Curry's sold me a broken fridge freezer and now won't collect it!

LadyOfTheManor

I bought a fridge freezer online from Curry's; and it was delivered on the 24th August. Last week it broke...the light is on but it fails to get cold. I rang Curry's, who told me to ring Hotpoint, who told me to ring Curry's again. I rang Curry's and refused to back down arguing that I was within my 28 days return period. They sent someone out this morning who said that the pipe had burst and the gases used to keep the fridge/freezer cold had escaped (into my kitchen) and it was Curry's problem. I rang Curry's to come and take it away and I have been messed about all day...resulting in me literally crying down the phone to please speak to a manager/supervisor. They said I had to wait a further 2 days in order to get a "pick up date" then a further 10 days for a replacement. After 4 hours of hearing nothing, I rang and said I don't want a replacement I would like a refund. THe woman said they can't get it until a week Friday to which I replied, that this wasn't good enough and as it was leaking gases (as confirmed in writing by the engineer-I have a one year old and I'm 8 months pregnant) I would be leaving it outside my front door for them to collect (we live in a really secure and secluded area). She told me I cannot do this as it would get damaged, I told her it was already damaged so it made no difference but I wouldn't keep it in my house under any circumstances. I told her I would bundle it into my car and return it to store for a refund, as she shouldn't be under any illusion that I want a replacement from them. She said I cannot do this, where as their T&Cs on their website says I can return ANY item online to ANY store within 28 days with the receipt. They said they can collect Wednesday, and I have emailed a complaint-what are the chances I will hear something back?

CoolHotCold

First just to clear up any confusing/safty issues you think you are having



It is probably either a chemical called HFC-134a or R-600a. Both are relatively harmless to the environment, also it isn't "leaking" gasses anymore the gasses are more than likely already of escaped and it takes a huge amount of the above gases to cause any damage to humans. (Though the R-600a is inflammable).

Down to the legalise terms, you cannot leave it outside as you have responsibility to take reasonable care of the item while it is in your possession.

Heres Currys Returns Page Though its either a mini fridge or you are insane for even contemplating hefting it into a car when you are 8 months pregnant.

It would be easy to answer what do you want, and when do you want and we can see what your realistic options are.

LadyOfTheManor

"Legal wise" they sold me a fridge freezer which is broken and the engineer said it was broken before we'd even had it delivered. HE said it was still "leaking gases"-which can't harm humans, but damage the environment. I'm not too sure why I can't leave it outside considering it's already broken and I have report declaring so?

It isn't a mini fridge, it's a full size stand up tall fridge freezer. I fully intend on getting my husband to hoist it into the car and wheeling it into Curry's to dispose of it in their store. Am I entitled to a full refund? I don't want a replacement as I cannot bear to deal with the monkeys that work for their customer services.

CoolHotCold

Within 21 days yes, within 28 days it depends on the staff (21 days is refund or replacement/exchange publicly, but at store discretion if a week over the 21 days clause)

Also, "Legal Wise" they sold you a fridge which turned out faulty. Now if the machine was further damaged by miscare (And yes leaving a faulty item out of the environment it is supposed to operate in is miscare) they have as would any company have the right to refuse anything to do with it.


There is no point arguing about leaving it outside, you will only further cause issues for yourself. If you misuse it (Or don't take reasonable care while in your possession) regardless of if it is faulty or not to begin with they can and will refuse to deal with it.

LadyOfTheManor

But I can indeed return an item that was bought online into the store if their "pick up" time is too far away? And I can get a full money refund and not just a credit note?

Gillybilly_2

Taken from Curry's Terms and Conditions on their own website... "If the fault happens within 21 days from the date of delivery, you have the option of either a refund or an exchange" Its not clear from your post exactly when the fault was reported to Curry's, but if it is within this time frame then regardless of your basic Consumer Rights, (refund/repair/replacement) you should get your money back. Try not to stress too much, its not good for you or the baby. Good luck ")

texranger

LadyOfTheManor wrote: »

But I can indeed return an item that was bought online into the store if their "pick up" time is too far away? And I can get a full money refund and not just a credit note?

a lot of stores such as currys will not accept or allow online purchases returned to a physical store.

these items are dispatched from their local distribution centre and not from a store.

most stores would not have stock of stand up tall fridge freezers anyway so these would be fdelivered from distribution centre even if purchased instore.

LadyOfTheManor

Well their T&Cs say I CAN indeed return it to the store-and then argue the toss for a refund of delivery-can individual stores opt out of this? I had it delivered on the 24th August...and complained initially last week so I think that's within 21 days...

Their customer services are shocking too!