Harvey Norman poor service

Mc72ie · 09-06-2012 3:01pm #1

Bought an LG F1289TD5 washing machine from Harvey Norman in carsick mines with an extended warranty. After just 9 days it is dead, will not turn on at all. Wanted Harvey Norman to give me a replacement but they are refusing until the LG engineer comes out which could take 48 hours (not including the weekend, it died on a Friday).
So even though I feel something that stops working after 9 days should be considered faulty they won't budge. It will be Monday at the earliest before someone verifies that the machine is dead and then organises a replacement so probably 5 days without a machine and 3 small boys at home.
This is poor service in my opinion and I would strongly urge people not to buy LG products or anything at all from Harvey Norman.

A very angry customer.

Extinction · 09-06-2012 3:16pm

Can't see how this is poor service? There could be any number of reasons why its not working and may not be due to any fault with the product. Obviously an engineer needs to have a look at it to confirm what the problem is and this has been arranged.

Mc72ie · 09-06-2012 3:29pm

Checked all obvious reasons why the machine would not work and all were fine, the machine is simply faulty, can't even report a fault, probably the mother board and if that's faulty then what else could also be wrong with it. My problem is that Harvey Norman who sold the machine are acting like it has nothing to do with them. Good service would be giving me a replacement without fuss and then for them to fight with LG about who's fault it is. I don't think that's unreasonable after 9 days.

Extinction · 09-06-2012 3:41pm

Harvey Norman is just a retailer, they can't confirm what the problem and would have to get it checked out first. Its inconvenient for you but fortunately they haven't fobbed you off and have made arrangements. What if an engineer goes out and finds its something you have done yourself rather than a fault? Would you expect a bill for the engineers time or would you expect Harvey Norman to pick up the cost of this? I think they have been reasonable with you.

phester28 · 09-06-2012 4:21pm

i disagree, if it can be demonstrated that it is dead in the first few days of purchase then I would think the responsibility is with harveys, surely a repair man may take several days to turn up and then a repair might be the next step, that may take several weeks for a part to be ordered. all which falls under the terms of reasonable amount of time

Extinction · 09-06-2012 4:28pm

phester28 wrote: »

i disagree, if it can be demonstrated that it is dead in the first few days of purchase then I would think the responsibility is with harveys, surely a repair man may take several days to turn up and then a repair might be the next step, that may take several weeks for a part to be ordered. all which falls under the terms of reasonable amount of time

Wouldn't it be replaced rather than repaired once it is confirmed by the LG engineer that it is faulty? Surely a couple of days for a call out is reasonable considering it stopped working on Friday.

Mc72ie · 09-06-2012 4:33pm

Harvey Norman are not just the retailer, they have a contract with me. I agree that all the things you say are reasonable if after a month the machine stops working, but after 9 days I think I deserve the benefit of the doubt. Short of putting a load of bricks in the drum ( which I'm pretty sure I didn't do) I don't see how this could be considered to be my fault. I just want a working washing machine I'm not trying to pull a fast one.

bucketybuck · 09-06-2012 4:38pm

Mc72ie wrote: »

I'm not trying to pull a fast one.

And how are they to know this? You could be anybody, and its completely feasible that you damaged the machine yourself.

No responsible business is going to just accept what every customer says at face value, there are too many examples of customers chancing their arms. They are well within their rights to establish the facts using qualified engineers before making any decision about replacements.

dudara · 09-06-2012 4:39pm

Don't take it personally. Harvey Norman first want to verify that there is indeed a fault. It sucks that it is going to take so long, but that's obviously due to the agreement that Harvey Norman have with LG.

I've heard from friends about a lot of washing machine faults in the first days of use, which are often down to poor installation. Getting the engineer out will give them a chance to look at that aspect.

sandin · 09-06-2012 5:21pm

Why on earth did you buy an extended warranty? These overpriced bits of paper are almost worthless and has no influence on your current situation.

In this situation hn are doing everything properly. They are sending someone out to check the machine and will follow up based on that report. Imagine is the "fault" ended up a broken fuse ? - you'd look foolish then.

Mc72ie · 09-06-2012 5:26pm

sandin wrote: »

Why on earth did you buy an extended warranty? These overpriced bits of paper are almost worthless and has no influence on your current situation.

In this situation hn are doing everything properly. They are sending someone out to check the machine and will follow up based on that report. Imagine is the "fault" ended up a broken fuse ? - you'd look foolish then.

