Round #809

I bought a kettle that broke after 3 weeks. Am I entitled to a refund under UK consumer law?

Under UK consumer law, you may be entitled to a refund or a replacement for your kettle, depending on the circumstances. Here's a breakdown of your rights: 1. **Sale of Goods Act 1979**: This law states that goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and match their description. Since your kettle broke after only 3 weeks, it's likely that it didn't meet these standards. 2. **Consumer Rights Act 2015**: This law replaced the Sale of Goods Act for consumer contracts. It states that goods must be: * Of satisfactory quality * Fit for purpose * Match their description * Comply with any sample or model shown * Comply with any public statements made about the goods (e.g., advertising claims) Given that your kettle broke after a short period, you can argue that it's not of satisfactory quality. **Your rights:** * **Within 30 days**: You have the right to reject the goods and request a full refund. This is known as the "short-term right to reject." * **After 30 days but within 6 months**: If you're outside the initial 30-day period, you can request a repair or replacement. If the repair or replacement is not possible or is unsuccessful, you may be entitled to a refund or a price reduction. * **After 6 months**: You'll need to prove that the fault was present at the time of purchase. You may still be entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund, but the burden of proof is on you. **What to do:** 1. **Contact the seller**: Reach out to the retailer where you purchased the kettle and explain the situation. Provide proof of purchase and a clear description of the fault. 2. **Request a refund or replacement**: Depending on the circumstances, you can ask for a refund, replacement, or repair. 3. **If the seller refuses**: You can contact the manufacturer or seek advice from a consumer protection organization, such as Citizens Advice or the Consumer Ombudsman. Remember to keep records of your correspondence and any evidence of the fault, as this will help support your claim. I hope this helps, and you're able to resolve the issue with your kettle!

Yes.