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[Topershalt]

I bought a drone from a reputable department store just before Christmas. The weather has not been suitable but I finally took it out 3rd Jan. It was apparent that one of the rotors was not working, so I packed it up and took it back with the receipt. They did not offer to replace it but to send it back to the manufacturer. My argument was that my contract is with the shop; they should give me a replacement and take up their claim against the manufacturer. Am I correct?

[R0b]

Correct.

Typical retailer fob off to the manufacturer. Politely explain to them your contract is with the department store not the manufacturer and under the Consumer Right Act 2015, you are entitled to a repair or replacement and ask them to reconsider. If they still refuse, ask to speak to a manager to explain why they are refusing your consumer rights but if there is not one available, take the details of the store assistant and then your next step is to either complain to see if that will elicit a result or if not, you may have to go down the legal route.

Word of caution, they may surprise you and say that instead of a replacement they will have it repaired in which case it would be sensible to ask how long that is likely to take - an answer like "I don't know" doesn't cut the mustard because the CRA also says that if you have a repair carried out, you should not be significantly inconvenienced by having to wait a long time for it. So if they can't give you a reasonable time, ask them to provide a repair instead.