Faulty vacuum cleaner

[felinefriend]

Bought an Electrolux cleaner from EmpireDirect stores on September 15, 2008. Last Friday it wouldn't turn on at all. Took it back to the store, they said had to ring Electrolux helpline. Did this and they want me to take the cleaner, 20miles, to one of their service agents. Does anyone know where I stand on this, surely my contract was with EmpireDirect and don't they have a legal right to exchange/refund on faulty goods. Any ideas would be gratefully received.

[Ethel]

Yes, you are right.

Any fault that manifests within the first 6 months is deemed to be an 'inherent fault' and it is the responsibility of the seller to prove it isn't.

Go back to EmpireDirect on Saturday and demand a refund or replacement.

Print this out, highlight the relevant parts and take it with you:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_world /consumer_affairs/buying_goods_your_rights.htm #your_rights_when_things_go_wrong

Highlight this part in particular:
If you take the goods back within six months of buying them, the trader must accept that they were faulty at the time of sale and offer to repair or replace them. If the trader doesn't accept that the goods were faulty, they will have to prove this.

Tell them very clearly you will report them to Trading Standards if they refuse to abide by the Sale of Goods Act and you will start Small Claims Proceedings in the County Court if they refuse to sort the problem out.