Thursday 16th February 2017
As part of the Citizens Advice Exeter and The Express and Echo weekly advice column this week we focus on faulty goods.
I bought a microwave two months ago but it’s broken already and won’t switch on. I went back to the retailer and they said they could have a go at repairing it, but I may have to pay a fee. Should I have to pay to get it fixed?
If your microwave is broken and it’s not your fault you shouldn’t have to pay the retailer to repair it.
Because you bought your microwave less than six months ago – you have the right to return it and get a free repair, a replacement or a refund. This applies whether you bought the item online or from a shop.
Check your retailer’s returns policy to see how you should return it – some will collect it for free, while others ask you to return it through a delivery service or to a store. You’ll need to show proof of purchase, such as a receipt or email confirmation, and explain the problem.
They should then offer to either replace or repair your microwave free of charge, if it’s repairable. If both options are possible, the retailer should consider which will be the quickest and most convenient for you when making a decision.
If your microwave is sent away for repair but still doesn’t work, you will be entitled to a full refund instead. You can also ask for a refund if your microwave is replaced with a different model.
For more information use the Citizens Advice online faulty goods tool at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer or contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06.
Look out for our column next week when we focus on eight simple steps to good financial planning.
The information contained in these articles does not constitute advice. Citizens Advice Exeter and The Express and Echo accept no liability for the information published. Citizens Advice Exeter is unable to respond to individual requests for advice through these columns. Copyright Citizens Advice. For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk