Steam iron/Argos

flyer

I bought a steam iron from Argos last May but it started spurting water rather than steam a couple of months ago. We de scaled it and changed filters but the problem is still there.

I took it back to Argos but they say I have to deal with Russell Hobbs as it is out of their (Argos) warranty, but Russell Hobbs have a 2 year warranty. I argued that my contract was with Argos but the manager was not interested and refused to deal with it.

I think that under SOGA they should deal with it, but I'm not 100% sure and would welcome more experienced advice.

fleshandbone

You should contact the manufacturer, they will most probably send you a replacement.

wealdroam

flyer wrote: »

I bought a steam iron from Argos last May but it started spurting water rather than steam a couple of months ago. We de scaled it and changed filters but the problem is still there.

I took it back to Argos but they say I have to deal with Russell Hobbs as it is out of their (Argos) warranty, but Russell Hobbs have a 2 year warranty. I argued that my contract was with Argos but the manager was not interested and refused to deal with it.

I think that under SOGA they should deal with it, but I'm not 100% sure and would welcome more experienced advice.

I guess you haven't yet read MSE's Consumer Rights guide.

Here is a short extract from that article:

Know who's responsible

When returning items, beware shops trying the oldest trick in the book: saying they're not responsible for the shoddy goods and you must call the manufacturer. This is total nonsense!

If a company fobs you off by saying “go to the maker instead”, it's wrong. It's the retailer's job to sort it.

It doesn't matter if it's an iPod from a high street shop or a designer frock from a department store. If something's broken, torn, ripped or faulty, the seller has a legal duty to put it right as your contract is with it.

Lots of other good stuff in there too.

Having said that, you may well get a better response from the manufacturer.

flyer

Thanks Wealdroam. I want to pursue it on both fronts, but need to understand which specific legislation, and relevant clauses, applies in this situation.

SuperHan

If bought last May, it is indeed covered by the SoGA.


However, SoGA says that after the first 6 months, the onus is on the consumer to prove that the fault is inherent. As such, Argos do not need to act until you first prove the iron is inherently faulty.


Normally this would be done by an independent engineer's report, but given that it's still under manufacturer warranty, the easiest thing to do is going to be to claim under that.

wealdroam

flyer wrote: »

Thanks Wealdroam. I want to pursue it on both fronts, but need to understand which specific legislation, and relevant clauses, applies in this situation.

Then start by reading that article I mentioned.