Ikea problem - what do you suggest?

zebidee1

Ok, first off, we don't live anywhere near Ikea so it's a full day out for us (think 7am - 7pm) when we visit a store, and also the cost of a full tank of petrol to get there.

We bought a tv bench yesterday which states in the catalogue that the max load it can take is 65kg. We have several bits (dvd player/xbox/wii/sky etc etc) as well as the tv so we were happy this bench would be fine.

We put it together using the screws supplied and we also glued the dowels in which means now it wont come apart.

Anyway, I was browsing the Ikea site today looking for something else and I came across the bench we bought, but it states on the web page that it only supports 30kg NOT the 65 kg stated in the book.

I phoned cs who tell me that it is definitely only 30kg and there must have been an error when the book was printed and to take the bench back if I'm not happy.

I point out where I live and that although I understand that mistakes can happen, I don't feel I should suffer financially because of a mistake Ikea made. It would cost me the price of the bench to take it back!

The best they can do is ask the manger of the branch we bought it from, to phone me.

Now. my problem is that the bench as it stands, does not do what it said it would in the book, so it's no good for my needs now.

Possible scenarios......

I could reinforce it in some way which would involve cost.

I could take it back which would involve cost.

I could keep it as it is but will have to buy a different stand of some kind to handle all the tv equipment etc which will involve cost.

Any suggestions for a way round this situation? I'm fairly sure the manager will dig his heels in and tell me his hands are tied unless I take it back.

I'm not sure what to say to him when he phones. I just know I'm not very happy.

dangeroussports

Ikea are great for soft furnishings but Ikea should never be used for furniture.

Calling Ikea a furniture outlet is the equivelent of calling a Mcdonalds a restaraunt.

Now, I think Ikea may well arrange for the cabinet to be collected and money refunded.

satan666wayne

Have you put all your stuff on it?
If so has it fell to bits?
If no whats the problem?

zebidee1

I'm 99.99% certain that Ikea would only collect if they actually delivered the item in the first place. Especially given the distance involved.

zebidee1

No, all our stuff isn't on it yet. It was only just built. Putting our stuff on it now would be a bit on the stupid side don't you think?

dangeroussports

Does it feel weak and useless? If so, then its definately an IKEA product.

You now have a briliant excuse to send it back!

Idiophreak

zebidee1 wrote: »

No, all our stuff isn't on it yet. It was only just built. Putting our stuff on it now would be a bit on the stupid side don't you think?

I'm 50/50 on that.

TBH 30kg is quite a lot...and I'd expect that they are cautious in their estimates...

How big / heavy is your TV?

I'd expect it to handle a 32" tv (CRT) at least, with all the bits and bobs on. It wouldn't be much good to anyone if it didn't...

I probably wouldn't bother complaining unless I'd stuck all my stuff on and it had broken...

withabix

I suspect they will refund you and tell you to keep it.

There's nothing wrong with Ikea furniture generally. Only the stuff that's too cheap should be avoided.

We've got quite a lot of stuff from Ikea, such as wardrobe systems, Billy bookcases/display cabinets and various knicknacks.

Ikea's connecting bits and the furniture components themselves are generally well engineered.

A lot of the problem with self assembly furniture it down to the person assembling it. If you're inept, don't even try it!

zebidee1

Our tv at the moment weighs 43.5kg 28" CRT - just checked with manufacturer. So that by itself is waaaayyy over the limit given, never mind adding on everything else.

If the bench breaks and my tv/other equipment breaks as a result, Ikea cant be held responsible for that as they only guarantee the bench up to 30kg.

I dont fancy risking my stuff just to see how much it can hold especially since it all weighs probably double the limit, in total.

Even when our new tv arrives, the total weight involved will still be at least 50% more than the 30kg limit.

That's why we bought a bench that was supposed to handle 65kg.

dangeroussports

When the manager phones tell to that you :

A. Want a refund.
B. ASk them to collect it.

Then go to a reputable furniture outlet, to include John Lewis, and purchase a quality oak piece of ready made furniture.

People should not be subjected to market trends in purchasing minimalists products or cheap personalitieless self assembly chipboard products.

Nicki

Are you positive you have got the weights right?

I weigh 65kgs and I am an average sized female of 5'6". My children who are 6 and 7 both only weigh about 22 kgs. On that basis I would be staggered if your TV, and other bits weigh as much as a fully grown adult, and if your TV on its own weighs as much as two children! If it does, I'd be surprised if you could actually lift it onto the bench.

Two options:

1. stick your telly and other bits on the bathroom scales and just check how much they do in fact weigh.

2. find an obliging adult who weighs about the same as your kit (if it is really this heavy) to sit on your TV stand for a few minutes. If it creaks alarmingly, they can jump off quickly and you will know it can't bear the weight. If it seems fine then you are good to go!