Am I entitled to compensation for wasted time and inconvenience?

Cloth_of_Gold

I won't bore everyone with what would be a very long story if I described everything that happened but suffice it to say that I bought a 'white good' costing several hundred pounds from a major retailer. The appliance had multiple problems from day one and I have had numerous visits from repair men (including appointments where they didn't turn up) and so have wasted a great deal of time on these appointments, plus many hours on the phone to the retailer and manufacturer. I have also had the inconvenience of not having a fully-functioning appliance, which I use daily, for several months. Because the appliance is still not working properly I have to decided seek a replacement (it is less than 6 months since I bought it). I also feel that I should seek a decent amount of compensation for all the time I have wasted and for the inconvenience. Do I have any right to compensation for this or is it down to the retailer if they wish to make an ex-gratia payment? I suspect it's the latter but it would be good to know.

wealdroam

Although at first glance it may not appear to cover your scenario, have a read of MSE's Failed Delivery guide.

In there you will see that you may well be able to claim some money to cover some losses that you have suffered.

Cloth_of_Gold

Thank you.

bris

Have you suffered any losses, actual losses. Time wasted isn't a loss unless it's for time off work which you need to prove.


Inconvenience, no, but they may give you a goodwill gesture.

reason2

if you have taken paid holiday off work then you havent suffered a loss, you cant claim for a single missed appointment, but may be able to for the 2nd missed one, but only if there is a legitimate loss. (ie unpaid day off work)

Gavin83

As others have said you can potenially claim for actual losses. Phone bills, time off work yes, inconvenience no. As I'm sure you're aware the retailer is also responsible for replacing/refunding the machine.

DoaM

I think paid annual leave (taken expressly for the purpose of resolving the issue) can still be claimed for ... provided that the intent is shown to take unpaid leave at a later time. (e.g. you have your family holiday booked using 10 days annual leave. You've now lost 2 of those days due to this issue but you'll still be going on the family holiday but now taking 2 days unpaid - those 2 days can still be claimed for).

It may not be easy to do it, but it can be done.