Any Legal Experts Out There? Sale of Goods act

[Tab]

Hi Didier,

I don't know the make of the motherboard, but the PC is a Hewlett Packard Slimline S3320.

Kind regards

[Twang46]

Hi Terry

Have you tried taking the pc to a independant repairer for a diagnosis/repair quote ? You may be pleasantly surprised at the cost of a repair, then if your suppliers offer was a "cash" settlement it may well be the best way forward.

In my experience the CAB/Trading Standards route is a long drawn out process which could result in you having to take out a "small claims" action in the County Court

Whatever happens, your claim is against the supplier of the goods ( Point of sale) for retail purchases.
Make a note of all correspondance, replies from staff (and names/job titles), dates, times etc.. to help if it does go to "legal"

Good luck

Dick

ps............ don't give up on this

[Tab]

Thanks Dick,

I did take the machine to an independent repairer un the first place, thinking it might be something easily fixed, and that's where the diagnosis originated. I had to forward a letter to the effect that it would be a costly repair (if at all possible) to the Customer Services Dept to start my claim for compensation.

I am not going to give up on this as these big companies always try to fob you off with excuses and inadequate offers hoping ypu'll go away. It's just a question of what action I have to take next.

Many thanks for your reply.

Kind regards

[Didier]

Hi Didier,
I don't know the make of the motherboard, but the PC is a Hewlett Packard Slimline S3320.

According to specs, this model has an Irvine GL6E motherboard. I have found comments about chipset overheating on this model.

Didier

[cvfilms]

Hi again Terry
Have you got the compensation quote from your retailer in writing, if not ask for it in writing and also see if you can get a printout from any adverse comments to the motherboard as Didier has found out. Some years ago my son was having a going on with a company over some prepaid holiday pay. They were threatening the young lad with court proceedings etc. It was amazing that after I had sent them some information that I found on the internet how they suddenly backed off. In fact he never heard any more from them. As to your comment about big companies trying to fob you off, I had an issue with a national company about a stuffed turkey crown we bought one Easter, they sent me a so called "technical report" from their laboratory about what was matter with the product and offered to replace it. Nothing for the inconvenience of ruining our Easter Sunday dinner. So I contacted them again, sending them some photographs I had taken of the product. Strange as it may seem, I got a phone call from the company's area manager offering me a "free shop" to the value of £50. As Jimmy Greaves used to say "it's a funny old world!"
best of luck
Rob

[Garystrat]

Hi Terry

Your contract for the goods is with the dealer you purchased them from, anything outside on behalf of the various manufacturers, I think you will find comes down to being a matter of good will. There is a correct procedure for making claims, reading your mails I am uncertain if you have followed this route.

If you need a fast accurate response, your best course of action could be to contact Consumer Direct who work in conjunction with the Trading Standards Office, you should be able to phone them and speak to a specialist who has legal knowledge of consumer affairs. Whilst it might not be the answer you want to hear, the dealer may have made you a reasonable offer.

I also believe that beyond 6 months, the burden of proof for something having a latent manufacturers defect is placed on the purchaser, but I'm sure they will give you helpful advice.

Gary

[Tab]

Didier, Rob, Gary,

Thanks for your comments - all helpful.

Gary, your advice to speak to Consumer Direct was very helpful and they have advised me on how to proceed using the Sale of Goods Act/breach of contract etc.

Many thanks to everybody for your help - I will advise on the outcome in the fullness of time.

Kind regards,

Terry