DVD conked out - time to practice what I preach!

[gyzmo]

My faithful DVD player bought just over 3 years ago at a cos of £350 has died on me and will no longer play discs. cleaners dont work - it is as dead as a zombie in a Hammer House film. Quotes for inspection and repair start off at £50:o

Given the cost, I would expect a DVD of this cost and quality to last a bit longer than 3 years of normal use. Sooooo, here my plan of action:

Pre-emptive action
1. Contacted manufacturer to obtain expected life spans etc (but not told them when I bought it - they can tell me how long it should last for). The same has also been sent to Dixons sales dept to see what they say (let them hang themselves!)
2. Looked at reviews of product to see if any similar problems have occurred
3. Look at the legislation to find my rights and obligations. (I don't actually need to coz I practically know it off by heart).


Action
I have sent an email to Dixons to advise them of the problem. I expect the response to be the usual (no warranty, over 1/2 hour since bought so can't do anything, manufacturers problem, etc), but I want to demonstrate that I have taken all reasonable action. This is only being done whilst I am waiting for the answer from manufacturer

Depending on response from manufacturer (assuming it should last longer than 3 years (I'd bleedin well hope so at that price!), a phone call shall be made to the local shop asking them to deal with the issue.

In terms of proof, it is over 6 months since I purchased the product, so it is down to me to demonstrate that the goods do not conform to the contract. I can fork out the cost of an inspection and report, but being skint I can't afford that. So, I shall state that:

The product should last x amount of years without developing a fault
The product has developed a fault within that time
There is nothing that I have done that would have caused this
Therefore, the item does not conform to the contract.

If they refuse, a letter shall be sent to the store manager. I will alo notify Consumer Direct so that they have this kind of information for intelligence purposes. If really necessary (and provided I can get the money) I will obtain a report stating that the product is faulty. Dixons will have to counter this(or my argument used above) if they want to avoid breaching SoGA.

If no satisfactory response is received within 10 days, a letter before action shall be issued to head office. They will have 7 days to respond, otherwise it is off to court to claim the cost of a repair off them.

So now you know I don't just spout any old rubbish. I only advise on something I would be prepared to do myself.

I shall keep updating this as time progresses!

[Bookworm]

If no satisfactory response is received within 10 days, a letter before action shall be issued to head office. They will have 7 days to respond, otherwise it is off to court

28 days, babe, otherwise, a judge might find you didn't allow sufficient time to settle the dispute without resorting to court. (as per CPR whose number escapes me just now, but I can dig it out if you need me to)

[Conniff]

There is another choice gyzmo - the cinema shows some good movies.

[Bookworm]

At £7 a ticket + parking and what not, as well as yobs playing with their mobiles during the film, I'd rather buy a new DVD player and watch films in the comfort of my own home myself.

[gyzmo]

Or better still find dixons liable and get them to pay for it!

[Bookworm]

Strictly speaking, you're supposed to be working on your dissertation, so maybe the player conking out is Fate's way to tell you to

GET ON WITH IT!!!

[Lula]

With all due respect, 3 years? are you kidding?

[Fuzzgin]

These shops sell 3 and 5 year warranties on these products, so THEY expect them to last that long. You don't sell a policy on a bad risk. Good luck.

[Bookworm]

Originally Posted by Lula

With all due respect, 3 years? are you kidding?

On a £350 machine? Damn right!

[Lula]

Originally Posted by Bookworm

On a £350 machine? Damn right!

LOL I would want it to do alot more that just play DVD's for that money, we bought a DVD recorder nearly 5 years ago, for that money and it still works perfectly :o

[Bookworm]

Saying that, the one we bought for £25 still works like a charm, and you could put a Poundland DVD with jam fingerprints on it and swing it round the room near enough and it would still play, whilst the top of the range DVD recorder I bought for Mr Bookie for £250 was always ever such a sensitive soul, would only play platinum-plated DVDs without a speck of dust on, and then only if the atmospheric conditions were right and the moon in the right phase.

[Lula]

and dont forget, the more expensive, the less likely to play DivX films!! yet a £20 from Asda does

[gyzmo]

Originally Posted by Bookworm

On a £350 machine? Damn right!

Too bleedin damned right!

[Conniff]

I think you should go for broke here and request,

The return of all the monies spent on newspapers getting free DVDs that you can no longer watch,
Distress because you have had to watch Eastenders instead of DVDs.
A strain on the marriage caused by the distress inhibiting your sex drive.

The possibilities are limitless, but not forgetting a replacement DVD.

[Gertie100]

Sorry to hi-jack slightly here guys but as Bookie and Gyzmo have helped me with my dead dvd problem I hope you'll forgive me!

I now need to send a LBA to Currys as they are ignoring me...but I am struggling with changing the template from bank charges to SOGAm can you help me please? (In return if you ever need butterfly valves I promise I will help.... )