Incorrect Advertising

[Gandy]

I have just received a digital camera and printer kit that I ordered from a catalogue.  However the camera and printer I have received are not the ones pictured in the catalogue and do not match the desriptions listed next to the items.  I have contacted the seller who advised me to call Sony (the manufacturer) for assistance.  The Sony helpline is closed until tomorrow.  I have checked on the Sony website and the items described and pictured in the catalogue are of greater quality than ones recieved.  Do I have the right to demand the pictured/described items? These items were shipped on the understanding that they were not available for home approval.   

[Sammy Snake]

I would think that you do.  is the model number on the goods you have received the same as the one in the catalogue?  If they are different, why is the seller advising you to contact Sony when clearly they are despatching goods that differ to those advertised.  If model numbers are the same, have Sony changed the spec on that particular model?

Was there a disclaimer anywhere in the catalogue stating that they have the right to replace goods with those of equal value and specification?

The bottom line is that they have sent you goods you haven't ordered and I think you would be well within your rights to either request the correct items or get a full refund.

[Blues Dad]

If you purchased the item as a consumer then you are protected under the Sales of Goods act.

The important part for you is the item has to be as described. If you purchased the goods based upon the description the supplier provided and the goods were not as described then you have a legal right to reject them and ask for your money back.

You should give the supplier the chance to correct the problem, see if they will either supply the correct goods or refund. If they won't then you should tell them their advertising was mis-leading and you will be contacting Trading Standards for advice. If they don't back down then do contact Trading Standards and get them involved.

The most important thing is to act quickly.

http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/topics1/saleandsupply.htm

http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk

It may also be worth contacting your credit card company and explaining the problem to them as they may also be able to help.