I explained to HN that I am an engineer, that the machine has power going to it and that it was properly installed. These machines for the benefit of LG are as self diagnosing as possible, if it has power and can't self diagnose then I class that as a catastrophic error and feel that after 9 days that's not good enough.

christmas2012 · 09-06-2012 5:29pm

you will probably have to wait it out,annoying..in the meantime think of the irritating harvey norman ad,go harvey norman go!

bet ur never going to buy a washing machine there again..

Mc72ie · 09-06-2012 5:30pm

bucketybuck wrote: »

And how are they to know this? You could be anybody, and its completely feasible that you damaged the machine yourself.

No responsible business is going to just accept what every customer says at face value,.

They have my details, the delivery date, the record of the numerous other items I have purchased, none of this is taken into account.

And when I buy something from Amazon they do just that, they take me at my word and give me a replacement within 30 days. Because they care about their reputation.

dudara · 09-06-2012 5:31pm

It doesn't matter at all that you're an engineer, Harvey Norman require the LG engineer to independently validate the fault.

Mc72ie · 09-06-2012 5:31pm

christmas2012 wrote: »

you will probably have to wait it out,annoying..in the meantime think of the irritating harvey norman ad,go harvey norman go!

bet ur never going to buy a washing machine there again..

It'll be NO Harvey NO from now on.

P. Breathnach · 09-06-2012 6:56pm

Mc72ie wrote: »

It'll be NO Harvey NO from now on.

They might not be too unhappy about that, given that you seem to believe that your demands of them override their obligations to you.

But they would be entitled to be unhappy about your bad-mouthing them on the basis of this experience.

BREDNEP · 10-06-2012 8:02pm

So what do you expect? HN to just take your word for it and just swap it over just because you say so. Then HN are left with a used machine that might or might not have a fault left to sell off. Its unfortunate but LG have the right to look at the machine before they can organise a replacement as the error could be down to you and not the machine.and if it is down to you, You can be charged by the engineer. This is common with kitchen appliances that need to be fitted.. its not poor service its just the way it works and im sure it would have happened the same in currys powercity did etc..:rolleyes:

amdublin · 10-06-2012 8:35pm

This seems completely reasonable to me.

Hopefully the engineer will be able to repair it on the spot and problem solved!

quickdraw2 · 27-11-2013 8:56am

As I am considering buying a LG washing machine from H N this week,
how did this situation resolve in the end ?

bumper234 · 27-11-2013 9:01am

quickdraw2 wrote: »

As I am considering buying a LG washing machine from H N this week,
how did this situation resolve in the end ?

5 months since op had his/her little rant and then nothing, Starting to look like it was something simple like a blown fuse and op decided not to eat the proverbial humble pie and update.

Bepolite · 27-11-2013 9:14am

Don't buy the extended warranty there's no point.

Make sure your read the instructions when you get a washing machine, there are things you need to do before using it like releasing the drum. This is why when they die within the first few days an engineer has to check it.

quickdraw2 · 27-11-2013 9:39am

I know to un-do the transit bolts that hold the drum suspension solid for transport.
I have seen another post regarding the washing machine moving slowly across the kitchen during a wash cycle, I guess they forgot to un-do the transit bolts.

LG or Samsung washer dryer ?
I'm still undecided.
Power Ciry or H N ?

Bepolite · 27-11-2013 9:57am

Never buy on brand. Look at what machines they do (from their website or store). Google reviews of that machine. Look at who is offering the best price on the best reviewed machine.

quickdraw2 · 27-11-2013 10:16am

I have selected based on features and price and it looks like the
Samsung WD1704RJE1 is the winner for my needs.
I am now looking at the choice of from whom I will purchase the machine.
The price between all my potential suppliers is (+ or - €30,
or if i take into account free delivery "Dublin" is even less than that that.
Good service has to be worth more than €30 price difference.

I have searched for reviews and am happy with what I have read about
this machine so far.

I am really now trying to find the supplier with the best customer service.

Bepolite · 27-11-2013 10:28am

That is unlikely to be a bricks and mortar chain store in Ireland - AFAIK we don't have any John Lewis stores. They're all about on par IMO. Argos would probably be the best in terms of service but all of them are going to point you in the direction of the manufacturers service centre if problems arise.

