Argos Sofas not fit for purpose?

Goodintentions

I wonder if anyone can help me?
I purchased 2 leather recliner sofas from Argos about 19 months ago. They were purchased online using a credit card.
Recently I have noticed that the seats at either end of the three seater are sagging in comparison to the middle seat. In addition to this, the recliner on end makes a clunking noise. My son has noticed (when sleeping on the floor when friends had a sleepover) that there is a spring poking through under this seat.
I feel that it is reasonable to expect that a sofa, regardless of where it was purchased - I know Argos is not top end!), should last longer than this, so therefore is not fit for purpose. The Argos website describes the sofas as follows: 'Fibre and foam filled cushions promise to keep their shape, finished in beautiful chocolate brown leather upholstery, giving you years of enjoyment.'
I have contacted Argos, and they have suggested getting a report to tell if this is a manufacturing fault. If it is a manufacturing fault, they will happily replace the sofa and refund the cost of the report.
My questions are:
How do I go about getting a report and where from? How much would I be expected to pay?
Should I continue down this line, or should I approach the credit card company?


I hope someone can help Thanks!

shaun_from_Africa

Here's one option.
A report costs £125


http://www.fira.co.uk/news/article/the-furniture-ombudsman---independent-inspection-service

unholyangel

Your rights with the card company are the exact same as the retailer (ie after 6 months the onus is on you to prove its inherently faulty).

The report can basically come from anyone who is qualified/has the appropriate expertise - not sure if anywhere locally will do it cheaper but the furniture ombudsman charge £125 i think (however if found in your favour, the retailer should reimburse you for the cost of the report).

If you do go somewhere local, ensure the report states the nature of the fault (ie poor workmanship, substandard compenents etc). Some reports will only say that the goods are faulty, not why they are faulty.

cono1717

It may also be worth mentioning that Argos (Well, Homebase) are members of the furniture ombudsman so you could read up on some of their guidelines there: http://www.thefurnitureombudsman.org/members-of-tfo/full-members

AGray

Homebase/Argos have an upholstery company called Castalan who can go out to your home and compile their own report, it won't be independent obviously and any findings could be challenged with your own report.

They can also see about repairing the furniture if deemed necessary