INDEPENDENT REPORT

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 

How long is your products’ warranty?

Purchasing a new appliance does not require a great deal of effort provided you know what you fancy. Once selected, it is as easy as swiping a credit card into a slot. It delights our eyes to see a techno-gadget and owning it, is an absolute treat!

Equipment is worth owning when it is working well however if it malfunctions with a ‘no power signal’ for example, what will you do? Most people will look for a repair shop to fix the problem and bear the cost. Or, if the product is still under warranty they may call the retailer’s hotline number for advice on how to obtain a repair. Both options are relatively stress free and straight forward.

If, on the other hand, the warranty has expired and you don’t want to pay for the cost of repair as you have found that the fault is not caused by wear and tear, there is still an option that will save your ass; The Independent Report is the answer.

The United Kingdom government’s Office of Fair Trading has created the Consumer Direct website (consumerdirect.gov.uk). It deals with consumer issues and offers advice about the law as it relates to consumer protection. This agency helps prevent buyers from being hoodwinked by the retailers and manufacturers.

The government has deliberately created a number of protections under the Consumer’s Act of 1979 which gives consumers legal rights when challenging manufacturers and retailers. If, for example, the product is out of warranty, the buyer may have statutory rights giving up to 6 years of protection as long as the fault is not due to wear-and-tear.

It may be necessary to obtain an Independent Report. This is a written document that serves as proof of the product’s fault and it further explains the detailed condition of the equipment that is shrewdly examined by the certified technician. The report will be studied by the retailer, who will decide whether or not to carry out the repair at no costs. Or, if the matter goes to court it would be offered as vital evidence to support the consumer’s case. If the retailer accepts the responsibility, it is a normal practice for all costs including the technician’s report to be reimbursed.