Faulty mattress - company refusing to pay postage

Freebiehunter1980

Hello,
I am hoping you can offer advice.
I bought a mattress in late December (delivered early jan) and I have just noticed that all the stitching has come undone on one side exposing the coils and material inside.
I contacted the company and sent them a photo, explaining that it was only 5 months old and asked for a replacement.
They have said they would replace the mattress if I send this mattress back.
I have a number of issues with this:
1 - I don't think I should have to pay in excess of £30 for a courier to send the mattress back.
2 - this is the only bed we have and I will be without a bed for the time it takes for them to receive the mattress and process a replacement.
3 - the item is clearly faulty. I think they should sort the problem.

I have claimed under the Sales of Goods Act that the item is faulty and not fit for purpose and asked for them to send me a replacement and take away this mattress. They are refusing and saying I have to pay £30 for them to collect it or arrange a courier at my own expense.

I think they are wrong. Where do I stand and what are my next steps?

Please help!

unholyangel

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1979/54

(1)If section 48A above applies, the buyer may require the seller—
(a)to repair the goods, or
(b)to replace the goods.
(2)If the buyer requires the seller to repair or replace the goods, the seller must—
(a)repair or, as the case may be, replace the goods within a reasonable time but without causing significant inconvenience to the buyer;
(b)bear any necessary costs incurred in doing so (including in particular the cost of any labour, materials or postage).

Freebiehunter1980

Thanks unholyangel.
What do I do if they still insist I pay for the return of the mattress? What's my next step.
I've emailed them three times each time stating the act and the fact that they should pay. They don't seem to be budging.

neilmcl

LBA - Letter Before Action.