer which will allow recovery discs to be created.

You will need to register a few details with us in order to be able to send your e-mail in.

https://comet.custhelp.com

Thanks

Matt

Widelats

Comet_company_representative wrote: »

Hi ncarr1,

My name’s Matt and I’m from Comet.

I was concerned to learn of the problems that you are experiencing with your Hewlett Packard computer.

Based upon the information that you have supplied, it is possible that a display model computer was supplied in error, for which I apologise. Therefore, so that I can have this matter resolved as quickly as possible for you could you please supply me your purchase details so that I can contact the relevant store to make the necessary arrangements.

With regards to the ~Windows 7 disc, an on screen prompt will appear upon initial installation of your computer which will allow recovery discs to be created.

You will need to register a few details with us in order to be able to send your e-mail in.

https://comet.custhelp.com

Thanks

Matt

Personally i would just bring it back to the shop and forget registration, demand a refund and buy elsewhere.

Esqui

I wonder if someone bought it, opened it, changed their mind, then resealed it and took it back claiming it was unopened...

Googlewhacker

Widelats wrote: »

Personally i would just bring it back to the shop and forget registration, demand a refund and buy elsewhere.

Whys that? Mistakes can't happen then?

Widelats

Googlewhacker wrote: »

Whys that? Mistakes can't happen then?

Not mistakes on that kind of scale.

petite1972

All goods returned to comet Via shops or company delivery vehicles can not be re-sold as new.

I would agree sounds like they have been given a shop display model that's been repacked and should have been sent to service for clearing down but which has found itself placed onto the store stock.

Widelats

petite1972 wrote: »

All goods returned to comet Via shops or company delivery vehicles can not be re-sold as new.

I would agree sounds like they have been given a shop display model that's been repacked and should have been sent to service for clearing down but which has found itself placed onto the store stock.

I really didn't want to suggest anything but you called for it, its not a ex display model if there is a "Sue" as the previous owner, it has more likely been in the hands of a sneaky thief, who has swapped their own older computer with a new case on it for a brand new model, repackaged it and took the new computer themselves, hoping that the buyer of her computer would not notice, this happened on a Xbox 360 i bought new, it had a new case on it but there was no cellophane seal on it, it had been re packaged as new by a worker and that worker had took the new model for themselves. On opening the front case there was a sticker that confirmed the Xbox was a repair model and the new model had bee replaced with it - now, repairs do not happen in the same place as production, so this was sneaky thing to do.

I ended up with a enquiry and a full apology from Microsoft and a year of free online gaming as well as a new elite model with 10 games (i only bought a arcade system) and all my expenses paid for by Microsoft. Not bad compensation, the trouble i had was months and months of waiting.

somethingcorporate

Widelats wrote: »

I really didn't want to suggest anything but you called for it, its not a ex display model if there is a "Sue" as the previous owner, it has more likely been in the hands of a sneaky thief, who has swapped their own older computer with a new case on it for a brand new model, repackaged it and took the new computer themselves, hoping that the buyer of her computer would not notice, this happened on a Xbox 360 i bought new, it had a new case on it but there was no cellophane seal on it, it had been re packaged as new by a worker and that worker had took the new model for themselves. On opening the front case there was a sticker that confirmed the Xbox was a repair model and the new model had bee replaced with it - now, repairs do not happen in the same place as production, so this was sneaky thing to do.

I ended up with a enquiry and a full apology from Microsoft and a year of free online gaming as well as a new elite model with 10 games (i only bought a arcade system) and all my expenses paid for by Microsoft. Not bad compensation, the trouble i had was months and months of waiting.

That is quite some ingenuity!

Glad you got it sorted though.

Googlewhacker

Widelats wrote: »

I really didn't want to suggest anything but you called for it, its not a ex display model if there is a "Sue" as the previous owner, it has more likely been in the hands of a sneaky thief, who has swapped their own older computer with a new case on it for a brand new model, repackaged it and took the new computer themselves,

I still think that if the above is the case that to take your custom away from the retailer because of someone elses devious ways is rather harsh.

Each to their own but as it is not intentional on the retailers behalf I would give them the benefit of the doubt

maria6259

DebtHater wrote: »

First thing OP, is make your complaint known to the store manager and give them the opportunity to fix it. Usually 7-14 days is seen as reasonable, although in this situation you would be looking for a brand new machine, so a replacement should be straight away.
Failing any response from that, I would then send a letter via recorded delivery to the head office and a copy to the store, make the store aware that a copy has been sent to head office. In that letter, you will be looking to state "Letter Before Action" and give them again 7-14 days to resolve the issue.
And if all that fails, go to MoneyClaim online and submit a small claims application for the full amount owed, plus any expenses you have incurred due to this problem, such as any independant expert reports, witness reports, and the like.

BUT: Before going to small claims, you will need to document that you have tried several times to resolve this issue and the store have not resolved the issue.

And you will find that Comet will give you a full settlement plus costs before it ends up in court. Believe me, been there and done it.

Alternatively, return item to store for refund / exchange.....