Android tablet failed within 18 months, battery issue. Can retailer insist on independent report?

Origami_Pig

Just under 18 months ago, I bought a Lenovo Android tablet. Yesterday it failed to boot up, and I have been unable to get it to accept any charge.  My understanding is that the Consumer legislation requires a product to be "Fit for Purpose and last a reasonable length of time".

I feel that 18 months is not a reasonable lifespan for a tablet, but the retailer suggested that first I should take it up with the manufacturer (I mentioned that my contract would be with the retailer), then that their system wouldn't even be able to issue any form of refund once a year had elapsed, and that finally I would need to get an independent technical report which the company would pay for "If it showed any existing manufacturing issue".

I feel I am being fobbed off - is this reasonable on their part? 

This is a major high street seller.

Exodi

Two different things you may be covered by:

Firstly are your consumer rights (under the aptly named Consumer Rights Act). As you say, products should be fit for purpose and last a reasonable amount of time. However, how your rights are applied depends on how long you've had the item in your possession. Within the first 6 months, faults are generally accepted as inherent by default, unless the manufacturer can prove otherwise. After the first 6 months, the onus falls to the consumer to prove the fault was inherent (and that doesn't just mean stating "I've used it like normal", it typically means commissioning an independent report from a third party as your cost). As such, returning items under the CRA after 6 months should be well considered.

Secondly is any warranty/guarantee that came with the item - to be clear this is completely separate from your statutory rights above. Warranties are discretionary and can contain any terms the manufacturer likes. They commonly can last for a year or two, but many may require you register the product soon after purchase.

In your circumstances, if possible you should look at a possible claim against the warranty. To be clear, warranty claims are generally organised directly with the manufacturer (as opposed to claiming under consumer rights, which would be against the retailer).

You mention it is a Lenovo item, you can check the warranty status here:

https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/gb/en/warranty-lookup

Unfortunately I think their base warranty is 12 months on tablets, but always good to check.

born_again

After 6 months you have to prove the fault.
So YES, you do need a 3rd party report.

Warranty with manufacture would be another tack, so long as it is over 18 months. You would need to check T/C to see if it might be covered.

GDB2222

I’m sorry that you have been given several different stories, but as other people have said it is up to you to prove your case. 

It is worth doing an online search for this particular product, to see if lots of people are having problems, which would obviously strengthen your case. 

Isthisforreal99

A search shows Lenovo tablets selling from just over £100 to £800. What end of the scale are you at? (For me) that would determine how much effort to put into it.

TELLIT01

I don't know how much an independent report would cost, but it may be worth trying to find out how much a replacement battery is.

Also, have you tried different cables, different adaptors and different power outlets?

GDB2222

Isthisforreal99 said:

A search shows Lenovo tablets selling from just over £100 to £800. What end of the scale are you at? (For me) that would determine how much effort to put into it.

Under £100, too.

https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/lenovo-k10-pro-tablet-pad-global-rom-wifi-106inch-8-core-mediatek-g80-60hz-7700mah-with-code-sold-by-lenovo-smart-product-4722889