Advice Please.

Welshprince

Hi all,
just bought a new Vacuum cleaner two weeks ago, tried to order spare filter set but I have been told they are unobtainable! On checking the web site of the Manufacturer the machine in question has absolutely no spares of any kind available.
The owners sheet that came with the vacuum tells purchasers to change the filters every six months.
I have contacted both the Company who sold me the machine, and the actual maker and so far all I have gotten is a different person to deal with every time I e-mail them.
I am, or appear to be getting the run-around, by no-one wanting to deal with the problem.
If the machine breaks down under warranty, I wonder how they propose a repair without parts? Or after the warranty expires will I just have to dump it?
The advice I seek is what do Boards members think? Do I have a case for a refund? Given that the machine is unserviceable and unrepairable.
I have asked for an exchange for a machine of comparable price but have so far not had any answer to that one!
The Vacuum is a well known make ( Zanussi )and medium priced at 125 euro.
What would you do in this situation? Thanks.

hullaballoo

You are wondering whether you are entitled to a refund for a vacuum cleaner hoover that works perfectly well because it might not always work perfectly well?

I'm afraid not.

I actually don't understand what the issue is at all.

Also, I found these:
1. Zanussi shop

2. buy-spares.ie

Welshprince

hullabaloo the issue is simple, there are no parts available for the machine, not even filters, which need to be changed regularly to keep the machine in good working order, how is that so difficult to understand?
You wasted your time posting links, do you not think I have not already exhausted those searches and even the Electrolux people (owners of Zanussi) have admitted parts are unobtainable.
Would you buy a car or any other item, such as Fridge, washing machine, cooker etc: and be happy to discover that it would be scrap the minute it goes wrong? And if you read my post carefully you would note that I did not ask for a refund but an exchange for a product with parts available!
Well thanks for very little in the way of help. But if you fail to understand the issue why bother to post?

hullaballoo

Welshprince wrote: »

hullabaloo the issue is simple, there are no parts available for the machine, not even filters, which need to be changed regularly to keep the machine in good working order, how is that so difficult to understand?

There are no spare parts available for my TV and it cost quite a good deal more than €125.

You wasted your time posting links, do you not think I have not already exhausted those searches and even the Electrolux people (owners of Zanussi) have admitted parts are unobtainable.

You have paid €125 for a hoover. The tradeoff for getting such a cheap item is that you will have to replace the whole thing when it breaks down.

Would you buy a car or any other item, such as Fridge, washing machine, cooker etc: and be happy to discover that it would be scrap the minute it goes wrong?

I wouldn't be asking much of a car that I had only paid €125 for.

As for the household appliances, in my experience, when something goes wrong with any of these, the best option is to replace them. They have a certain lifespan after which it's time to get a new one. 7 years is a general rule of thumb for a mid-range appliance. For €125, I would have thought a few months to a year would be the outside life expectancy for any of the above.

And if you read my post carefully you would note that I did not ask for a refund but an exchange for a product with parts available!

You said, "Do I have a case for a refund?" The answer is that you don't.

Your best bet is that either the retailer or manufacturer have some sort of goodwill policy that means that if you are dissatisfied, they will offer exchange or a voucher for €10 or some other gratuity that you are in no way legally entitled to.

Well thanks for very little in the way of help. But if you fail to understand the issue why bother to post?

I have a feeling that your attitude may preclude you from taking advantage of any goodwill policy they have on offer. It certainly has diminished my goodwill policy for the day.

Pro Hoc Vice

Welshprince wrote: »

Hi all,
just bought a new Vacuum cleaner two weeks ago, tried to order spare filter set but I have been told they are unobtainable! On checking the web site of the Manufacturer the machine in question has absolutely no spares of any kind available.
The owners sheet that came with the vacuum tells purchasers to change the filters every six months.
I have contacted both the Company who sold me the machine, and the actual maker and so far all I have gotten is a different person to deal with every time I e-mail them.
I am, or appear to be getting the run-around, by no-one wanting to deal with the problem.
If the machine breaks down under warranty, I wonder how they propose a repair without parts? Or after the warranty expires will I just have to dump it?
The advice I seek is what do Boards members think? Do I have a case for a refund? Given that the machine is unserviceable and unrepairable.
I have asked for an exchange for a machine of comparable price but have so far not had any answer to that one!
The Vacuum is a well known make ( Zanussi )and medium priced at 125 euro.
What would you do in this situation? Thanks.

