Argos/Habitat Child's bed broken after 13 months - is this a 'reasonable length of time'?

1ipstick

Bought a bed frame that was delivered mid Jan 2022. Today the wooden side has completely cracked so the bottom is hanging down - it's unusable. My child honestly doesn't bounce on it (and he's only 4!). The online ad says "Maximum user weight 100kg. Suitable for adult use (safety tested to 100kg)."

Have I got any rights for a refund/repair considering it's only 4 weeks outside the manufacturer's one-year guarantee? I would expect a bed to last longer than 13 months. Thanks.

SiliconChip

First thing to do is ask Argos, if they agree with you then they'll either replace it or give you a refund (which may be partial to account for the use you've had) - they could opt to repair but it doesn't sound like that would be a sensible alternative in this case.

If they don't agree then you will need to exert your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to show them that the bed frame had an inherent fault (i.e. one that was there at the time you bought it) by having an independent report drawn up, the cost of which can be added to the claim if it confirms there was a fault. Whether you think this is worth pursuing is a decision for you to make.

One other thing, how much did the frame cost and how did you pay for it?

1ipstick

Thanks, it was £120 at the time and I think I paid with credit card, but not too sure.

Actually I have since contacted them and they have been helpful - they are sending a new side rail so although it will take a bit of repair (unscrewing all the slats then putting back in) it should be usable again!

Having looked at it there does seem to be a weak point but it's designed like that - the side rail has a narrow block of wood (glued and/or screwed) which supports the slats resting on it. This 'block of wood' is in fact several shorter ones stuck end to end so creating weak points - which is where the crack happened. But I doubt I would have got anywhere arguing that.