Returning Microwave To Argos - Where Do I Stand

kah22

The microwave I bought from Argos has broken down after about seven months, well within the guarantee period. (Samsung CE1031-B). I've checked the Argos site and that particular model while on their books at £152 is not available at my local Argos, nor is it available for home deliver in my area. The product is available about twenty miles away at another store. The original purchase price was £119.99 plus £10 off discount.

My question is where do I stand regarding a replacement? Can Argos decide to offer me a refund or can I insist on having a replacement, as I said above while they don't have one in my local store they do have a number in other stores, and as you can see the price has jumped from £120 to £152

I've been reading a little bit about this microwave on the Which website and while it is one of their best buys, it actually comes top of their list for combies but reviews by members give it a big thumbs down. If they replace the microwave new for old can I insure, if this particular model is going to give difficulties this might be a sensible option.

The fault it is throwing up reads -S E - which KillerWatter tells me on the tech forum that 'The membrane in the keypad has developed an internal short circuit, the only fix is replacement although I suspect you'd be better off buying a new microwave given how cheap they are.'

Advice appreciated

fluffnutter

Probably best to stand just in front of the customer services desk, preferably next to said microwave so that it's obvious which particular item you wish to return. HTH.

fluffnutter

TBH, it's difficult to know which course of events is likely. Why not go into Argos and see what they'll offer you? Firstly, the price jump is irrelevant; if they do offer a replacement it must be the same or of similar spec/quality. If they do replace it with the same item, they can't ask you to pay the difference. Similarly the fact that that item is no longer at your local store shouldn't make too much difference. If you really wanted the same model again, stand your ground and ask them to transfer one to your local store so you can pick it up from there. Generally most shops will try to replace before they refund; that way they make some profit out of you so it's likely you'll be offered a replacement before a refund.

I'm not sure what this means....

If they replace the microwave new for old can I insure, if this particular model is going to give difficulties this might be a sensible option.

Do you want to insure your microwave??

kah22

fluffnutter wrote: »

I'm not sure what this means....

If they replace the microwave new for old can I insure, if this particular model is going to give difficulties this might be a sensible option.

Do you want to insure your microwave??

Yes, if they offer me a new microwave I'm wondering whether or not I can insure the replacement machine in the same way as you would a straight purchase.

If they have faulty keypads this would seem a good idea.

fluffnutter

kah22 wrote: »

Yes, if they offer me a new microwave I'm wondering whether or not I can insure the replacement machine in the same way as you would a straight purchase.

If they have faulty keypads this would seem a good idea.

Do you mean buy a warranty?

molerat

They may well want to repair it.

McKneff

Personally if one microwave broke down within 7 months, i wouldnt want the same one again, Id be waiting for it to break down again.

kah22

McKneff wrote: »

Personally if one microwave broke down within 7 months, i wouldnt want the same one again, Id be waiting for it to break down again.

Yes but they are not likely to offer me a different machine. If they do and it appears as good as, or better than my original, then I'd be more than happy to take it. The one I'd settle for would be the Panasonic NN-CT559W and this particular model is available for home deliver.

fluffnutter

Don't pay extra to insure something (either by warranty or other means) that you think might have an inherent fault. It simply doesn't make financial sense. If you are offered a brand new replacement machine and it develops the same fault, your rights are the same as they are now, i.e. you are entitled to a refund, repair or replacement under the SOGA. These rights are free. If you do get the same one, and it does break again, you'll have a very strong case for not accepting a third model as replacement. But this is all speculation. Go to Argos and see what they say.

moonrakerz

fluffnutter wrote: »

But this is all speculation.

So, ignore it !

unholyangel

kah22 wrote: »

Yes but they are not likely to offer me a different machine. If they do and it appears as good as, or better than my original, then I'd be more than happy to take it. The one I'd settle for would be the Panasonic NN-CT559W and this particular model is available for home deliver.

You can request that they repair/replace/refund (whichever you prefer) but they can refuse if the method you suggest is disproportionately costly and any refund they do offer can take into account use you have had of the goods (so it can be partial).

However, sometimes shops do go above and beyond what the law requires of them so its always wise to speak to them first to see what they are willing to offer. If you are not satisfied with what is offered then you can look at how is best to proceed