You very unlucky with such machines,

Welshprince wrote: »

I would not buy another Vax, I have one only two years old and already parts are obsolete! I was initially told by Vax that the parts would be in stock again in 28 Days, so after telling them I would order them then, I was told they cannot send parts to Southern Ireland!
Cannot send parts to another EU Country? What kind of after sales service would you call that? My response was you can send your Vacuum Cleaners here, why not the parts?
My advice is look at other brands and pay a little more, Vax seem to have a "throw away" policy when you need parts!
I looked on spares.ie which carry parts for most makes, and the items I require are clearly marked "obsolete".
If Vax cant supply parts for a machine just two years old, makes you wonder just how long they expect their products to last!

L1011

Replaceable filters went out of fashion years ago due to environmental reasons; I'd be surprised if they're not washable.

Assuming that spares are not available to the trade just because they're not on consumer sites is not an accurate method of determining that. However, a €125 vacuum cleaner is effectively disposable if the main wear part (the motor) goes.

Finnbar01

Welshprince wrote: »

Hi all,
just bought a new Vacuum cleaner two weeks ago, tried to order spare filter set but I have been told they are unobtainable! On checking the web site of the Manufacturer the machine in question has absolutely no spares of any kind available.
The owners sheet that came with the vacuum tells purchasers to change the filters every six months.
I have contacted both the Company who sold me the machine, and the actual maker and so far all I have gotten is a different person to deal with every time I e-mail them.
I am, or appear to be getting the run-around, by no-one wanting to deal with the problem.
If the machine breaks down under warranty, I wonder how they propose a repair without parts? Or after the warranty expires will I just have to dump it?
The advice I seek is what do Boards members think? Do I have a case for a refund? Given that the machine is unserviceable and unrepairable.
I have asked for an exchange for a machine of comparable price but have so far not had any answer to that one!
The Vacuum is a well known make ( Zanussi )and medium priced at 125 euro.
What would you do in this situation? Thanks.

I'm afraid I can't help you. But in future, when you need to buy a new vacuum cleaner, may I suggest a Miele. We purchased ours about 15 years ago and it is still going strong.

Jimlh86

Welshprince wrote: »

hullabaloo the issue is simple, there are no parts available for the machine, not even filters, which need to be changed regularly to keep the machine in good working order, how is that so difficult to understand?
You wasted your time posting links, do you not think I have not already exhausted those searches and even the Electrolux people (owners of Zanussi) have admitted parts are unobtainable.
Would you buy a car or any other item, such as Fridge, washing machine, cooker etc: and be happy to discover that it would be scrap the minute it goes wrong? And if you read my post carefully you would note that I did not ask for a refund but an exchange for a product with parts available!
Well thanks for very little in the way of help. But if you fail to understand the issue why bother to post?

Why did you not exhaust all those searches before you purchased? No point getting thick with an opinion which you asked for.

Mark Tapley

Jimlh86 wrote: »

Why did you not exhaust all those searches before you purchased? No point getting thick with an opinion which you asked for.

OP didn't really get any constructive advice just some cheap shots about how much they paid and ridiculous comparisons.
Is expecting to be able to get a filter for a product from a major manufacturer so outlandish.
When I last bought a vacuum cleaner I didn't research the availability of filters. I assumed they would be available and they are. What about Hullabaloo getting thick when their condescension wasn't appreciated. Goodwill my arsè.

km991148

Welshprince wrote: »

Would you buy a car or any other item, such as Fridge, washing machine, cooker etc: a

No - these days I would prob always at least look up the model number to see if its current/ any problems before buying.
It sounds harsh, but you never and unfortunately that's all there is to it.


125 for a decent make vacuum cleaner is still a good price. Enjoy it and look after it (clean filters instead of replacing etc) and get as much out of it as possible.

If it does break down you will still be covered under warranty, but hopefully you and our new vacuum will live many happy years together!

EDIT: Actually - have you used it at all? Did you buy it online?

Johnboy1951

If bought at a 'bricks & mortar' I would go in and attempt to purchase the replacement filters.

If they are not available (or maybe washable) I would consider that the vacuum cleaner is not fit for purpose, as the necessary parts to keep it running are not available.

If an on-line purchase then distance selling and all sorts of other things come into play I guess.

esforum

Welshprince wrote: »

hullabaloo the issue is simple, there are no parts available for the machine, not even filters, which need to be changed regularly to keep the machine in good working order, how is that so difficult to understand?
You wasted your time posting links, do you not think I have not already exhausted those searches and even the Electrolux people (owners of Zanussi) have admitted parts are unobtainable.
Would you buy a car or any other item, such as Fridge, washing machine, cooker etc: and be happy to discover that it would be scrap the minute it goes wrong? And if you read my post carefully you would note that I did not ask for a refund but an exchange for a product with parts available!
Well thanks for very little in the way of help. But if you fail to understand the issue why bother to post?

Jesus OP, Hullaboo was just being honest and trying to give you some advise and assistance.

