Archos Tablet Customer Service and repairs

gonzo24

Hi there, hoping the great Moneysavingexpert community can advise me here. I bought an Archos 43 internet tablet from Dixons 8 months ago. Recently the screen was cracked in an accident. Since it was accidental damage it isn't covered by warranty. I contacted Archos customer support to ask about getting it repaired but the response I received was as follows:

As your device is now out of warranty, we are unfortunately unable to repair/replace your device. All in warranty returns are replaced and all out of warranty returns can be traded in for a discount on an alternative device. Archos do not offer a repair service. We are able offer a trade in (25% discount) for any available model on our website. If this is something you would be interested in, please can you provide me with the following information?...

Surely it is unacceptable for a company selling products costing £150-£250 not to offer a repair service? The 25% discount on their retail price means I could get a new one at £135, but that's only £10 less than new ones in Dixons or Amazon, hardly a big saving. The parts seem to be like hen's teeth, because no other repairers I have contacted are able to do the job. I'm going to try Dixons as well but don't hold out much hope. Has anyone any suggestions? Thanks.

tomjonesrules

There is no obligation on a retailer or a manufacturer to offer a repairs service for goods accidentally damaged.

gonzo24

Thanks for that. It may not be a legal obligation, but surely it is normal business practice? I don't think even Apple refuse to repair devices. This isn't a cheap throwaway item. It's very annoying to think that's £150 down the drain. Glad it wasn't one of the even more expensive models.

tomjonesrules

gonzo24 wrote: »

Thanks for that. It may not be a legal obligation, but surely it is normal business practice? I don't think even Apple refuse to repair devices. This isn't a cheap throwaway item. It's very annoying to think that's £150 down the drain. Glad it wasn't one of the even more expensive models.

No, I would not say it was normal business practice. With many items it is not economically viable to repair nowadays, it would be as cheap to replace.

molerat

Apple will charge around 75% of the new price of an ipod to repair by swapout so not far different from your situation.

vicmorrow

Have you tried here:-

www.archosrepairs.co.uk/archos-repairs/london

Not a recommendation BTW!

gonzo24

vicmorrow wrote: »

Have you tried here:-

URL removed

Not a recommendation BTW!

Yes I have thanks, they told me they had done the job in the past and it cost around £75 at that time, which I would have been happy with, but they can't get the parts anymore. Other independents have told me the same. Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and pay up, it's my daughter's and she's really keen on this particular device, won't look at an ipod!

vicmorrow

gonzo24 wrote: »

Yes I have thanks, they told me they had done the job in the past and it cost around £75 at that time, which I would have been happy with, but they can't get the parts anymore. Other independents have told me the same. Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and pay up, it's my daughter's and she's really keen on this particular device, won't look at an ipod!

She needs to stop breaking the screen on it then! :rotfl: