I purchased a rechargable vacuum cleaner nearly a year ago, and it was great. I also got a really good deal on it, and it was over 50% off the retail price that other retailers were selling it for. The other thing is it had really good reviews, was consumer top rated, and it had a 2 year warranty. However in the last week I noticed that it was no longer charging and the charging light no longer worked. I thought that it would just a simple process of either getting it repaired, or they would replace it. Other retailers also still sell it.
I took it into the retailer, and they checked their computer and said they they no longer sell that particular model, and their first offer was just to refund me the money I paid. I said I wasn't happy with that option, becuase I wouldn't be able to then buy a like for like replacement for the money they refunded me.
They said that was the best they could do, unless I switched it for another model and I paid the difference. They were still selling the model below this one, and I would have to pay about an extra $80 if I took that option. The RRP of the one they were still selling, has the same RRP at other retailer for the model I purchased . However the rrp of it at this retailer was quite a bit less, but was probably due to them getting rid of that model.
I told them that I want to be put in the same position I would have been in if the vacuum hadn't failed, eg replace it with the same model, which was still a current model. They said that they can't go to their supplier / manucturer for it as it isn't their policy, nor can it be repaired, as they don't repair items that are under $150. I asked for it to be repaired, but they refused. My interpretation of the CGA is that the customer can chose whether they want a repair, a replacement or refund, when the fault is substantial. They also have to maintain spare parts. The fault is substantial in this case as it no longer charges, nor works, because it can't be charged. So I chosen for full replacement, at no cost. They said they would try to see if they could do a straight swap for the lower model they do have in stock, but wouldn't find out until next week, but I have had to push them to do that. Am am not 100% happy if I would be as happy with that model, because it is a lower model which implies it isn't as good, even though it has the same current RRP / value. I am basing the value, on what it costs today to replace it, rather than the special sale price I purchased it for.
I am just wondering if anyone has come across this type of problem before when getting something fixed or replaced?
I guess I could instead go to the manufacturer about it, and see if they could arrange for them to replace it with the identical model with the retailer. However I would have thought that the retailer would do this for me. They have said that some retailers have exclusive rights to some models, which is why they no longer stock this particular model. So they can't order it in, because they don't have the rights to it, and they can only replace it with ones they stock.