Defective freezer

Q: Around two years ago I purchased a free-standing freezer for €600. After a few months the freezer started to give me problems. To date, it has been repaired four times.

This created a huge inconvenience. I was even given a hard time when asking for another freezer which I could use while mine was being repaired.

The freezer is yet again being repaired by the trader. I do not want it to be repaired again. The guarantee will expire in a few weeks’ time and I want my money back. Am I entitled to do so?

A: Since your freezer has already been repaired several times with no satisfactory result, before asking for a full refund the Consumer Affairs Act allows the trader to offer you a replacement.

If a similar freezer is no longer stocked by the trader, or if a replacement will cause you significant inconvenience, then you may either require an appropriate reduction of the price or else have the sale cancelled and thus claim a full refund.

Since the two years from the date of purchase will expire in a few weeks’ time, it is important for you to complain to the trader as soon as possible. Once the trader is notified about your complaint, the two years are suspended for the duration of the negotiations carried on between the trader and yourself with the aim of reaching an amicable settlement.

If you do not manage to obtain a satisfactory solution from the trader, you can file a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs.