DFS - Fire Retardent Labels Missing

samlad80

Hi Everyone

I just have a quick question, I have had two new DFS sofas delivered today, They were apparently hand made in the UK however there are some very suspicious scrawlings on the delivery note that look strangely like German handwriting... Not that im perticulalry bothered about that to be fair.

There is a stain on one of the cushions, I think it could have happened during delivery as it was pouring down with rain so im going to contact DFS on Monday but my main concern (If it is a concern) is that the sofas dont appear to have any BS kite mark labels anywhere?

There is a small label on the base to say that its manufactuered to high standards etc, One that has a manufacturers code however for the life of me i cant find any flame retardant info.

With the recent press interest about sofas failing standard fire retardation tests, should i contact trading standards or approach DFS firstly.

And if they want to come out and staple some fire labels to my sofas, Is that ok?

Please help!

Many thanks

shaun_from_Africa

And if they want to come out and staple some fire labels to my sofas, Is that ok?

No.
Apart from you not knowing if the furniture actually meets the requirements for fire retardation, the labels must be fixed in such a way that they can't be removed without damaging them.
Before contacting DFS, it might be best to speak to someone in citizens advice (trading standards no longer deal directly with the public) to find out how you stand legally.
A stapled on label may be worthless and make it impossible to sell your furniture should you wish to do so in the future, but more importantly, you may have furniture that doesn't meet the required safety standards.

hollydays

I'm not sure sofas need to be kite marked? Did you point out the stain to the delivery man, or add something on the paperwork?

samlad80

Hi

I only noticed the stain after they had gone.
Its very very faint, almost looks like were the feet have been rubing against the upholstery during transit.

They should surely have a fire safety label? As Africa suggests i will struggle to even donate these to charity in a few years

hollydays

I think it's a really serious issue if there is no fire regulation labels fixed?
It is consumer advice on08454 04 05 06 you need to contact, you may prevent some serious issues occurring for other people if these sofas don't comply.
Is there a permanent label that says "carelessness causes fire"

samlad80

NO nothing Holly

I ordered two sofas, A three seater and a Two seater sofa bed.

Ive tipped them up, looked under the bed, opened the cushions, unfolded the bed.

There is no labels at all apart from some hand written manufacturing labels

Gastines2

Never accept a repair fo a faulty or damaged item would be my advice.I would go into the store with a written complaint asking them to collect goods as they are damaged and do not have Fire Retardent Labels as required by law. Take a copy of your letter and get it dated and signed by the manager.Add that after one week they will be charged storage.
I get fed up of getting the runaround from some companies,along with Banks and now send an invoice for my time in dealing with their hopeless service.Last complaint on a fault by a Bank,I was offered £15 but they paid my invoice of £140 straight away!!

hollydays

Dfs don't have a great reputation for dealing with complaints-don't deal with them , contact consumer advice asap

unholyangel

May be of useful reading for OP:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e/furniture_household_goods_and_clothing_index_e/is_your_furniture_fire_resistant.htm