Bought a Freezer that was damaged on arrival - what are my rights?

chewy101

Hello. Our  large upright freezer packed after 12 years just when national stocks are running so low. Managed to get one delivered but it was damaged. The box was fine but when unpacked there is a large dent in the front and another at the side. As the box was fine I assume it was done in the factory. Retailer has said that I could 

1. keep it and have a partial refund 
2. hang on to it until it can be collected (could be weeks) and then get a refund 
3. use it until restrictions allow a replacement to be delivered and the damaged freezer collected. 

If I go for a refund it could be weeks and I can't afford to buy another freezer (if I could find one!) and don't really want to clog the house up with a freezer. So I said that I'm happy to use the freezer until it can be replaced. Here comes the question. Because it could be weeks before they are able to replace the freezer I will build up frozen food so I asked if they can drop the new freezer and then pick up the damaged one at a later date. Freezers need 4 hours left standing before they can be switched on and then 6 -12 hours to freeze. By this time the food will have defrosted. They have said that I should run down the freezer before and will pick up the damaged one at drop the new one at the same time. I don't want to be unreasonable and if they could just stagger the delivery and pickup it would be fine. Is this unreasonable? 

pogofish

Was it full of virus samples?
If not, the Consumer Rights or In My Home forums would seem much more appropriate!

onwards&upwards

A bit.  They’re obviously stretched, is there a reason why you need to keep a lot of frozen food and can’t use up what you’ve got over the next few weeks?   

chewy101

Well its a 230 litre freezer with with about £300 of food that I like to keep topped up. Even a few hours to allow us to transfer all the food would make a difference. Thanks for commenting, appreciated.

sharpe106

Yes it probably is unreasonable they will have to do two trips. I think there solution is fine. Just run it down it does not need to be the day after the restrictions lift. So start planning your shopping around emptying the freezer and stop topping it up.   

neilmcl

I agree, I think you're being unreasonable to expect 2 trips. As mentioned just plan to start using up your freezer contents nearer the time.

chewy101

Thanks for all your comments, appreciated. Stay safe