Dreams replacement for discontinued bed – reasonable to ask for matching headboard?

Charliewashere

Hi all,

I bought a divan bed from Dreams in 2022. The base has now failed three times despite two previous warranty repairs. After escalating the matter, Dreams has agreed to replace the discontinued base and has offered a replacement up to £650.

The issue is that my existing headboard isn't covered by the warranty, and the colour and finish doesn't match any of the current replacement bases because the range has been discontinued so there will be a mismatch between the two. The closest matching headboard costs around £399.

Would it be reasonable to ask Dreams if they could either allow any unused value from the £650 allowance to go towards a matching headboard, or offer a goodwill contribution/discount towards one?

I'm grateful they've agreed to replace the base and don't want to be unreasonable, but I'd ideally like to end up with a matching bed.

Any thoughts appreciated.

MyRealNameToo

why can't you just put the old headboard on the new base? There's typically only two attachment methods and presumably Dreams sells at least one divan with the method your current headboard uses

Charliewashere

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035325#Comment_82035325

Fixings aren't the issue - the headboard colour and fabric doesn't match any of their current offerings so there will be a mismatch. Edited post to elaborate that

Isthisforreal99

What was the original purchase price of the divan? On the face of it the offer seems reasonable for a 4 year old (ish) divan unless you paid silly money in the first place.

To be honest I think you are pushing your luck. Stick a valance on the base.

Charliewashere

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035330#Comment_82035330

I think it was £650, the full value of which they have given us as 'store credit'. The outcome as is is fair and I do agree with you, but for the trouble we went through to get here (talking to insurer, challenging inspection report, complaints procedures so that they will finally agree on a warranty replacement instead of repair #3), we thought we might as well ask.

Isthisforreal99

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035337#Comment_82035337

All those 'troubles' are part and parcel of exercising your Consumer Rights.

You have effectively had the full amount refunded, albeit as store credit. After 4 years I'd call that a win.

Charliewashere

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035344#Comment_82035344

Yeah, fair enough then.

Woodstok2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035337#Comment_82035337

There's absolutely no harm in asking them - the worst case scenario is they say no, and you've lost nothing.

Grumpy_chap

Is the divan base actually visible with the way you have your bed arranged?

Often, divan bases are any old colour and covered by the valance.

Charliewashere

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035434#Comment_82035434

Very true, I may still ask but treat anything beyond as an unexpected bonus.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035451#Comment_82035451

The old/to be replaced divan base has side drawers which we didn't use a valance with. The prospective one will be a solid base gas lift ottoman (for better structural support) so I'm not sure one would work there either.

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035328#Comment_82035328

Quilt should hang down far enough to cover most of base.

4 year old base given no mention of cost at new & a £650 credit is pretty generous.