Harveys disaster - what to do next?

[medsecslave]

I bought a wardrobe from Harveys which has been a complete disaster. So far I have had two faulty shelves and a door which comes off the runners. I arranged for one of their recommended fitters to have a look for �30 who said it was bowed but managed to fit it anyway. A couple of days later the mirror shattered. Harveys ordered another door but when it arrived it was the wrong one. Finally the new door arrived and I paid the fitter another �30 to refit. This too has gone off the runners. I've complained to Harveys who now say it must have been put up wrongly in the first place (a friend who fits kitchens did it) or it could be I have an unlevel floor. To establish the cause I need to have an independent report which they said I need to pay for. They say if there's a fault they'll replace whatever needs to be replaced but because its self assembly I'll have to pay out the fitting cost as well.

I'm at my wits end with them. All I want now is a refund which they won't give me as it could be a "local fault" i.e. going back to the original fitting which can't be established until I have paid for the report and for which I won't be reimbursed unless there is a manufacturing fault.

So far I've paid �299 for the wardrobe plus �50 delivery. �50 for the original fitting. �60 for two subsequent visits (although they did reimburse the first �30), possibly �45 for a report and �50 for a further fitting.

They keep saying they've never had a problem like this before. I have a new house so surely my floors can't be that uneven? Does anyone have any suggestions on where to go from here? Thanks.

[Ethel]

If it is the wardrobe I am thinking of - the one that has been featured in the television adverts with two large sliding doors, are you absolutly 100% positive your fitter put the brace underneath the floor of the wardrobe?

[medsecslave]

Yes - it is that wardrobe and the brace has been fitted.

[Ethel]

I bought mine about 3 years ago and it was a pig to put up.

You could try the Small Claims' Court but you will still need an independent report to prove the wardrobe is faulty.

In the first instance right to the Managing Director (get his name and address from head office) outlining the problems. Stress that this wardrobe is sold as flat pack for home assembly and that you had a specialist fitter do the job for you.

State that you have lost confidence in the wardrobe, you can't risk the huge door falling on top of you or a family member and as one has broken already you have cause for concern.
Stress that under the terms of the Sale of Goods Act goods must be both fit for the purpose and of satisfactory quality, and your wardrobe is neither.

Be very sure what you want before you put pen to paper. I would ask for the wardrobe to be removed, a full refund of the cost of the wardrobe and compensation for the additional expenses and inconvenience. I make that to be �380.

[medsecslave]

I feel in a completely no-win situation with Harveys. If I do obtain an independent report in my favour, they will no doubt contest it unless it is someone who is experienced in fitting the Lima wardrobe i.e. one of their own. I refuse point blank to have someone who subcontracts to Harveys due to a conflict of interests, particularly the smart alec who has already been here twice. Whatever the outcome of the report I will then need someone to rebuild the unit at my own cost.

I'd rather pay a carpenter the next �100 to put it right!

So, so angry with Harveys. I've never come across customer service like it particularly the saleswoman in the shop and her sidekicks who keep repeating that they've never had a problem like this before which is completely irrelevant to me and the problems I'm experiencing.

Thanks for your reply Ethel.