Argos metal shed not fit for purpose??

technium

First off sorry if this is posted in the wrong section but I believe this is the closest area.

I purchased a Metal Woodgrain Shed for £400 seen here:-

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7054444.htm about 2 Months ago.

I have since layed all the foundations and started to build the shed etc and since building it ive had it left open as I didnt want people breaking into it thinking there might be something inside worth having.

Anyway this weekend ive finished putting it together, installed shed alarm and two stonking big locks on the front to secure it only to find a slight problem. If you push gently (no force required) on the side of either door closest to the frame when its locked the doors come away from the frame and enable anyone to slide the locked doors either to the left or right rendering the expensive locks on the shed useless.

Ive contacted Argos and am waiting for their response but ive told them that its no use having a shed you cant secure properly and want to know what they suggest.

Does anyone else have this type of shed and do you have a similar problem as I believe this is a major flaw in the design.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what to do about it next if Argos arent interested?

thanks in advance.

maninthestreet

What make is it? It maybe worthwhile contacting the manufacturer to see if they are aware of this problem, and may have some solution for it.
Of course, your contract is with Argos, so it's them who should refund you if the shed is not fit for purpose.

technium

The manufacturer is a Canadian company, I cant remember the site but did have a look yesterday as ive still got the instructions and their details are on the back of that.

I even re read the instructions to make sure I had made the door parts correctly just in case.

Im more interested to know others who have this shed and if they have a problem as I can see Argos replying "we sell thousands of these units and never had any complaints so far" but will wait for their reply.

technium

and heres Argos reply, so dont hold out much hope

Thank you for your e-mail regarding the quality of your 10 x 8 shed.
I am sorry to read you are not happy with the above product. If you decide, within 30 days that you are not completely happy with your purchase, you can return it to any Argos store for a full refund or exchange, providing it is returned with the receipt, unused and in its original packaging.
The 30 day money back guarantee and any other manufacturer?s guarantees promoted on the website are in addition to your statutory rights which remain unaffected.
After looking into your order your 30 day money back guarantee has expired therefore, we are unable to offer you a collection for a refund.
Should you require any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us at order.enquiries@argos.co.uk or call us on 0870 600 2020.
Regards,

Diane Wright
Argos Direct E-Commerce Customer Service Team.

Any advice please???

olly300

The 30 day money back guarantee and any other manufacturer?s guarantees promoted on the website are in addition to your statutory rights which remain unaffected.

Time to look at the consumer direct website - http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/ - and read up on invoking your statutory rights.

Then contact Argos by letter using recorded delivery (in case you need to take them to court) telling them what laws they haven't complied with, what you want done and giving them 28 days to do this.

After the 28 days if argos haven't responded send argos a "letter before action" mentioning your previous letter, giving them a further 14 days to comply otherwise you will take them to court and they will be liable for costs and charges.

Then start a small claims procedure.

Keep a copy of all correspondence and take pictures of the problem shed.

Colliefrog

You may be better off going into the shop and explaining your case there. I find people are more sympathetic face to face. If you came in my store with this problem I would have sorted you out with a refund straight away. The shed is obviously not fit for purpose and the 30 day MBG should not even be an issue. It's not just that you are not happy with the product, it doesn't do what it's supposed to do. Make sure you take proof of purchase and they should refund you by the same method as you paid. Hope this helps.

MickKnipfler

I've got a Screwfix one and don't bother locking it as the doors are so flimsy that one kick would push them in anyway

technium

thanks for that, unfortunately our Argos isnt as good as yours Colliefrog, ive had problems in the past with them.

Too be honest im not looking for a refund as Ive already laid the concrete base specially, built the shed (2 days full work) and bolted it to the concrete base, what I do want is a fix, im sure im not the only person to think this shed unacceptable in its current state.

Id be happy with a 99p nut and bolt from them if I thought it would do the trick but at the moment theyre not interested as you can see from their reply.

MickKnipfler - Why dont you do something about it, this is what im complaining about, you spend £400 on a shed which you cant store anything in, you cant be happy about that either??

MickKnipfler

Not sure what u can do really. If you get a wooden one you only have to unscrew the hinges!

YorkshireBoy

MickKnipfler wrote: »

If you get a wooden one you only have to unscrew the hinges!

You can't unscrew a coachbolt/nyloc nut arrangement, which is what you should be fixing the hinges with.

hollydays

I hope you do get this sorted out,but unless it has called itself a "Burglar-proof shed" or similar,I dont think they have made any false claims.The definition of a shed is not " a garden building that cant be broken into" either,so the purpose is not clear.
Why not contact your local Crime prevention Department-they might suggest some device that could secure it,otherwise you are stuck with it.