consumer rights with purchase of fly boots

redlinehigh

I have purchased a pair of fly boots and after little wear they have started leaking water and when i explained this to the shop, i was told they needed re soleing. i took them to the repair shop they recommended and was informed that there was a manufactering problem and they needed to be returned to be looked at. The shop where i bought them refused to do anything about it saying i have to do this myself! What can i do as the manufacter i think is in spain and i am very dissappointed as at only 11 months old and at £140 i feel very let down! I googled this problem and there are many other people had the same problems!! Any help would be much appreciated as i feel that the shop is happy to take your money and offer no help when issues arise!! Is there a rule that boots only have to last 6 months?

fluffnutter

Technically, if they're over six months old it is your responsibility to prove that the boots have a manufacturing fault. Which I guess is what they're saying when they suggest you return them to the manufacturers.

I'd pop back to the repair shop and ask if they'd be prepared to put in writing that the boots have a manufacturing fault. Armed with this report I'd then go back to the retailers stating that, as the fault developed after six months and knowing that the onus is on the customer to prove that the fault is inherent (i.e. not the result of wear and tear or misuse) I'd done precisely that by getting an independent assessment. In accordance with the Sale of Goods Act I'd then be asking the retailer to either repair or replace the boots or give me a refund (accepting that this might be reduced to account for the wear I've already had). If the repair shop charge you for the report the cost of this must be reimbursed by the retailer. If the retailer insists that the manufacturer looks at them, remind them that they've already been independently assessed and if this isn't good enough (which it should be) suggest that they contact the manufacturer themselves and stump up the cost of sending the boots.