Trading Standards - Who To Report To?

southerndave

Trading Standards seem to be organised along regional lines. I then I wish to report a company, do I use my local TS, the one local to the company I bought through (Via Amazon) or the one where the manufacturer is based?:think:

Essentially I bought a dehumidifier over 15 months ago. It has failed and is outside warranty, but only just. Use wise it is well within warranty. There seems to be an issue with these units which are being sold through different sellers and through at least two trade names, but seemingly from one manufacturer. They all seem to fail just out of warranty, hence why I wish to speak to TS. But which one?

wealdroam

To answer your question, you need the Trading Standards covering the area where whoever sold the thing to you is based.

southerndave

Thank you!

mo786uk

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/consumer_e/reporting_a_problem_to_trading_standards

You will find the majority of TS departments dont talk to consumers directly - esp if you are not in their area.

Euro_Trio_White

I've been having a problem with Bathstore refusing to exchange stuff that was broken when delivered - see https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/60331043#Comment_60331043 and https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4491327. Following the advice on those threads I spoke to the local Citizens' Advice Bureau in Edinburgh, to whom Trading Standards have handed over their public face. They were very helpful, gave more good advice, and said they would take the case up with Trading Standards in Watford where Bathstore is based.

So it looks like you can just go to your local CAB and they will take the complaint to the right place for you.

unholyangel

OP....its possible the retailer hasnt done anything wrong yet.

After the initial 6 months passes, the burden is on the consumer to prove the fault is inherent and not the result of wear & tear or misuse.

And then of course if the item was cheap compared to other models, it may be that 15 months would be seen as a reasonable lifespan.

Have you checked the fuse? We had this with a tv at work. Tv was fine as was the power cable, it was just the fuse.

browneyedbazzi

You should call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06. They provide front line advice to consumers and will also refer issues to the right trading standards team if there is a need (ie if there is a potential criminal case).

It's not as simple as saying it's the TS service where you bought the item that would take on a case anymore - some companies which trade across county/district borders have Home Authority or Primary Authority Partnership arrangements which means they deal with one TS service for most things regardless of where in the country something happened.

southerndave

Thanks all for replies. No its not the fuse! The item is working bar heat, and if you look at customer feedback online it seems this is a common issue. A £150+ unit should not fail within 18 months of light domestic use, period. It is simply not fit for purpose. The proof is in the pudding that this item has now been upgraded and the new one makes big of the redesigned heating element, so it is claer this was an issue.

Will wait and see what the manufacturer says before proceeding.

molerat

You seem to be confusing what your rights are. Your consumer rights are with the supplier. You have no implied rights with the manufacturer and TS will not get involved with the manufacturer unless there is a serious safety issue. The manufacturer may offer a warranty or offer a good will gesture though.

southerndave

Hi Molerat. Not confused, honest! I have already spoken to the retailer, which is the correct way to go as I understand it. However, they merely send the units back to the manufacturer anyway, so they have put me in touch with the MD of the manufacturing company to save time. Anyway, I willsee what they say and then come back if I need more help...

withabix

southerndave wrote: »

they have put me in touch with the MD of the manufacturing company to save time....

To save the slopey-shoulders retailer time and dodge their responsibility.