Shed Damaged in Storm - Contact with retailer - Where do I Stand on this?

[Pr3mi3r 1]

Hi All, first post so please bare with me.

 

we bought a Palram shed from an Amazon seller around 3 months ago.

We set the shed up which was a painful task in itself,

and where reasonably pleased with it

although I did note that the plastic sides where somewhat flimsy and thin.

 

Search Palram shed on Amazon 8ft x 6ft to see the product if needs be.

 

Now in Preston where I live at the weekend we had very high winds and stormy conditions.

Which shock horror, caused the shed to collapse!

The whole thing came in on itself and the metal frame was contorted and bent.

Wont let me post images as I'm new, but think bent twisted metal supports etc.

 

I entered into a dissuasion with the supplier about where to go next... see below for transcript:-

 

Good afternoon, could you please advise re the below issue with the shed I purchased, via Amazon: Order reference: .................

The shed was assembled shortly after delivery by my partner and an experienced tradesman.

The shed was placed against a wall to the rear and the right hand side of the shed

had ample support and shelter.

Anchor bolts where also bought and placed into the shed as instructed.

 

Yet during Moderate winds today in Preston (28mph, gusts up to 49mph), the shed has totally collapsed.

Panels had come out, the roof and supports have lifted and the metal cross bars and supports have contorted and bent.

This shed was assembled with the utmost care and accuracy according to the instructions provided, yet this has still occurred.

 

I most admit upon construction I did note that the side panels of the sheds did see flimsy,

but when constructed the shed did seemed sturdier than anticipated, yet this has still occurred.

 

I am greatly dismayed by this, and after spending a large amount of money on this product I would expect it to be able to stand up to the elements?

Could you please advise on the next course of action and what assistance you could provide in this matter.

I eagerly await your response.

 

Kind Regards,

 

****

 

The Response was

 

"Hi **** very sorry there is a problem, please could you send us some pictures of the damage please? Best regards Phil."

 

Reply

 

 

 

Hi Phil,

 

Thank you for the timely response in this matter, it is much appreciated.

 

Please see images attached of damage to the structure of the shed.

Upon discovering the problem, panels of the shed had been blown from their fixings

and the shed had basically collapsed and the whole structure had shifted from its base.

 

We had very little time to try to remedy the problem prior to it becoming dark.

To prevent any further damage or any risk to health and safety the shed was taken down.

 

Due to the damaged pieces it is highly unlikely the shed will be able to be re-erected in its current state,

and even still without these problems this is a less than enviable task.

 

Thank you for your assistance,

Kind regards,

 

Reply was:-

 

Hi **** thanks for the pics we are in Blackpool so do know that it has

been windy. Could we replace all the damaged parts for it to be rebuilt?

Best regards Phil.

To which we said:-

 

"Hi Phil,

 

Thank you the kind offer to replace the parts.

 

The shed is in such a state of disarry, it would be very hard to reassemble

with replacement parts, it would mean further dismantling large parts of

the shed to reassemble it.

 

Whilst replacement parts would allow us, with some difficulty, to rebuild

the shed, this would offer us no guarantee we would not get another repeat

of this situation when adverse weather is repeated.

 

This occurence worries me greatly and leads me to believe the shed is not

fit for the purpose.

 

When purchased through Amazon the listing advised the shed comes with a ten

year warranty, for this to happen within three months gives me no

confidence in this product for the years to come.

 

Ideally, I would like a refund on this product and I can gladly organise a

return of the product to yourself if based in Blackpool.

 

Kind Regards,"

 

And then we heard nothing for a couple of days and received this message today:-

 

"Hi ****, I spoken with Palram and they have said it is very rare for a shed to collapse due to the wind.

We have sold 1000`s of the sheds and it has only happened a couple of times.

Palram will not issue a refund due to storm damage but will replace all the damaged parts. Best regards Phil."

 

this is where I stand as of now,

I'm just looking for any advice or guidance as to where to go from here.

 

 

What do you guys think?

I'm remiss to just say yes send me the parts as reassembly will be a total nightmare.

They have admitted that whilst rare it does happen the sheds blow down,

thus not being 'fit for purpose' correct, no mater how rare the occurrence.

 

Thanks in advance for any help ;-)

[unclebulgaria67 29,130]

My advice is to accept the replacement parts, on the basis that if this happens again, they will Issue a full refund. You could say that you are tempted to place a review of the product online stating what has happened with the product. They might then be keener to help.

 

Under Sale of goods, you do have to allow the supplier the chance to provide a replacement in full or parts. It would be difficult to get a full refund, even if you took them to court.