Hello!

I am having problems with my washing machine. I bought it in May 05, and it has now broken. I have called the manufacturer to arrange a repair, they told me an engineer would call me within 48 hours to arrange a time...3 weeks ago. I didn't call back because I've been really poorly. It has been repaired before, once.

I bought it from Currys, but I don't really know how to claim, or if I even have one.

Can someone advise me as to where to start? Thanks!

how long is the manafacturer guarantee?

If they are not responding to your requests when you phone them then you need to put a complaint in writing stating that they need to arrange a repair or replacement within 14 days, otherwise you will send a letter before action advising of your intention to take them to court.

The guarantee only lasted a year, does that mean I can't do anything?

Of course not. The manufacturer's guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights, it does not replace them.

Contact Currys. Under the sale of goods act they are responsible for a repair, replacement, or a full or partial refund. A washing machine would be deemed not fit for purpose if it would only last that length of time.

Is that a repair that my mum has to pay for? The last time we paid for the repair, it was so expensive and time consuming we'd have been better getting a new one.

No. If it is for a fault with the washing machine then it is the manufacturer's responsibility to repair or replace it.

I'm confused. Am I supposed to contact the manufacturer or Currys?

Have you had to pay for a repair for this washing machine or something else?

We had to pay earlier this year when it broke and it was really expensive.

You must contact Curry's. Who repaired it?

Um, whicheve company the manufacturer sent out, I don't know what they were called

When you go in to Currys, take the receipt and try and argue that they should re-imburse you for that amount and also arrange for the repair. However as they have been kept out of the loop it may be difficult to get them to pay for the 1st repair. You never know though

I don't mind not being reimbursed for the first repair, that's sorted now. I just don't know what to say to them, and which way to make initial contact?

This might help. Straight of the Currys website

The Mastercare after-sales service helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Phone 08701 541 541. We can offer you same day in-home service:

They are obligated to repair/replace/refund. Don't let them fob you off with anthing other than this.

Alternatively contact them by E-mail stating your machine has broken down and you want a repair.

No. If it is for a fault with the washing machine then it is the manufacturer's responsibility to repair or replace it.

nope, it is the retailers responsibility to repair, replace or refund

BBC - Consumer - Guides to - Sale of goods

have a look at this

i think everyone is getting a bit ahead of thereselves here. no one has even looked at the washer yet. remember the first callout dint happen.

My point is that currys are the people to ring. I'm pretty certain that they will arrange to fix it without any problems. It's just useful to know your rights just in case.

nah i understand mate, i just think everyone one is jumping on the slate currys bandwagon a little too soon. lets give them a chance to solve the problem first!

Hi guys, rang Currys today, they said that we had to pay for an engineer to come out and fix it, and if he said in his report that it wasn't caused by misuse then they would reimburse us. Thing is, with all these charges, we can't afford to pay for it right now, so my mum said to the woman on the phone that she didn't believe that to be right, and could she have an address to send a preliminary letter.

What do we do now? Do we send the letter, ring again, or are we screwed?

Thanks for everyones help!

I'm only a man, but how on earth do you mis-use a washing machine? I would phone them up again, be firm but fair (and polite), and remind them of their responsibilities under the sale of goods act 1979 ( ammended). Remind them of your right to submit a complaint to trading standards if they refuse to comply with the sale of goods act. I have been down this road and have found that the staff dealing with the faulty goods repairs/ replacements are usually given, little or no training, of their obligations in law.

If neccessary advise Currys that in the event of you being forced to pay up front , as it were, you will employ the services of an independant repair specialist, to give you an unbiassed opinion, and you will be recovering the costs from Curreys, along with a sum in recompense, for any distress caused.

If you really want to go down the court route the please read the FAQ's and submit a prelimenary letter, that you will be taking court action.

However I think another call to them may be in order to argue your case.

Also point out that you will be claiming the costs of having to use a laundrette.

I'm only a man, but how on earth do you mis-use a washing machine?

Surprisingly easy to do...forget to empty your pockets and that little one pound coin can destroy the drum, bra wires can also cause catastrophic damage to the drum. Oh and if you have kids make sure they don't put any bits of toys in the machine either. Much money to repair.

Also overloading can cause problems too. All these things (which is by no means an exhaustive list) are regarded as misuse.