Currys Microwave Con

Hapless_2

I bought a washing machine from curry's 16 months ago, it broke down (typical) not curry's fault. It was a cheapo machine £200. My fault for buying cheap, not a scam or a con, it's out of guarantee. Tough on me. It's now working temporarily and will have to do until I can save for a new one!

Now_then

Hi there

Sorry to hear about your faulty microwave and the trouble Curry’s has been giving you.

The other contributions are right in saying that you cannot buy something and expect it to last forever (just to let you know Butlers, it should be ‘their offer’ not ‘there offer’), but a 14 months seems all too short.

Here the law is here to protect us little people:
Section 14 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 says that products sold must be of Satisfactory Quality. What is Satisfactory Quality is determined by what is expected by the reasonable person, looking at price, and other relevant factors.

The question here is would an average person expect an £80 microwave to last longer than 14 months. I’d think 95 out of 100 people would say yes, especially true when you consider that other models were available for half/ two thirds the price. You’d get a different answer after 5 years and if so I’d probably be saying that you should take the £40 offer in vouchers.

After less than 15 months it is clear that you are entitled, as a matter of law, to a full refund.

What to do?

Write to the store manger explaining the circumstances and that you consider the voucher offer to be inadequate. Quote the law above and say that if you do not hear from him/her in 14 days you will write to head office to pursue the complaint.

Store mangers have many targets meet, including keeping complaints to a minimum. Too many complaints going to head office will affect their statistics and possibly bonus; they would want to resolve any matter at store level.
All being well this should work. If not begin a new thread with the updated info (best PM as well) and we can take it from there.

Good luck

Now then

Butlers1982

After less than 15 months it is clear that you are entitled, as a matter of law, to a full refund.

Absolute rubbish.

The fact of the matter is that the original purchase price was only £80.

When you say 95 out of a hundred people where does that come from?

Youve got 8 people here out of 10 that think that the offer thats been given is more than adequate.

Hapless_2

After less than 15 months it is clear that you are entitled, as a matter of law, to a full refund

No after the guarantee they may be entitled to a repair or replacement NOT a refund.

That totally depends on how the machine has been used.

Has anything boiled over in it?

Was anything placed on the top of the machine while in use?

Have things been covered correctly in it?

Was it used per manufacturers instructions?

How many times per week average was it used?

Has anything been spilt on it?

Has it been knocked, dropped or continually moved about?

Has it been cleaned regularly with proper cleaning materials?

Has unsuitable cooking materials been used in it?

Has the turntable mechanism been worn by owner using too heavy a bowl etc in it?

stugib

Hapless wrote: »

No after the guarantee they may be entitled to a repair or replacement NOT a refund.

And even if repair/replacement wasn't possible or cost-effective, only then a partial refund based on the use you've (OP) had and its expected life. Whilst personally I don't think 14 months is good for an £80 microwave - 'cheap' microwaves can be got <£30 - the offer of 50% back seems fair to me.

IvanOpinion

Now_then wrote: »

After less than 15 months it is clear that you are entitled, as a matter of law, to a full refund.

I think you have selectively interpretted the sale of goods act

Some important points include

• Wherever goods are bought they must "conform to contract". This means they must be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality (i.e. not inherently faulty at the time of sale).
• Goods are of satisfactory quality if they reach the standard that a reasonable person would regard as satisfactory, taking into account the price and any description.
• Aspects of quality include fitness for purpose, freedom from minor defects, appearance and finish, durability and safety.
• It is the seller, not the manufacturer, who is responsible if goods do not conform to contract.
• If goods do not conform to contract at the time of sale, purchasers can request their money back "within a reasonable time". (This is not defined and will depend on circumstances)
• For up to six years after purchase (five years from discovery in Scotland) purchasers can demand damages (which a court would equate to the cost of a repair or replacement).
• A purchaser who is a consumer, i.e. is not buying in the course of a business, can alternatively request a repair or replacement.
• If repair and replacement are not possible or too costly, then the consumer can seek a partial refund, if they have had some benefit from the good, or a full refund if the fault/s have meant they have enjoyed no benefit
• In general, the onus is on all purchasers to prove the goods did not conform to contract (e.g. was inherently faulty) and should have reasonably lasted until this point in time (i.e. perishable goods do not last for six years).
• If a consumer chooses to request a repair or replacement, then for the first six months after purchase it will be for the retailer to prove the goods did conform to contract (e.g. were not inherently faulty)
• After six months and until the end of the six years, it is for the consumer to prove the lack of conformity.

Is an offer of £40 good or bad, most people seem to think it is a fair offer. You could try negotiating further, just do not be fooled into taking out extended warranty.

Ivan

beechville96

Just to point out the facts on this microwave.We are both in our sixties and its only used about once or twice a day.It has never been moved about since the day it was bought.Nothing has been cooked in it for more than a 5 minute cycle.I dont consider £80 as been a cheapo!!You can get them for as little as £25 in some stores.Even Currys are selling cheap ones at £35.The expensive ones are all around £100.This particular model is now priced at £139
My last Microwave a Philips lasted more than 15 years without a single problem.It was only got rid of because there was a bit of rust inside.

Dave_Brooker

beechville96 wrote: »

My last Microwave a Philips lasted more than 15 years without a single problem.It was only got rid of because there was a bit of rust inside.

Why didn't you buy another Phillips one then?

IvanOpinion

beechville96 wrote: »

My last Microwave a Philips lasted more than 15 years without a single problem.It was only got rid of because there was a bit of rust inside.

DW says she has that problem with her husband :whistle:

ivan

beechville96

Dave_Brooker wrote: »

Why didn't you buy another Phillips one then?

Philips dont do microwaves any longer.!!!

The reference to a con is that they sell a product with a household name (Russell Hobbs) which is not even manufactured by them.Ths should be pointed out to a buyer when purchasing the product.It is actually made by Currys themselves apparantly.
If you went to a garage to buy a Ford on its reliable reputation,and you end up buying a car with a ford badge,but later turns out its made by Lada then you wouldn't be pleased.