Rechargable batteries - no warranty?

skydog

The rechargeable battery in my radio has given up holding a charge after 11 months. The retailer says 'Manufacturers consider batteries to be consumable items because their lifespan can be affected by so many factors outside of the manufacturer (and the seller's) control, including (but not limited to) the number of times the battery is charged (too few or too many, for instance) and the conditions under which it is used (temperature and humidity).'
The retailer is refusing to replace the battery, although he has offered a half-price replacement.
Are rechargeable batteries beyond the Sale of Goods Act? What is a 'reasonable' lifetime for a rechargeable battery?
I've accepted his offer - life's too short to waste time haggling over a fiver, but I'm interested in whether rechargeable batteries can be legally regarded as consumables.

JJ_Egan

They are regarded as consumables .
Legally take them to court and we will have case law .

wealdroam

skydog wrote: »

Are rechargeable batteries beyond the Sale of Goods Act?

No they are not.

skydog wrote: »

What is a 'reasonable' lifetime for a rechargeable battery?

That is a difficult question to answer - as your seller has told you "'Manufacturers consider batteries to be consumable items because their lifespan can be affected by so many factors outside of the manufacturer (and the seller's) control, including (but not limited to) the number of times the battery is charged (too few or too many, for instance) and the conditions under which it is used (temperature and humidity).'"

Under SoGA, the seller could ask you to prove that the battery is inherently faulty, e.g. has not been misused, before providing a remedy.

It could be seen that the seller has given you a partial refund, but in reality he has provided a replacement and charged you 50% for it. Not really a SoGA remedy... more a goodwill gesture I would suggest.

bris

JJ_Egan wrote: »

Legally take them to court and we will have case law .

Small claims court does not make case law.

JJ_Egan

bris wrote: »

Small claims court does not make case law.

But you did know what i meant in that regard as i did not mention small .

unholyangel

JJ_Egan wrote: »

But you did know what i meant in that regard as i did not mention small .

I can't think of any rechargeable battery that would cost more than £10,000 in order not to be heard at small claims.

CoolHotCold

Rechargeable batteries, just like normal batteries are classified as consumable items.

It's just a fact that the more they're used, the less charge they'll hold. Eventually they'll fail or stop holding any meaningful charge.

Sorry, but you're on a hiding to nowhere, No one (at least anyone reputable) would write a report stating they're inherently faulty. It's just a fact that rechargeable batteries have varying lifespans.

Buy another pack and think of how much money you've saved instead. (And recycle the batteries either at the tip or a retailer (such as PcWorld/Currys) that takes them Free of Charge.