Store Not Replacing Defective Furniture

I bought a buffet worth $1738 from a furniture store in Canberra. The day it was delivered I noticed 3 clearly visible cracks on the marble top. I immediately called the store and sent them email with photo attachment. Store manager agreed that with my claim and told me that buffet would be replaced.

Two weeks later when replacement arrived, I inspected the buffet in delivery truck itself. It turned out that new buffet was in much worse condition than existing one. I immediately called the store and asked for the store manager. Sales girl told me that store manage is not available. When I explained her the situation she told me that they will order new buffet which will arrive in couple of weeks.

Three weeks later I called the store again when I didn't hear anything from the store. This time store manager tried to talk me down saying he did send new buffet last time and it has cost him $300 on delivery. When I challenged him about the product condition, he in fact told me this was the floor stock and one of good ones. First of all I paid for new stock and without my knowledge they tried to send me floor stock. Secondly the one they send second time was almost falling apart.

I have shot an email to sore head office to either replace or take back the buffet with full return.

I also have a dresser yet to be delivered by them. Can I return this outstanding item awaiting deliver as I dont trust quality of the product any more.

What further action I can take if store refuse to return faulty product.

Comments

  • +1

    I also have a dresser yet to be delivered by them. Can I return this outstanding item awaiting deliver as I dont trust quality of the product any more.

    You can ask. You're not entitled to.

    what further action I can take if store refuse to return faulty product.

    ACCC? Cross that bridge when you come to it.

  • +3

    Name and shame. This is unacceptable.

  • Seems like the damage is minor

    "If the problem with a product or service is minor, you must accept a free repair if the business offers you one.

    If the business fails to give you a free repair within a reasonable time or cannot fix your problem, you can:

    • get it done elsewhere and pass on the costs to the business
    • ask for a replacement
    • ask for a refund
    • recover compensation for the drop in value below the price paid."

    https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees…

    Cheers

    • It doesn’t seem to me that the damage is minor.

      I understand that this is one side of the story, however “the one they sent second time was almost falling apart.”

      To me, that indicates that the product - furniture - is not fit for purpose and therefore the shop has to accept the return and provide a (worthwhile) replacement. If they cannot find a replacement in good enough condition, refund all monies paid.

      The first mention of the Department of Fair Trading (or whatever the relevant name is in the A.C.T.) should be enough to get them to comply with your needs.

      Cheers

  • Does it happen to be John Cootes?

  • If the item was marked floor stock, then it is not unreasonable to expect minor marks, as it is sold as is, usually a lower price should reflect this.
    However if you bought at full price, then one can assume it will be brand new and unmarked.
    If you take pictures you can certainly bring up the case with ACCC.

    • I read some comments online on product review site, they do not seems to care about ACCC.

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