Q: I bought a new tumble dryer. Since the shop only had one left, I accepted to take the showroom model and was given a five per cent discount on the original price.

The item was delivered to my house the following day. After reading the instructions, I tried to use it and immediately realised there were signs of water in the tray and also some fluff in the filter around the drum. I called the seller straight away to express my concerns but was assured that it was not a return and that the machine was probably used for demonstration purposes.

I believed the reply given but when I tried to use it the clothes were not coming out completely dry. I repeated the wash several times with different programmes but the clothes were still slightly wet in the centre.

I informed the seller that unless I was using it wrongly, the tumble dryer was defective. A technician was sent to my house and confirmed that the belt was undone, hence the drum was not turning. Since the technician was unable to fix the tumble dryer at my house, he said he needed to take it to the repair centre.

I complained with the manager that I paid over €700 for a new tumble dryer not a repaired one. The seller is trying to convince me to accept the repair. I would like to know what my rights are in this case?

A: Since the tumble dryer never worked properly, legally, you may ask the seller for a brand new replacement. If this is not possible, because you said you bought the showroom model, then you may ask for a refund.

If the seller refuses to either provide you with a new one or give you your money back, then you may file a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs.

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