Former MacWeek MacUser UK editor Ian Betteridge has posted a brilliant guide to consumer protection rights in the UK, specifically aimed at people who buy high-tech gear that fails. The UK has extensive protection in these situations, but most poeple don’t know about it:
# Your contract is with the seller, NOT the manufacturer. If (say) you buy a Toshiba laptop from PC World and it goes wrong, don’t be fobbed off by PC World telling you to get the manufacturer to repair it under warrenty. Legally, PC World MUST deal with the problem.
# Goods must be fit for purpose, including any purpose you specifically mention to the seller. Fit for purpose is a great phrase – always use it, as it oftens triggers escalation to the next level of service. They must also be “of reasonable quality” which is another great phrase to quote at people.
# You have the right to reject faulty goods and obtain a refund, replacement, or repair. This is up to a “reasonable” time, but reasonable is not defined in law as it depends on circumstances. For example, if you buy a new laptop but don’t use the wireless networking, only to find six months later when you first try it that it doesn’t work, you’re perfectly entitled to reject the goods and ask for a replacement. EVEN IF YOU SIGN AN ACCEPTANCE NOTE, YOU DON’T LOSE YOUR RIGHTS.
(via Plasticbag)