littlewoods issues...Any advice please?

paul_preedy

So I'll explain the situation quickly, hope this is the right place to post this!

Around 3 month ago, I got a computer from littlewoods. (I previously had a laptop from there but they didn't advertise it correctly and it turned out to be a poor quality laptop, so I sent it back) so once I received the computer, it seemed okay. Since i hardly use it, it was mainly for my partner, I never noticed anything off about it. I went on it a few days ago, and noticed it said windows was not activated, so I inquired, and my system was prompting me to buy a new copy of windows. Of course, I wasn't impressed as the computer was meant to include a full copy. I got on the phone to littlewoods, and I explained the situation, and asked if they could either send a copy of windows or replace the system (I'm not sure how they handle it) because obviously I'm not getting the full product if somethings missing, and of course was being tied in knots, and they wasn't interested. I was hung up on by 3 different operators. When I got through to someone who talked to me for longer than a few minutes, they turned out to be rude, and unhelpful. I called again after that, and I finally got through to a very helpful operator, as I was so angry by that point, I asked if I could send the product back, as I don't want to use littlewoods as a service any longer, due to the blatant lack of respect and bad service. The operator said I could (funny how the previous person said no) and said I would have to contact the distributor first and get the green light from then, only then would littlewoods take it back.

seems okay, but my problem is, I can't ever seem to connect to cyberpower (distributor) because the lines are always busy. My due date for littlewoods payment is tomorrow, but obviously I wouldn't want to pay if I'm returning the item..I'm worried I could get in some debt and get into a bad situation. I hope this made sense, my question is really, how long do I have before littlewoods take legal action, due to late payments?

I'd rather just steer clear of companies like this in the future!


Thanks for reading!

sourcrates

Answer is they never take legal action.

They simply pass the debt to collections, and then sell it

But that's not what you should be asking, if the goods are faulty, simply return them with a written explanation, that's it.

How long have you had the goods ?

paul_preedy

Thank you for your reply.

I was told I had to go through cyberpower first before I could do anything, since they need a reference from the company before littlewoods would accept it back. I've had the goods for around 3 months.

How long do they allow before they use a detailed collection agency? Surely it wouldn't be right away, they have to allow some time after the due date, right?

It's frustrating because I'm trying to sort a return, so would giving them a call to explain help? Prehaps they could freeze my account.

sourcrates

Just persist in getting the correct return reference, can't be that difficult surely ?

paul_preedy

I'm just stressing really, just in case I don't do it in time.

sourcrates

paul_preedy wrote: »

I'm just stressing really, just in case I don't do it in time.

The sale of goods act would apply in this case, your new product will be guaranteed for 12 months, so if it's not fit for purpose, you have a full year in which to return it for either refund or replacement.

If your returning it as faulty, you won't be liable for payment anyway, as the original contract (sale) would be voided.

But I suggest you do it poste haste.

nkkingston

Are you completely sure it was a legitimate message? A lot of malware disguises itself as this sort of thing in order to get you to click on it. Never trust any message that claims to be from Windows or your virus software unless you're expecting it.

In terms of avoiding littlewoods in future, keep an eye on eBay. You'd be surprised how many people sell perfectly good computers because they've upgraded to a fancier new one (especially gamers, because the specs needed to run a lot of games change so often). If you don't need the latest tech to run games or graphic design software, something that's three years old will still do you perfectly, and could cost less than £100.

fusionx212

Paul - you have the right to turn your goods to the seller, not the distributor under the sale of goods act.

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/tradingstandards/tradingstandards-consumer/goodsandservices-consumers/tsguide-goods.htm

little woods are the seller as such have a responsiblity to ensure the good supplied are adequate.

I am a 3rd line IT engineer - I would ask have you actually tried activating the laptop?

theres usually on option to do so. right click computer > properties > you'll see a screen showing the machine specs> activation will be at the bottom of this screen, it will say activate now.

the licence key will likely be valid as it's an OEM licence meaning it's sold with the machine and stays with the machine for the life of use, it cannot be transferred.

key is usually at the bottom of the device.

Anoneemoose

sourcrates wrote: »

The sale of goods act would apply in this case, your new product will be guaranteed for 12 months, so if it's not fit for purpose, you have a full year in which to return it for either refund or replacement.

If your returning it as faulty, you won't be liable for payment anyway, as the original contract (sale) would be voided.

But I suggest you do it poste haste.

I believe it is the Consumer Rights Act now, and after the first 30 days, it is up to the retailer what remedy they offer. They could, if they want, repair it. As they have said they would allow OP to return it, then OP would be best to get this in writing (if they haven't already), before returning the device. I suspect they may struggle though, as it is unusual for retailers to allow a return and refund after this long. As PPs have said, it is the retailer who must remedy this with you, NOT the manufacturer, however, some retailers require the manufacturer to inspect and report on the device before deciding whether to offer a remedy..(for example, you could have damaged the device first - not saying you have, just an example) - and they may want confirmation it is in fact, a fault. IF they were to request this, it still has to be in a reasonable amount of time.

Here is a link to some straightforward info from the Which website.

http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/regulation/consumer-rights-act

This would also be more at home in the consumer rights forum, if it's possible to move it.

Re: the payment OP - I suspect that you would be best paying it if you can and then requesting a refund once the problem is resolved. If you don't, then they will slap on interest and fees etc. Unless you have written proof they have allowed a return for refund, it's best to be safe.

If you don't get anywhere, it may be worth complaining in writing.