If you have purchased goods that are damaged or faulty, you should know that you are protected by the law in the United Kingdom.
The Sales of Goods Act of 1979 provides you with rights regarding the goods that your purchase. You have the legal right to expect purchased items to be of “satisfactory” quality. If there is some fault in the goods that could render them unfit for their purpose, or detract from the appearance, safety and longevity of the item, you have the right to bring the item back to the retailer. If the goods must be assembled, then they must include assembly instructions, and all items must match those used in samples, displays and demonstrations.
If you find something wrong with an item, you must take recourse against the retailer and not the manufacturer. Even if you have used goods for some time, you still may be able to bring the items back. The law specifies that you are permitted a “reasonable” amount of time to use the goods before determining whether or not they are satisfactory. In some cases, this can mean up to a few months or more.
The retailer can offer to repair the goods in which case they must make such repairs within a reasonable time frame. Also, there should be no cost to you for the repair. They can also choose to replace the item with another of satisfactory quality, or they can choose to refund your money.
Even if you find a fault with goods after the “reasonable” time period has expired, you still have courses of action that you can take. For example, if you discover the problem within six months, and the fault is not due to actions on your part after the sale such as wear and tear, and misuse, you can still get the item repaired or replaced. The burden falls on the retailer to prove that the fault occurred only after the sale took place.
Retailers may refuse to refund, repair or replace your goods unless you can show them proof of purchase. You do not need your till receipt to document your purchase. You can also use your credit card or bank statement in such cases.
In instances were more than six months have elapsed before you find a fault with your goods, you still may be able to get something from the retailer. In many cases, shops will want to maintain good customer relations, and they will be willing to compromise if you can prove the item was faulty when purchased.
If you are dealing with goods purchased at auctions, second-hand sales, etc., you still have the same rights as when dealing with retail establishments. However, there will be a difference in terms of the definition of “satisfactory quality” when dealing with such goods. You may forfeit your rights under the law though if you know of the defect before the purchase or the fault is a simple one that can easily be corrected.
