DSL and Faulty Goods

abssorb

Hi,

I bought a pair of Dashboard Camera sets on-line from a UK importer/ retailer of a Chinese brand, one for my car and one for my fathers in Apr 2016.

They've both failed, and a replacement has also failed. I've since found many anecdotal reports that these are very unreliable.

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The UK retailer didn't provide any advice re distance selling so I understand it's possible that return can be made under distance selling for up to 12 months.

However I think this is more about faulty goods.

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The retailer has really dug his heels in and it's become a bit like the dead parrot sketch.

I have so far been using email (he refuses to phone) and I haven't yet sent a letter. I'd welcome suggestions about which type of claim could be made.




As part of the same order, a "permanent hard-wire" kit for each of the cameras was bought. I suspect it is these that have failed and in turn damaged the cameras.

Mine developed problems inside 6 months, becoming unreliable. I worked with the retailer who advised a few things, including bypassing the hardwire kit and powering directly from the cig lighter. but it made no difference and eventually it failed altogether. The retailer provided a replacement and this also failed in the same way in two months.
I asked my father to check his, and he found it was also dead.

The retailer stopped being helpful, wouldn't provide a phone number and though asked me for one, failed to call me.

The retailer blames the car, and the installation method. However it's just two wires.

He's now discontinued the hardwire kit, but covered the web page with dire warnings that weren't there at the time of purchase

"Important - hardwiring a camera or other accessory with this kit is done entirely at your own risk and we cannot be held responsible for any installation costs or additional costs that may be incurred after a fault or failure of camera, mount, hardwire kit, or car electrics. We recommend that all components are first tested thoroughly before installation. We strongly recommend that you hire a fully qualified, insured, and experienced auto-electrician to install the hardwire kit for you."

13 Apr 2016 Order placed

2x Mini Dash Camera Hardwire Kit for £9.99 each
2x 32GB / 64GB / 128GB Micro SD (SDHC) Card - Class 10 for CCTV and Dash Cameras - 32GB for £11.99 each
2x Koonlung K1S Full HD Hidden Front and Rear (2ch x 1080p) Car Dash Camera & DVR with GPS - Updated 2016 UK model - GPS Included for £179.99 each
Discounts : £-9.99 GBP
Subtotal : £393.95 GBP
Shipping : £0.00 GBP
Total : £393.95 GBP

I'd be very grateful for any advice you can offer.

neilmcl

You've no chance using your statutory rights against a seller in China. Did you buy directly or via a site such as Amazon, ebay etc.

It looks like you're not the only one with reliability issues with these and this is the chance you take when buying this sort of thing from Chinese sellers.

abssorb

Thanks. I probably should have made it clearer. Edit made now.

It's from a UK importer, who has a high street shop and is also retailing on-line.

unholyangel

If they are registered in the UK then it would be down to you to prove that the failure is inherent in nature as its more than 6 months from purchase. Usually we'd suggest speaking to retailer first in case they won't require an independent report, but I don't think your retailer will be too forthcoming.

However as its still under 1 year from purchase, is a manufacturers warranty an option perhaps?

abssorb

Does it not count that I first made a complaint within 6 months, and received a replacement?