Dont ask a question if you dont want an answer

For what its worth, no one promised you parts were available, availiability formed no part of the sale, case closed

Cheshire Cat

Is this a vacuum cleaner with bags? If yes, there is usually a filter in every box of bags. In bagless vacuums the filters are usually washable.

Welshprince

Thanks to all responders.
I have waited till now to reply due to on-going dealings, with both the Retailer and Electrolux.
So for all those who claimed "it was my own fault" how wrong you all were!
You see what I did was to get on to Consumer affairs, who agreed that the Item should have replacement parts available for the life of the product.
The relevant info is

" Thank you for your further email to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (the CCPC) in relation to Zanussi Vacuum Cleaner.

As outlined in our previous correspondence, whenever a consumer purchases goods from a retailer they are covered by consumer legislation. The product purchased should be of an acceptable standard, should be fit for purpose and should be as described. If you feel your rights have been affected and that you purchased the product on the basis of the availability of the product replacement parts as described by the trader and where you feel the product may not be fit for purpose without the replacement parts, you may be entitled to seek redress from the trader from who you purchase the product, Littlewoods Ireland.

With consumer rights, the redress is generally speaking either in the form of a repair, replacement or refund, whichever is most appropriate in the circumstances".

On presenting a copy of the CCPC's info to Littlewoods the Retailer, and Electrolux the Manufacturer, I am able to report the following outcome, which completely vindicates my complaint.

Littlewoods refunded the full amount paid, and told me to keep the machine. Electrolux also admitted replaceable parts should have been available, they have supposedly sourced filters in Europe and have offered me a set Gratis.

The Filters are essential to the proper functioning of a Vacuum cleaner and they do not last the lifetime of the machine, the manufacturers own advice is that they should be changed every six months, and that is not possible if they are not obtainable.
Yes Filters are washable, but not indefinitely, so as a purchaser you are entitled to expect to be able to replace them as advised.

Lastly as a purchaser of an Item you should not have to research the availability of necessary consumables prior to purchase, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure these things are available to the end user.

I hope my experience helps other consumers, just get the right info from Consumer Affairs.

MarkAnthony

There's a requirement for reasonable availability fo spare parts in the sales of goods acts. #justsayin :pac:

GM228

MarkAnthony wrote: »

There's a requirement for reasonable availability fo spare parts in the sales of goods acts. #justsayin :pac:

Only for warranty purposes as described in an offer or advertisement by the seller.

Welshprince

GM228

MarkAnthony is correct. According to Consumer Affairs, you are reasonably entitled to expect spare parts to be available for the lifetime of the product. This is what I have just ascertained in resolving the issue with the Retailer and Manufacturer, if it were not so they would not have refunded my money!

GM228

Welshprince wrote: »

GM228

MarkAnthony is correct. According to Consumer Affairs, you are reasonably entitled to expect spare parts to be available for the lifetime of the product. This is what I have just ascertained in resolving the issue with the Retailer and Manufacturer, if it were not so they would not have refunded my money!

Glad you got it sorted, but for clarification CA have interpreted it wrong like many do with the provision, although the interpretation has worked in your favour.

12.—(1) In a contract for the sale of goods there is an implied warranty that spare parts and an adequate aftersale service will be made available by the seller in such circumstances as are stated in an offer, description or advertisement by the seller on behalf of the manufacturer or on his own behalf and for such period as is so stated or, if no period is so stated, for a reasonable period.

The provision of spare parts is for warranty and after sales issues only and for a "reasonable" period, not for the lifetime of a product and only if such is adevrtised in an ad or description by the seller, so for example if there is a 12 month warranty then 12 months is the period, reasonable only comes into play if no timeframe is given.

This is confirmed in a government review of the legislation.

https://www.djei.ie/en/What-We-Do/Consumer-Competition/Sales-Law-Review-Group/Report-on-the-Legislation-Governing-the-Sale-of-Goods-and-Supply-of-Services.pdf

Implied Warranty for Spare Parts and Servicing

25. Section 12 of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 provides that there is an implied warranty that spare parts and an adequate after-sale service will be made available by the seller in such circumstances and for such period as are stated in an offer, description or advertisement by the seller on behalf of the manufacturer or on his own behalf. We gave some consideration to the adoption of a provision that would afford a stronger entitlement to an after-sale service and the availability of spare parts, but concluded that this would not be a practical proposition.

Though Section 12 has had a limited impact in practice, it can still serve a purpose in enhancing the rights of buyers and should be retained in future legislation.

MarkAnthony

S12 reads:

12.—(1) In a contract for the sale of goods there is an implied warranty that spare parts and an adequate aftersale service will be made available by the seller in such circumstances as are stated in an offer, description or advertisement by the seller on behalf of the manufacturer or on his own behalf and for such period as is so stated or, if no period is so stated, for a reasonable period.

for the sake of clarity :pac: