Buyer Beware - Consumer websites breaking the law

exgratia

DO NOT BUY FROM ALL-NEW-BATTERIES. COM

I recently needed to purchase a new laptop battery and had a look round online to look for a good offer. After searching a number of websites I noticed alot of them were similar and decided to go for the cheapest option. I purchased a battery from all-new-batteries .com. However, the information regarding the batteries was unclear and I purchased the battery which had my laptop name next to it. Upon receiving the battery I realised very quickly it was the wrong one. However, the company stated to me they could not provide a refund and this was stated in their terms and conditions. Being a lawyer I decided to read these terms and conditions, which were contrary to the big sign stating '30 day money back guarantee' on their website. I was then told I would have to return the item to China. Knowing it only makes legal sense to send an item recorded delivery, which also means the item is insured for loss upto 40 times the price of a first class stamp (£41.00). However, it was going to cost me £15.00 to return the item to china.

Again, the company told me this was in their terms and conditions, but it is nowhere to be found, in fact, the only address on their website is an English Warehouse. I returned the item to the address on the package I received which said 'Return to... address'. However, I was then told this was the incorrect address and traced the item to a warehouse in London, who sent it back to me. Before sending it back to me this company informed me their customer was the company i'd bought the item from and the item was purchased for half the price! I then sent the item to the English address which is my legal right, as this is the only information on their website. I have now been told, despite having a signature from that exact address, the company do not know the person who signed for the item and they will not process a refund. They are in breach of both common law under contract law and the Sales of Goods Act 1979. More importantly, there is no contact number for the company, only an email address, and the person sending the emails does not write in understandable English. Additionally, the company is registered in America, despite claiming to be located in England, but actually operates from Hong Kong. All sounds a little fraudulent to me. Trading standards are now looking into this website and they have informed me there are a number of complaints being made about this company. I have now read the following:

www. fraudwatchers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=32917

Unfortunately, I ordered a battery from a different website online... only to find the same thing happened... only to find the same company owns this website also. In fact, they operate under 10 different URL addresses according to this website. Beware when buying from this company registered as Zanut Limited, Unit 1, 1000 North Circular Road, London, NW2 7JP!!

Buy your batteries from a retailer who abides by consumer legislation, both UK and EU.