Chargeback vs Small Claims for Damaged Gas Hob not opened for 3 months.

ydrol2

[Edit - Issue is sorted after escalating within AD - replacement being sent in time to return the backup purchase - and a lesson learned for me!]

Hi I bought a gas hob in August for just under £400 from Appliances Direct.

It was towards my mums new kitchen. The packaging look a bit iffy and we raised a case at the time but AD would not resend another at their costs.

Unfortunately, for various reasons I wont go into here (mainly because they are not great reasons!), we did not fully inspect the item at the time - a schoolboy error which I suspect I'll get rightfully chastised on, but not much I can do about that now.

Anyway - the fitting did not start until November, so it's been sitting unopened in the living room for 3 months.

Are the goods accepted now?

When the hob was finally unpacked at we see that it has significant damage.

Got on to AD who are predictably fobbing us off with a £25 voucher. I've emailed that we want a replacement asap - but now that the fitters are here our best option is to get another hob (from elsewhere) and then chase compensation from AD.

I've already emailed them that I want a replacement , I dont expect they will send one, and really just want to get to the end -game with as little stress and pointless exchanges as possible. Is the best route a chargeback or small claims court.

Also if AD refuse to give an RMA can I just return the hob to them anyway? Presumably I return it first before either approach?

Finally can a chargeback affect credit rating as I'm applying for a mortgage before the end of the year.

I realise if AD do decide to send a replacement I'll have two hobs but thats fine, although now it would be preferable to get my money back.

I'll go away and read all the FAQs now..

Thanks

mattyprice4004

What exactly did you raise in the case back in August?
If you were concerned about the packing, enough so to raise a case, why would you not fully unpack it to inspect?

If I received something in dodgy packing, I’d immediately check the contents over.

I feel after 3 months and inexplicably not checking it over despite concerns, you’re on your own.
Bear in mind that AD can counter claim, and can take you to court if they feel a chargeback is unjust.
Personally I think this is just an expensive lesson.

ydrol2

Thanks for your reply. The packaging looked like it had been opened. Faulty thinking on my part but I had a hands off mentality and just wanted to send it back with as little interference as possible to demonstrate the packaging was interfered with. I was, unfortunately, focussing on the state of the packaging more than the contents. It was not at my house and a lot of unrelated stress at work stopped me really doing the sensible thing and inspecting the contents at the time. What is my maximum exposure if they counter claim ?