Halfords - Faulty Bike

OnLooker

I purchased a Cererra Subday last Xmas in Halfords. I didn't really cycle the bike for the 1st few months until I started using it to cycle to the train station. After 2 months of cycling the bike, the entire rear gear mechasim snapped off.

Upon returning the bike to Halfords, they tell me that I will have to pay for the bike to be fixed because the manufacterer doesn't cover that part in their warranty.

Its my legal understanding that you can't sell a product if the entire product is under warranty.

"Under the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980, anything you buy from a retailer must be:

of merchantable quality
fit for its normal purpose, and reasonably durable
as described, whether the description is part of the advertising or wrapping, on a label, or something said by the salesperson.

When you buy goods from a retailer, you make a contract with him. He agrees to provide certain goods to you for a certain price. If your purchase turns out to be faulty, the retailer, not the manufacturer, is responsible to you and must sort out your complaint. You are entitled to a refund, a replacement or a repair."


Can anyone confirm my position here as I don't want to get the bike repaired if this is going to happen again. I would rather have a trust worthy bike to get me around.

axer

OnLooker wrote:

Can anyone confirm my position here as I don't want to get the bike repaired if this is going to happen again. I would rather have a trust worthy bike to get me around.

Yes you are covered under the sale of goods act and Halfords are 100% responsible for sorting it out. The sale of goods act superseeds any warranty given by a manufacturer or retailer - thats why you will see "this does not affect your statutory rights" written on them.

OnLooker

axer wrote:

Yes you are covered under the sale of goods act and Halfords are 100% responsible for sorting it out. The sale of goods act superseeds any warranty given by a manufacturer or retailer - thats why you will see "this does not affect your statutory rights" written on them.

Do I have to get the bike repaired?? They have been messing me around for the last 5 weeks & only told me today that I have to pay for the repair.

I would much rather get my money back & buy elsewhere with no attitude.

Mr. Presentable

I know it's too late for you now, but Halfords have a horrible reputation for their bikes in the UK. The "Carrera" for example, is a piece of cheaply made crap, but due to a court case a few years ago, they are allowed use the name - in spite of the fact that Carrera is a renowned Italian cycle manufacturer - because nobody would reasonably expect to get a Carrera bike for less than five grand!

I think they are entitled to offer a repair, but, as posted, the Sale of Goods Act requires Halfords to take responsibility regardless of the warranty offered by their Vietnamese manufacturer. After five weeks of mucking you about I don't think you should settle for a repair. Full refund or Small Claims Court.

OnLooker

Its an awful amount of messing around. I have been in contact with them since August 22nd. Complete joke!!

Firstly on August 22nd they told me they wud order the part. I then rang me and no one bothered to order the part.

After 5 weeks on Sunday, they tell me I need to pay for the repair.

After spending €370 on the bike, I am pissed off and their customer service is a disgrace.

SectionF

You need to write them a letter, stating your right to an acceptable repair at no cost, a replacement, or a refund.
Mention of the Small Claims Court also might help them focus on the problem.

OnLooker

Writing a letter won't do anything in my opinion. I will definitely be logging a complaint this week with the small claims court if the situation isn't rectified.

axer

OnLooker wrote:

Writing a letter won't do anything in my opinion. I will definitely be logging a complaint this week with the small claims court if the situation isn't rectified.

but writting a letter strengthens your case that you are a reasonable person who took reasonable steps before involving the law. The procedure I would normally take would be verbally assert my rights then if that doesn't work I would send a letter to which I would demand a reply within 30 days. If that didnt work I would bring them to the small claims court.

OnLooker

axer wrote:

but writting a letter strengthens your case that you are a reasonable person who took reasonable steps before involving the law. The procedure I would normally take would be verbally assert my rights then if that doesn't work I would send a letter to which I would demand a reply within 30 days. If that didnt work I would bring them to the small claims court.

I was due to recieve a call from the Manager this morning but he didn't bother to call me. He is now in the UK til Wednesday so I decided to write a letter stating the consumers laws.

The letter has now been faxed to Halfords. If I do not recieve a phone call by Thursday morning, a letter will be sent to them on Thursday evening as a final demand for closure to this issue. At the end of the day, they are breaking the law by asking for me to pay for the repair of the bike.