Basically once you resign yourself to the fact that after a year you will probably have to use the Small Claim Court, it doesn't really matter who you go for.

Personally I've bought most of my stuff from Powercity as the delivery guy was great and my place in a PITA to deliver to.

quickdraw2 · 27-11-2013 10:33am

Another reason
Samsung WD1704RJE1
2 years parts & labour,

as the warranty forms part of the contract of sale, does the retailer not have to honor the warranty ?

Bepolite · 27-11-2013 10:57am

quickdraw2 wrote: »

Another reason
Samsung WD1704RJE1
2 years parts & labour,

as the warranty forms part of the contract of sale, does the retailer not have to honor the warranty ?

No the warranty is with the manufacturer not the retailer. There may be terms and conditions attached such as a call out charge but it's unlikely with washing machines.

Having the warranty with Samsung/manufacturer is no bad thing, they're much less likely to go bust.

All that said you've longer then 2 years under your statutory rights which a retailer must provide you with a remedy. Few of them will help you beyond the manufacturers warranty hence my comment above about the small claims court. Many will insist you deal with the manufacturer after as little as 30/90 days or 1 year. While it's your right to deal with the retailer - take the path of least resistance.

Going Forward · 27-11-2013 10:14pm

This is definitely a major issue for the OP and with good reason.

Retailers and their brands, Zanussi, LG, whoever, use contracted service centres and engineers, in other words most shops don't directly employ engineers, plus the warranty, extended or not will outline the procedures for service.

HN are entitled to an official report from an engineer so they can decide what course of action to take.

Once the machine is confirmed faulty, the OP has also got a stronger hand.
Worth noting also that the OP has asked for a replacement and not a refund, so he is being reasonable enough so far.

There is an issue of goodwill to be considered though for brand and retailer, and perhaps he could politely ask HN to hurry up the service guy due to 3 young children, Monday is a long way off with 3 little men around.

So I think HN could try and speed it up in the circumstances, they will have some sway due to the sheer amount of product they sell............... ask to see the manager, just to get it speeded up.

Breakdowns do happen, brand new cars for example do go wrong (and they are usually repaired, not replaced or refunded).

weisses · 27-11-2013 10:28pm

Bepolite wrote: »

Never buy on brand. Look at what machines they do (from their website or store). Google reviews of that machine. Look at who is offering the best price on the best reviewed machine.

I will buy any Miele any day of the week ................................ If i would have the cash

hillbloom · 27-11-2013 10:49pm

I would buy a Bosch if I had the choice. I definitely wouldn't touch Whirlpool!!!

gowley · 27-11-2013 11:14pm

Mc72ie wrote: »

They have my details, the delivery date, the record of the numerous other items I have purchased, none of this is taken into account.

And when I buy something from Amazon they do just that, they take me at my word and give me a replacement within 30 days. Because they care about their reputation.

a replacement within 30 days!!!!!!!!! and your happy with this from amazon and cant wait 48 hrs for an LG rep to come out. sounds like you have an ulterior motive. im sure harvey will be glad you wont be buying anything off him again

ABajaninCork · 27-11-2013 11:24pm

gowley wrote: »

a replacement within 30 days!!!!!!!!! and your happy with this from amazon and cant wait 48 hrs for an LG rep to come out. sounds like you have an ulterior motive. im sure harvey will be glad you wont be buying anything off him again

Er. I think you missed a couple of things:

1. This thread is over a year old. I expect the OP has long since solved his problem.
2. Amazon will replace or refund if the item is returned within 30 days. They will also replace without question even outside this time if the item is faulty.

gowley · 27-11-2013 11:30pm

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Er. I think you missed a couple of things:

1. This thread is over a year old. I expect the OP has long since solved his problem.
2. Amazon will replace or refund if the item is returned within 30 days. They will also replace without question even outside this time if the item is faulty.

point being he was happy to quote amazons 30 day replacement policy but wasnt happy to wait 48 hrs for a lg rep. for a retail business being bad mouthed for perfectly reasonable service is unfair. the thread was being replied to today so i voiced my opinion .

ABajaninCork · 27-11-2013 11:43pm

gowley wrote: »

point being he was happy to quote amazons 30 day replacement policy but wasnt happy to wait 48 hrs for a lg rep. for a retail business being bad mouthed for perfectly reasonable service is unfair. the thread was being replied to today so i voiced my opinion .

