PC WORLD KnowHow Infinity - Confused and need advice!

Xx27x4kj

First of all I'm new to this so bear with me and apologies if I've posted in the wrong area.

Anyways, I got a laptop 2 years ago from PC World on the know how infinity. Today I've received a letter saying I can now upgrade my laptop or if I chose not to I can continue to "lease" mine off them for half the price I pay now and if neither I have to return it!

The laptop was worth £400 and I've paid over £1000 for it and now they want me to send it back? When I took out the contract I wasn't aware I was only "renting" the laptop and no way on this earth am I paying £1000 for a laptop and not be mine at the end of it =(.

I really am stuck of what to do now! The lad who sold me it never told me any of this! I could get my contract out but I don't have a clue what I'm looking for and even if there's anything I can do about it!

Hope someone can help. Thanks in advance x

Caz3121

It should all be covered on the paperwork you signed
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/infinity-976-commercial.html

Xx27x4kj

That doesn't look good then. Is there nothing I can do without giving them my laptop back? I was oblivious to all this =( x

Leo2020

This is what you get as part of the Infinity package:

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/Infinity-976-commercial.html

When you say you weren't aware you were renting, what did you think the agreement was for?

Although I've not see the paper work for your agreement I imagine it will explain all the applicable terms and conditions. The reality is you should have read them before you signed.

Xx27x4kj

I thought it was like a phone contract. You pay monthly and at the end it's yours?
I wasn't told otherwise when sold and I stupidly trusted the sales man!

Jinks

Hi there,

This subject comes up here a lot. I used to sell Inifnity packages at PC World and unfortunately the company sometimes pressures staff to sell certain products in such a way that they are not always as forward about the details of what they are selling as they should be. Not that it excuses you being improperly informed in any way, but as Leo says, it is really important that you read your paperwork carefully before signing it.

Now, be aware that I've never seen this put into practice, but we (the staff selling Infinity) were told that it is indeed possible for the customer to own the laptop at the end of the two year lease. It's not offered as an option because they want you to continue to lease from them, but if you request to purchase the laptop at its current value (which, by the way, should be a low amount - probably around the amount of an additional monthly payment) they should comply with that. I know that's not great news either considering that you thought the laptop was yours, but I imagine that option would be preferable for you to continuing to lease or giving back the laptop.

Hope that helps.

Leo2020

Would it really be worth buying it though? The OP has already paid £1000 for a £400 laptop plus paying more to keep it and it's already two years old. You could choose to give them your laptop back and they will give you 25% cash back. Then buy a nice shiny new laptop but pay for it in full.

It's up to you Xx27x4kj, I don't think you will get far with PC World in regards to claiming miss-selling - although there is nothing stopping you making a complaint.

Jakg

Leo2020 wrote: »

You could choose to give them your laptop back and they will give you 25% cash back. Then buy a nice shiny new laptop but pay for it in full.

The cashback is only when you take out a new Infinity agreement.

Jinks wrote: »

Now, be aware that I've never seen this put into practice, but we (the staff selling Infinity) were told that it is indeed possible for the customer to own the laptop at the end of the two year lease. It's not offered as an option because they want you to continue to lease from them, but if you request to purchase the laptop at its current value (which, by the way, should be a low amount - probably around the amount of an additional monthly payment) they should comply with that. I know that's not great news either considering that you thought the laptop was yours, but I imagine that option would be preferable for you to continuing to lease or giving back the laptop.

RentSmart (who run Infinity) offer this on their rental schemes, where at the end you can purchase the goods at an "auction price" but I don't think it'll be as low as a months payment.

I also don't believe this applies to Infinity (I don't believe you have this option at the end with Infinity in particular versus their other schemes) - although as pointed out it really is pointless leasing goods and buying them at the end (but not necessarily pointless leasing them!)

DCFC79

Xx27x4kj wrote: »

I wasn't told otherwise when sold and I stupidly trusted the sales man!

I have to ask but why trust the sales person ?

Why did you not read the contract you signed ?

Jinks

Jakg wrote: »

RentSmart (who run Infinity) offer this on their rental schemes, where at the end you can purchase the goods at an "auction price" but I don't think it'll be as low as a months payment.

I also don't believe this applies to Infinity (I don't believe you have this option at the end with Infinity in particular versus their other schemes) - although as pointed out it really is pointless leasing goods and buying them at the end (but not necessarily pointless leasing them!)

Yes, the Smartplan lease is up front about this option. However, we were told it applies to Infinity also IF the customer requests it. The fact that we were told it doesn't necessarily mean it's accurate, but it does make sense because this is because that's what would happen to the laptop anyway if it was returned at lease end - it would go to auction and sell for its auction value. It doesn't make much difference to them if it's the customer or someone else who buys it (actually the customer buying it probably saves them some effort!). As I said, though, I've never actually seen this put into practice so if the OP does go this route I would be interested to know what they say.

Whether or not it's worth it is I guess up to the OP - if the laptop is in good condition and the OP likes it and the price is way lower than buying a new one, it's probably what I would do (as Jakg said, there is no 25% cashback when ending the lease unfortuantely). On the other hand, if it's starting to look a bit beat up, perhaps not.

Unfortunately at this point I think it's really unlikely an allegation of mis-selling would get anywhere because the paperwork detailing the exact terms was signed. I have seen people contend the lease partway through and be successful at cancelling the contract, but considering the OP has finished paying and only contending the laptop ownership, I don't think there's much hope of doing anything about it.

Xx27x4kj

DCFC79 wrote: »

I have to ask but why trust the sales person ?

Why did you not read the contract you signed ?

I was 21, stupid and desparate for a laptop for university. I woul have read it but the term lease wasn't noticeable until I re read it again 10 mins ago. I know it was stupid and I hate myself now so please don't make me feel any worse than I already do!!