Tumble dryer problems **RESULT**

[robbond55]

Hi there. I bought a tumble dryer 20 months ago now it is not heating - it cost £200 for a creda condensor dryer. I have had to call Creda out - the cost for repair - parts and labour is £89.
I feel that this cost is excessive and according to the Sale of goods act it should be fit for the purpose for a reasonable amount of time - I feel under 2 years is not especially taking in such an expensive repair - at least 40% of the purchase proce.
The retailer (Currys) I know will fob me off as it is outside warrenty but I wish to persist on this to issuing a small claims if neccessary.
Any thoughts on this on my chances?

[Tigger2405]

I'm not sure if you have a case. manufacturers only give 1 year warranty now, but i agree it's not a reasonable lifetime under sales of goods act. i hope someone knows more than me on this and can help, sorry

[Rich44]

Hi Tigger its nothing to do with warranties its statutory rights under SoGA thats the issue here, the question is with something like a drier or a washing machine its not just the age but what kind of usage its had during that time

For example an household washing machine used in a hotel it would be pretty unreasonable to expect something like that to last for 2 years but the same machine in a household with 2/3 washes a week thats another story altogether.

I don't know the definative answer on this one but I would give it a push anyway see what happens

[barracad]

I'm not sure if you have a case. manufacturers only give 1 year warranty now

Manufacturer's warranties are in addition to your statutory rights - they don't waive your legal rights.

From the Trading Standards Website:

The Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended) says that goods should be as follows:

• Of satisfactory quality.

This means the goods must meet the standards that any reasonable person would expect, taking into account the description, the price and all other relevant information. In some circumstances, the retailer may be liable for any statement made by the manufacturer about the goods.

Satisfactory quality includes the appearance and finish of the goods, their safety and durability and whether they are free from defects (including minor faults)

• Fit for the purpose

that goods of this type are generally sold. They must also be fit for any specific or particular purpose made known to the seller at the time of the agreement.


As described - goods should correspond with any description applied to them.

I suggest you read the whole of the relevant part HERE, and then go for it. There is no way that a tumledryer less than 2yrs old should fail and that they should get away with it.

[robbond55]

Many thanks - as I thought. I will get the repair done this coming Friday and send off a copy of the invoice for the repair with a letter following the same procedures as I would for a bank - preliminary request, Letter before action the moneyclaim online.
Looking at the relevant info I feel I have a good case especially when the cost of repair is 45% of the purchase price (Creda's quoted price) which I feel is grossly disproportionate, especially as I think it is just the heating element around the back that needs replacing.
I will keep you all informed and thanks!

[Bookworm]

Hang on!

You have to notify Currys 1st and give them a chance to get things right first. You can't just go ahead and get it fixed, then present them with the bill. Contact them, if by phone, make sure you get name and time of who you speak to, make notes of convo straight away.

I know it's a pain to have to wait to get it fixed, but if you go ahead, Currys will then be within their rights to say: "Well, we could have have done it better/cheaper/another way" which would rather undermine any claim or attempt to get your money back.

[Rich44]

Yup we all know what they will say "You didnt buy our extended warranty so naff off" but you still need to do that first

[robbond55]

Well, called them tonight and guess what..."without a warranty we can't help, we cannot reccomend any repairers and we will not come to any arrangement with you as it is out of guarantee". Took the name and logged the tim/date of the call, so basically it is sorry but you are on your own especially if you have not bought an extended guarantee.
I will get the repair done Friday, I cannot get any local people to do it any earlier, call out charge is £30 and that is before they diagnose the fault (called 3 firms) and I need it done ASAP as we have a flat with no where to hang the clothes outside and a sixteen month old boy.
I cannot turn the radiators on especially in this heat as heat affects me as I have mild MS so really need it done.
I will write a polite but firm letter stating about the retailers obligations not resting on the fact whether you have purchased an extended warrenty or not as per the S of G act.
Lets see what happens!

[robbond55]

Well, letter has gone out to them so lets see what happens!

[Bookworm]

Keep us posted!

[robbond55]

Hi all!
Well, I got a call on Monday 28th syaing that they have received my letter, sorry it took so long to get back to me (my letter was sent the twelfth) and that they have looked at the circumstances and are happy to reimburse the FULL cost of the repair!
Today I received a very nice cheque for £83.
All I can say is thanks all for your help on this - I am very surprised as it has only took one letter from me to get this sorted!
Perhaps they have had a bit of trouble recently with people taking them to court over breaches of the Sale of Goods act?
Who know, but I am rather pleased to say the least!
Regards

Rob

[cleungs1]

as the saying goes you won't know until you try. well done

[tom3131]

well done mate

[Bookworm]

Cool. Gawd, I love this site!