Q: About two months ago I bought a coffee machine from a local supermarket. After a month, the coffee machine stopped working and I took it back to the place I had bought it from .

The seller accepted it back and we agreed to have it fixed. The coffee machine was repaired and for a while it worked just fine. However, after about four weeks, the same problem occurred. I have now requested that the machine be replaced with a new one, as it is quite evident that it is defective.

Am I entitled to make such a request? And does the two-year guarantee start from scratch when a defective product is replaced?

A: When we purchase a product that is defective, the law provides that the seller must, in the first instance, repair or replace it. It is common practice that if the defect can be repaired without causing any significant inconvenience to consumers, then we should allow the seller to repair it.

However, if the same defect occurs, as happened with your coffee machine, then you may request a replacement. It is within your rights to make such a request.

If a replacement is not possible because the seller does not have a new coffee machine to give you, then legally you may ask for your money back.

If the coffee machine is replaced and the new machine also results defective, legally you are entitled to a cash refund.

Your two-year guarantee does not start from scratch. When a defective product is replaced, the original guarantee continues.