Someone dug up an old thread and decided to reply as well as others even though it's over a year old. Bit pointless, don't you think?

gowley · 27-11-2013 11:46pm

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Someone dug up an old thread and decided to reply as well as others even though it's over a year old. Bit pointless, don't you think?

why have you replied then. a bit pointless dont you think.

ABajaninCork · 27-11-2013 11:53pm

Merely to point out the thread's over a year old, had you (and others) bothered to read it through. Anyway - I'm bored with this now. Off to comment on recent threads that are of interest.

gowley · 27-11-2013 11:57pm

lol. dont worry about other people posting on old threads if it bothers you. but dont knock them either especially when you post numerous times yourself. what a hypocrite !!!!!

ABajaninCork · 27-11-2013 11:59pm

You know nothing about me. So you're not qualified to judge. I'll leave it there, as you're seriously boring me...

gowley · 28-11-2013 12:02am

is that you commenting on a year old thread again. i now know you are not a man of your word.

SpaceTime · 28-11-2013 12:05am

The problem is that while you've a contract with the retailer, they're a customer of LG and ultimately if it's a manufacturing fault, LG would have to replace the machine for Harvey Norman.

LG will send an engineer out and check it over and if it's a major fault, they'll replace the machine. If it's a minor fault, they might just fix it e.g. a blown fuse or component.

There's not much point in replacing a whole machine with a very minor fault that can be easily fixed on site. It won't make any different to your guarantee or to your machine if it's just some fuse, circuit board or minor component that gets swapped out.

We had a similar issue with a Hotpoint Aqualtis washing machine a few years ago that was making a constant squeaky noise.
Engineer called out, was very friendly, checked it over couldn't find why the machine was squeaking and assumed it was a problem with the motor as that's where it was coming from.

They just wrote off the machine and replaced the machine with a slightly higher end model as a gesture of good will.

...

Unfortunately, washing machines can go wrong. They're probably the most mechanically complicated appliance in your house other than your car.

In general, the LG machines are very good from what I've heard and certainly compare with the upper mid priced models of any other range.

Miele was mentioned up the thread there. It's in a different league entirely. Effectively you're buying a machine that's built to nearly industrial specs. They've things like stainless steel outer tubs, cast iron instead of concrete weights and just way better components but you pay a huge price for that.

It could be worth it if you're going through a washing machine in less than 5 years as you've obviously got a need for a seriously tough machine.

gowley · 28-11-2013 12:09am

you better be careful or abajann in cork will be harrassing you for replying on an old thread

SpaceTime · 28-11-2013 12:11am

I'm not the one who resurrected it ! Didn't realise it was THAT old.

gowley · 28-11-2013 12:14am

SpaceTime wrote: »

I'm not the one who resurrected it ! Didn't realise it was THAT old.

neither did i. was just defending hn. thought they were being quite reasonable.

wexfordman2 · 28-11-2013 12:21am

Bepolite wrote: »

Never buy on brand. Look at what machines they do (from their website or store). Google reviews of that machine. Look at who is offering the best price on the best reviewed machine.

Avoid whirlpool at all costs would be the o ly exception to the rule in my opinion. Had three whirlpool dishwashers go faulty on me, cost me a fortune in the end.

SpaceTime · 28-11-2013 12:34am

I also think if you check the build quality and it looks like junk and feels like junk then it probably is junk!

You can tell a lot by things like seams not lining up right, lose paddles in the drum, ugly lose plastic mouldings, plastic door hinges...

quickdraw2 · 28-11-2013 7:00am

bumper234 wrote: »

5 months since op had his/her little rant and then nothing, Starting to look like it was something simple like a blown fuse and op decided not to eat the proverbial humble pie and update.

So how did this get resolved in the end ?

I know this is an old thread, but I think it is interesting to find out if the matter was resolved satisfactorily.

or why the OP after bad mouthing HN in their rant did not update us on the matter.

raclle · 21-05-2020 1:48pm

Bought a TV off this crowd last week and paid €25 for delivery and only a few days later they have it on a free delivery offer. Obviously chanced my arm and asked for a refund for delivery which was obviously declined

Doodah7 · 21-05-2020 2:00pm

Wow!! Thanks for resurrecting a seven year old thread for your informative anecdote!

L1011 · 21-05-2020 2:03pm

Locking necro-thread.

Harvey Norman poor service

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