Worth using the Small Claims Procedure?

Heighway61

Bought a laptop online from a retailer with a chain of shops in Ireland. It has failed after 1 year 8 months. The company is not interested so I asked would they not act under the consumer law linked to below. They're ignored me since.

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/a09d3-consumer-rights-and-guarantees-related-to-buying-goods-and-services-including-procedures-for-consumer-dispute-resolution-and-compensation/

Is it worth trying the small claims route? The part about proving that I didn't cause the fault seems to render the text useless.

Wheety

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058255953/worth-using-the-small-claims-procedure

What is wrong with the laptop? Was it caused by something you did?

Heighway61

Won't power on because internal battery has failed, I think. Got the prompt that battery was low so plugged it in. A few minutes later it powered off. Usual charging indicator was not lit but the low battery indicator was.

Nothing I did, I'm sure. No sign of any bumps or scrapes or scratches, no indication of misuse.

Overall, the laptop has had very little use. It was for school homework so an hour a couple of times a week, even less than that, and practically never at the weekend or over the summer.

How is it possible for me to say "here is the proof I didn't damage it'?

Claw Hammer

The small claims court is well worth pursuing. It only costs €25 and if you prepare well, you have a high chance of success. A laptop battery should last more than 20 months so in the absence of a abuse the laptop was not fit for the purpose for which it was bought.

ismat

Could it be the charger that has failed ?

Heighway61

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119384658#Comment_119384658

Was hoping it was but had it checked and it's ok.

chasm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058255953/worth-using-the-small-claims-procedure

My friend took a small claims case against a well known electrical retailer for a similar issue with a laptop - blank screen but power light was on. The store's customer service was appalling from the very first contact, and even when it went to the Small Claims they were awkward, and quite frankly it seemed deliberate, even constantly mixing up names involved in the case. Apparently the SCC are used to it with the company involved in her case.

My friend won a full refund for the cost of the laptop. I posted in "Consumer Issues" here on boards at the time, as I was trying to help her as she was at the end of her tether dealing with the store in question.