mobile phone warranty_please help

[sinon]

I purchased a Samsung mobile phone from Phones 4 u last December. It has developed a problem with a piece of trim on the case cracking off. This is happening bit at a time and is not due to user wear and tear. The assistant at Phones 4 u told me she had the same phone and it hadn't happened to hers so there's no way she could do anything to help me!
So I phoned Samsung customer services. They tell me that it will take up to 28 days and if it isn't a warranty issue there will be a £17.63 release fee to get the phone back.
Whilst I am sure it is a warranty issue, it concerns me that the person deciding is paid by Samsung, and only he can decide. The release fee seems more like a deterrent than an aquired expense. How can it cost the same to check the case as it would to check internal components?
The purpose of my post is to ask if anyone can advise if this release fee is acceptable, even though I have offered to e-mail photos or let a Phones 4 U assistant check it and convey the information to them.
Thanks, Simon.

[woolfie]

I agree that it sounds like a deterrent. I am not an expert on consumer law but I would suggest that the shop should be dealing with this. A word with trading standards might be worth your while. I have always found them really helpful on matters like this.

[JMio]

You could try your luck with the local branch of your Network Provider...

Which network is it on?

I used to work for Vodafone, and their repairs policy extends to ALL Vodafone products, regardless where they were purchased from.

[callumsgran]

Cant they just send you a new cover/case?

[sinon]

I am on O2 pay as you go. A new case would answer all my problems, but it's like gettin blood out of a stone.

[callumsgran]

I would have thought if you went into the shop they would replace it for you, can you try that? if they wont ordera new cover and cancel your insurance if you have it?