[SWLUG] Why I won't buy from Dell again...

[Mark Summerfield]

Thanks, Lisi!

On 2010-06-25, Lisi wrote:
> On Friday 25 June 2010 14:15:54 Mark Summerfield wrote:
> > Hi,
> > 
> > Just a little follow up... I sent Dell a letter saying that I wanted to
> > return the machine for a refund since what they supplied wasn't what I
> > ordered. I sent it on the 22nd and it arrived on the 23rd (I'd tracked
> > it). Today I had the letter back---with no note or reply of any kind!
> > 
> > I've made a web page (link at bottom of this email) summarizing the saga
> > so far, but looks like Dell think there's no such thing as consumer
> > protection law... something I expect to find out one way or the other in
> > the coming weeks.
> 
> Mark -
> 
> Since you paid by credit card and the bill came to more than £100.00 (I
> assume!!), the credit card is jointly liable and you can claim from them.
> (Don't be fobbed off by their initial rejection.)

Yes, it was over 500 UKP! OK, thanks for that info.
 
> Moreover, you are also covered by the Sale of Goods Act and several other
> bits of legislation referring to goods and services.  I have, I'm afraid,
> left you to do further research - but the following 2 links might start
> you off:
> 
> 
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=sale+of+goods+act&aq=f&aqi
> =&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
> http://www.which.co.uk/advice/understanding-the-sale-of-goods-act/index.js
> p

You're right---I hadn't realised the Sale of Goods Act was relevant, but
looks like it is since the machine as delivered was neither of
satisfactory quality nor fit for purpose (with no OS how could it be!).

Also, looks like the credit card company were fobbing me off. According
to:
http://www.which.co.uk/advice/understanding-the-sale-of-goods-act/how-to-
complain/index.jsp
if the seller refuses to allow me to reject the goods they are jointly
liable. I'll put this in writing to them and see if that helps.
 
> Your local Trading Standards Officer might also be able/willing to help.

Yes, I'm going to try them.

Steve: I had planned to just return it just as you suggested. But my
wife pointed out that they could simply refuse to accept the package so
it could be both expensive (cost of sending + tracking + insurance to
make sure I'm covered for loss) & probably pointless...

I will let you know how I get on, but looks like it is going to take a
bit of time:-(

Thanks!

-- 
Mark Summerfield, Qtrac Ltd, www.qtrac.eu
    C++, Python, Qt, PyQt - training and consultancy
        "Rapid GUI Programming with Python and Qt" - ISBN 0132354187
            http://www.qtrac.eu/pyqtbook.html

                I ordered a Dell netbook with Ubuntu...
       I got no OS, no apology, no solution, & no refund (so far)
               http://www.qtrac.eu/dont-buy-dell.html