The Boy's New Laptop

Wasn't sure where to post this as its more of a consumer rights question.

Bought the Boy a laptop which keeps randomly blue screening and freezing, customer support website told us to take it into Curry's (bought it online)

They gave us a "we don't believe you" look as it wouldn't repeat the fault in the store, but they sent it away for 2 weeks, replaced the hard drive.

Just had a txt from my boy saying its doing it again

He says their online support website are saying that they don't know what is causing this problem on this particular model, so how on earth can they be trying to fix it.

Anyway, its a long round trip for me to go to get the laptop & then go back the other way to Taunton, so what are my chances of taking it back in tomorrow & getting a replacement in the way of a similar priced but different model?

TIA, Zigs

 

Your consumer rights are simple. Its defective, so they are in breach of the implied contract of sale under the Sale of Goods act. You have the right to ask for your money back. They can offer a replacement, or repair as an alternative but its legally up to you to decide whether or not to accept that. Personally I'd take the refund, and use the money to buy a better one for the same price from a company that is not part of the Dixon group.

Legal stuff aside, a dodgy hard disk isn't likely to cause a BSOD these days. Its more likely to be either a firmware bug with the BIOS, or a problem with the power supply.

 

Based on what you have said, it would suggest that you are entitled to a full refund (so that your boy can then purchase a more "reliable" model from another retailer: the clue is in the online support admitting "have no clue what is causing it", thus, unfit for purpose).

Personally, my experience with the "Currys" group have been pretty dire. When my son turned 18, we gave him a handsome amount of money (to him; but not really that life changing!). He wanted to buy a laptop; fine.
Went to one of the Currys chains and the only model "available" was the display model. Ok, fine, how much will you deduct for cash?
Nowt! But, do leave your details and we'll let you know when one becomes available
Seriously? You have before you a young man with the potential for long term purchases and you are offering an ex-display model at full retail price?
Yup: take it or leave it! (like heck am I going to give every Tom, Dick and Harry my details; nice try, Sherlock!)
We left it!!!

Next day, went to Staples a different place and saw a far better model at an equivalent deal (actually, less) and my d18yo jumped at it! (Higher specs/processor). Unfortunately, within a month, he encountered problems Contacted the store and the lad answering the call gave us total MISinformation. Mr Mum then contacted the Manager, explained the problems/time scale/sale of goods act/etc.
She was great! Took the laptop in and within 3 days, we were given the all clear to have a new one
Touch wood, it has been a dream ever since!

Good luck with your Curry battles; they can be stubborn blighters! Forewarned is forearmed, Cherub.

 

Cheers Dave,

I had suspected that, but its nice to have someone confirm it before I make an idiot of my self in the shop

 

Oop, cross posted there, cheers Mum too.

Will probably go next door to Comet, never had problems with them and i've found their aftersales service brilliant

 

Some phrases to memorise:

* "Its not fit for purpose"
* "Its not of serviceable quality"
* "Sale of Goods act 1990 as amended"
* "Currys is in breach of the implied terms of sale"
* "Full refund please"

And if they resist:

* "If we can't agree between us, then we will need to let the court decide. Are you aware of the small claims procedure?"

 

Gonna print that one off Dave

Cheers for that, will let you know how I get on.

I suppose giving them enough time to get their cheque book out before I get back from the car with "Mr Snuggles" the baseball bat would be a last resort.

 

Zig have a read around the forums and see if others have had similar problems might give you some ammunition.

 

Don't bother dealing with minions they have absolutely no power when it comes to customer refunds explain you have a problem and that you wish to discuss it with the duty manager they have the power to bend over backwards to make you happy if they feel inclined

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

 

We got ours from comet and the salesman was pushing insurance on us to which we said no. Then we asked him for a discount for cash, we were told he couldn't do it and had to call his manager. When his manager gave us the spiel about insurance again he said if you have insurance i will knock £50 off laptop and chuck in a bag,wireless mouse and 4g memory stick and said he could only do it if we have insurance. At this point I snapped his hand off, with a very bewildered look from wife. When we had paid and left the shop said wife asked 'Why did you buy insurance'. My reply 'We got £50 pound off and all the extras' she then said 'But we paid £75 (i think) for insurance' 'i know replies I, but in the morning we are going to cancel it and get the £75 back, but we still had the extras and £50 off'. Worth a try for you tomorrow. Just check they have a cancellation clause in the insurance policy still.

Rusty

 

I think I have a sixth sense when it comes to sales assistant and I can tell you that everytime I come out of a currys or comet shop I am dissatisfied with the service.

Anyway, when goods are faulty one expects a replacement.
(PS when it is about refunds exchanges etc always better to act quickly and keep receipts etc.)
Could you maybe find some inspiration here:
http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/index.php
good luck with it

 

Has he been taking pictures of the laptop when the problems occur?

 

Cheers all Took it back in, they said they can't refund or replace untill 28 days from it first being reported as knackered. They've suggested a system restore to factory settings which we're doing now.

I said "so if that doesn't work then will you refund or replace it then?" They said they would as long as I phone the repair department to tell them its still not working, otherwise they will close the case.

Don't make it easy on folk do they

 

Zigs, they are cheating you out of your statutory rights. Just one of many reasons why I hate Dixons group.

If it was me, I'd tell them they have 7 days to resolve it to your satisfaction before you refer the case to the small claims court.

Incidentally, I'm not suggesting you actually go through with it because in my experience they usually back down as soon as they think you're for real, but you can make a small claim online now and have it fast tracked, using the government's MoneyClaim website:

https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome