Faulty TV from Argos - what are my rights?

FOXGLOVE_2

I bought a Sony LCD tv from Argos only last month (02/10/11) and when I turned it on this morning, I noticed two thin vertical lines running through the length of the picture. Depending on what I'm watching, sometimes it isnt noticeable but cos I know it's there, my eye keeps being drawn to it!

I looked up some info online and I guess this happens to a lot of tv's and the problem can sometimes get worse until it's unwatchable. So I called Argos customer service and gave them the info and they told me to take it back to the store for them to 'inspect' it.

I have checked out the returns policy and after 30 days, I am entitled to a repair or replacement. Anybody had similar situation with Argos or know what they are likely to do?

I'd prefer a replacement as after a month, I'm not to impressed at having a refurbished tv when I just bought it new. Also, if they choose to repair it, any idea of the timescale?

I want to know before I go to the store so I can argue my case. The tv is still stocked (now at a higher price), would this affect their decision?

Is there any consumer rights I should quote if they don't play ball?

Thanks in advance.

unholyangel

You can request which remedy you would prefer but they can refuse if it is disproportionately costly.

However any remedy should be of no significant inconvenience and at no cost to the consumer. Wont really know which they'll pick until you speak to them tbh.

InsideInsurance

Never bought anything as expensive as a TV from Argos but my general experience of them is they tend to replace without question, certainly did on a couple of items @ £100ish

FOXGLOVE_2

unholyangel wrote: »

You can request which remedy you would prefer but they can refuse if it is disproportionately costly.

However any remedy should be of no significant inconvenience and at no cost to the consumer. Wont really know which they'll pick until you speak to them tbh.

Yeah, I think I'll do what I call the 'plant-a-seed' method:

Just tell them I called customer services and I'm here to pick up a replacement, rather than ask them what they want to do.

Hope I don't have to wait for a repair as my old monster CRT set won't fit on the slim tv unit I have now

FOXGLOVE_2

InsideInsurance wrote: »

Never bought anything as expensive as a TV from Argos but my general experience of them is they tend to replace without question, certainly did on a couple of items @ £100ish

Got the TV in a 7 day deal costing £249, the set now costs £299 so this is why I'm wondering if they're gonna be tight and make me get this one repaired.

FOXGLOVE_2

I have just returned from Argos.

Not happy. Customer assistant said they wouldn't give me a replacement, only a repair. Team Leader came over and said the same, quoting consumer law that they dont have to give me my money back or a replacement. I'll get the repaired telly back in 10-12 days.

Ok, so that's their policy and if I'd walked in with a ten month old telly then I'd probably expect a repair but for something so new, I'd have expected them to be a bt more flexible and just given me another one.

Guy in the taxi on the way there said I should go to John Lewis with their 5 year guarantee. I think next time I'll spend a few extra quid and have peace of mind.

Grrr. So angry and just sent a ranting email to Argos.

I hated going in there at the best of times but I won't be going back there now - other than to pick up my 6 week old refurbished telly.

RUBBISH!

Esqui

That's perfectly allowable. A month is long enough to have accepted the TV, and after that, they can repair it. 10-12 days isn't too long.

unholyangel

Unfortunately they are within their rights to do so and its not really unreasonable. Less than ideal yes but we dont live in an ideal world.

Once a "reasonable time" has passed, you are deemed to have accepted the goods and cannot claim non-acceptance. If it were within a reasonable time, you probably would've been able to get a replacement or refund without fuss. Because it is after that time, you can request one method over another but ultimately, the retailer can refuse if disproportionately costly.

On the bright side, at least you're getting repaired

NeverEnough

I've taken a faulty netbook back to Argos in the past 18 months and immediately got a no-quibble replacement once they'd looked at it with me and seen it wasn't working, but that was within a week of purchase. I also exchanged a Dyson handvac (expensive - cost about £200) within 30 days for a replacement, again nmo quibble. It does depend to an extent on the actual store staff. Maybe I was lucky.

Zandoni

Make sure you inspect it when you pick it up, if it's scratched or marked in anyway try to get a new one.

Also worth noting for future reference, ask for the manager a team leader will often not the authority to have any discretion.

FOXGLOVE_2

Zandoni wrote: »

Make sure you inspect it when you pick it up, if it's scratched or marked in anyway try to get a new one.

Also worth noting for future reference, ask for the manager a team leader will often not the authority to have any discretion.

Already tried asking for the manager, and apparantly the team leader we spoke to was also duty manager at the time...