Small Claim v. Dixons

[waterbottle]

I need to complete an N1 against Dixons. It is my first one and I have a bit of a block. How legal does the language need to be?

Basically they failed to repair or replace within 6 months (under coverplan). I would like to claim cost of computer plus cost of coverplan. Can I do this? Does the court take into account depreciation of computers when it calculates price? What about loss of important data? What about expenses and costs?

Any guidance gratefully received. I already bought the Patricia Pearl book from this site but I am still apprehensive

[ukaviator]

Under the Sale of Goods Act, retailers are responsible for faulty goods (that are not 'of satisfactory quality') for up to six years after you bought them. In Scotland the period is five years after something goes wrong. 'Satisfactory quality' covers various aspects that could be wrong with the goods, including whether they've lasted as long as you could reasonably expect. A 'reasonable' lifetime for different products is not defined in law and would ultimately be for a court to decide.


The Sale of Goods Act 979, amended in 1994, and the The Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002) say that when you buy goods from a trader they must fit the description, be of satisfactory quality - which includes lasting a reasonable length of time - and be fit for their purpose. If goods aren't of satisfactory quality you're entitled to compensation, which is normally the cost of repairs. The retailer, not the manufacturer, is legally obliged to sort out a problem if the goods don't meet these requirements.

You could write your POC for the N1 simular to this one here:

Trading Standards Division - Consumer Advice - County Court Support Pack - Sample Document D