2 year goods warranty ???

[Lee..]

Is it correct that you get 2 years warranty on goods due to the eu laws, if so can anyone find proof for me, this is fo an ongoing argument with argos over a 14 month old ps3.

[m8internet]

There are various minimum warranty periods depending on the product type

In the UK it is 90 days for most goods
After 12 months you then need to discuss the failure direct with the manufacturer, the retailer is no longer involved

However, what you may be referring to is the EU Product Guarantee Directive, see below :

Liability arises where the defect becomes evident to the consumer within two years of delivery of the goods, unless the defect was or should have been apparent to the consumer at the time of the sale. Any defect apparent within six months of delivery is presumed to have existed at the time of delivery unless proof to the contrary is furnished or this is incompatible with the nature of the goods or the defect

The two-year period actually has nothing to do with guarantees (a one-year guarantee is a discretionary contract provided by the manufacturer, which forms a separate agreement between you and them). UK law actually implies terms into every consumer sale, to include that goods must be of satisfactory quality, regardless of any warranty/guarantee. Technically, you could still claim a replacement TV from the shop you bought it from in 2001 if it becomes faulty (depending on the actual facts, i.e. cost, usage etc). In the UK you have up to 6 years to pursue a claim of repair/replacement for faulty goods - in Europe the minimum is 2 years

[Duncan]

http://www.which.co.uk/advice/dealin...oods/index.jsp will help for starters.

I can't see it mentioned there but I've read that it can be up to six years that you can claim that goods are of unsatisfactory quality. I think it depends on the type of goods. Just because it's out of it's warranty period doesn't mean that you can't get something replaced. 14 months is certainly not a period in which something failing would be deemed of satisfactory quality.

What is the issue with the PS3? Broken down?

[Duncan]

After 12 months you then need to discuss the failure direct with the manufacturer, the retailer is no longer involved

..but if the manufacturer refuses to help then it's the retailer you would then go back to and pursue further.

[John C S]

From a retailer perspective, the government haven't actually passed a bill on this yet, even though it is apparently in EU Product Directive laws.

For it to be active, there needs to be an amendment to the Sales of Goods acts, last amended IIRC in 2002.

The Sales of good act protects both consumer and retailers alike and until that is amended, this EU law cannot be exercised.

Our trade body states that if we get a customer pressing for redress under thus EU Product directive law, the customer must show us the legislation entitling to their refund/repair or replacement.

Once in the sale of goods act, I'm sure manufacturers will get behind it more and support retailers accordingly.

[John C S]

There are various minimum warranty periods depending on the product type

In the UK it is 90 days for most goods
After 12 months you then need to discuss the failure direct with the manufacturer, the retailer is no longer involved

It's nice to see you know your stuff.

The two-year period actually has nothing to do with guarantees (a one-year guarantee is a discretionary contract provided by the manufacturer, which forms a separate agreement between you and them). UK law actually implies terms into every consumer sale, to include that goods must be of satisfactory quality, regardless of any warranty/guarantee. Technically, you could still claim a replacement TV from the shop you bought it from in 2001 if it becomes faulty (depending on the actual facts, i.e. cost, usage etc). In the UK you have up to 6 years to pursue a claim of repair/replacement for faulty goods - in Europe the minimum is 2 years

This is why the government aren't being too hasty about changing the sales of goods act again. The 6 year rule is there, but is hard to administer.

We sell washing machines and appliances. With regard to washing machines, most families can potentially wreck a washing machine within 6 years. Some cheap machines don't even make 4 years! Sorry to say that, but if people don't want to pay the money for them, the manufacturers won't make them like they used to!

If a customer came into me after 5 years with a written off machine, should I give them a pro-rata amount back??????? There are lots of factors to consider. Proving that they have used it correctly is really the issue.

[John C S]

..but if the manufacturer refuses to help then it's the retailer you would then go back to and pursue further.

And truthfully Duncan, what would you ask them (the retailer) to do??

Most products have a warranty with them to cover component failures, after this, particularly with electrical/electronic goods, there is always going to be some sort of failure rate. Most of them will last, but some models will not last.

It's the law of averages really!

If swirl valves and a turbo go on a 5 year old Vectra 150CDTi, is one to pursue VX to pay for percentage of the job to be done??? Because I don't think they'll be coughing up!

In practice, there are so many variables with goods, for retailers to do the right thing is a bit of a minefield!

[BoroDave74]

Your contract is with the retailer, pursue them for any issue with the goods not being of reasonable quality - you may well be expected to get this in writing from an expert at your own cost, which would be refunded if succesful, however, it may be easier to pursue the manufacturer direct. Contact Sony customer services and see what they have to say.

I imagine the manufacturers warranty on a PS3 is the same as an Xbox 360 - 12 months. However microsoft extended their warranty for RROD and E74 errors to 3 years.

For good advice - consumer direct - 08454 040506, www.consumerdirect.gov.uk, they will be able to advise you on your correct legal position as well as potentially contacting the home authority for Sony in the UK, if Trading Standards agree your PS3 is not of reasonable quality.

I wasn't aware of PS3s having build quality issues? It may well be that there are forums out there with some advice from other people who have suffered the same as you, if there are some problems.
Good luck.

[deanos]

After 12 months you then need to discuss the failure direct with the manufacturer, the retailer is no longer involved

This is untrue, your contract is where you bought it not the manufacture

[John C S]

This is untrue, your contract is where you bought it not the manufacture

This is hard to define. Yes you are ultimately right, although the solution lies with the manufacturer. The retailer only sells the product, he doesn't make it and is technically, not as able as a manufacturer to provide the solution.