Law-Forums.org

[sceley]

I bought a heavy electrical item last week which now smells of something burning each time I use it. I don't drive and had to take it from the shop by taxi (and didn't mind that bit) but will now have to send for another taxi to get it back to the shop. This is an expense I would not have incurred if the product were not faulty but the shop say that my transport arrangements and costs are not their responsibility.

I thought that I had heard on a consumer programme, some time ago, that the seller IS responsible for any costs incurred by the customer when an item has to be returned because of a fault. Am I correct on this and can anyone give a link to a website which states this so that I can print off what the law says and take it to the manager of the shop? Thanks.

[larry]

Hi, I’m Charlotte and I work in the digital team at Which?

I was hoping to conveniently send you to our guide on dealing with faulty goods
http://www.which.co.uk/faulty but your situation doesn’t quite fit some of scenarios explored here.

If you’d bought something online (or not in person) and you had to return it because it was faulty, the retailer would be required to reimburse you for the cost of returning the faulty item. I think you’ll struggle to get your taxi fare reimbursed for something you bought in person I’m afraid and unless you can argue that it was a foreseeable cost – and as such you would have had to explain at the point of purchase that the only way you were able to take the item home was by taxi – then it may be difficult to present a persuasive argument. Hope that helps a little. Charlotte

[gowan]

Sounds like the item is burning off a byproduct from the manufacturing process. I have a cordless drill that smelled like plastic for a few months after buying.

[alburt]

One of these websites may offer advice or links to others.
tradingstandards.gov.uk
consumerdirect.gov.uk
citizensadvice.org.uk