Supplier problems - advice needed!

timsmith

Hi everyone,

Im not sure if this is quite the right place, but Im hoping someone can give me some consumer rights advice.

Back in December we wanted to buy a hole-in-the-wall electric fire. We went to a local shop and started by speakign to a new guy who was there. Half way through the owner came in and started talking to us. He stated that a particular model was designed to be fitted inset into and flush with the wall. Based on that we chose that model and left £50 deposit with £690 to pay.

Now, we agreed that teh fitter could come and do hte initial bricking up that would be required, but that then I would finish the plastering and decorating ready for them to install mid to end-Feb.

When the fitter came to do his initial fit, he told my wife that he hadnt fitted that particualr model flush to the wall before, only wall hung. He was going to find out how it was supposed to be done.

The final fit was scheduled for yesterday (Wed 27th) with carpets and suite to be deliverred (from other suppliers) late next week.

When the fitter arrived along with the fire and the original "new" guy that we spoke to, it becamse apparent that due to hte contstruction of the fire surround, it was not going to fit flush to the wall and there wasnt any obvious way it could. He told me that for the last two months he has been asking how to fit this.

The supplier offered us an alternative which we didnt like the look of and so rejected. There was a different model which was possible but the lead time was too long and their price was £180 more than internet suppliers.

Today the shop wasnt being very proactive with a solution and I had to contact them. Eventually the owner offered that he would "make it fit". Now, i dont trust this place any more and I certainly dont want somethign that has been bodged when I was told that it was designed to fit inset into the wall.

He eventually has agreed to give us a refund but says he will keep our £50 deposit as he has offered to make it fit.

I think this is ridiculous since it was mis-sold and "designed for purpose" not "bodge for purpose", we have been completely inconvenienced and now the room will not be completed ready for the carpet and sofa, so these will have to be delayed.

However, customer service aside, how to we stand legally on this?

Sorry for the rant, appreciate any advice before I talk to them agian tomorrow.

Tim

C_Ronaldo

It depends how he is going to make it fit,did he say how it wasnt going to fit. Personally i wouldnt have a guy make a fire fit as it could be dangerous would it not. Not sure where you stand re the deposit,

timsmith

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

That was the point I made to him. As it happens the suppliers brother is the manufacturer, but the point remains that I dont want someone to bodge it to make it fit.

Tim