Complaint against Currys about my laptop, help!!?

Question

I bought a brand new laptop from Currys on Saturday but when i got it home i discovered that it had been used already!! As it is a 60 mile round trip to get there i was very angry about this!!The computer also contains details of the 12 year old girl who used to own it. It has all her personal details including address, phone number, email, bebo, her school and it has photos on it. I'm bringing it back later & am going to complain but not sure what to say. Can i demand money off a new one? Also what about the fact i will have had to drive a total of 120 miles!!! What would i be entitled too & also what laws have they broke by selling me a laptop with the girls details on it? they're bound to have broken the data protection act!! Should i contact her parents to let them know what has happened as anybody at all could have got hold of it!!

Answer 1

Lot of issues here. However, not to panic. The shop sold you a used model in breach of the Sale of Goods and Services Act. You are entitled to a full refund or exchange, and could negotiate a price reduction and apology.
If you have contact details of the wee lass, then use your discretion.
See only the manager here. And talk to Trading Standards....we used to get this issue with fones also.

Answer 2

I am not an expert but one thing is for sure. If Curry's has sold the good to you for saying it is new and you have proof that it is used you can exchange or refund according tot the store policy. Secondly there must have been a seal that must have been broken if the computer was used. Currys could argue that you have brought it home and then inserted the data. The previous owner might have a better chance at sueing Curry's than you do. So I would advise you contacting them and letting them know about the situation. For all you seem to know the Laptop might have been stolen although that is very unlikely as the laptop was in the shop and it is hard to get a refund with out a receipt.

About you having to drive that long: you could call up the store and state your situation. If they are good people they might offer to deliver a new laptp for exchange. You could find the number on your recept or the store locator on curry's website. I think your issue is a serious one. You should contact the store first, I think. Thre could be a problem with contacting the previous owner as there might be law against using private information of somebody else with out them allowing you to do it. But i am not sure about that. As someone else has suggested you should seek the advise of some goverment help bureau. These are just my suggestions and like I said i am not an expert.

So GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 3

You are entitled to a complete refund. The three R's of the Small Claims Court are Repair / Replacement / Refund. You bought a NEW laptop and you got a SECONDHAND one. Take nothing less than a Complete Refund and go else where for a new laptop.
With regard to your travelling expenses etc, I am not sure you might have to write them off and put it down to plain bad luck.

What will they try next.

PS Don't go to PC World they are just as bad. Go to some small but well established dealer. Or get one from Dell you will get it Taylor made. I did and never looked back, and no matter what you hear about Dell Service. I had problems and got them sorted out very quick. And another plus is they will deliver it within a week of receiving the cheque. You will be surprised at the price as well really a bargain no store will compare check it out before you commit yourself.

Answer 4

First i'd call currys, tell them the situation. See if you get an adequote response. Don't go 120 miles, take it to your nearest currys. Currys is currys whatever, county your in. You can demand a refund. if all else fails go to the CAB for advice.

As for personal details left on the pc. Report it to the consumer protection people.

Stuart

Answer 5

Phone the store and speak to the manager only. Explain about this laptop to him, and tell him that you are contacting this girls parents about the matter, so he will most probably be hearing from them as well. Strees the point that his company has breached the Data Protection Act. Then tell him that you want another laptop at a reduced price to compensate you for their mistake, and you want it delivered for free. If he can't agree on this, then tell him you are prepared to go to the media with the story. Be firm with him.

Answer 6

All of the above..plus you could demand that they collect and deliver the new laptop.
Most people believe that the customer HAS to return the goods this isn't always the case.

If in doubt contact Trading Standards or the Citizens advise Bureau, they will even argue for you too, they enjoy it!!!

Answer 7

I would first contact the girls parents to let them know about what happened.

I'd then CALL the computer store and tell them what happened andthat you demand a full refund and a substantial discount on a NEW computer. That or simply a refund and you keep it/reinstall windows.

Answer 8

thats well out of order!! they should state if the laptop had been used, that makes it second hand! you should def get some money off they next one, new should mean new!!i wouldnt contact the previous owners, might freek them out, if curries get difficult and sayt they wont give u a discount, quote the special words 'trading standards' and ask to see the manager!! best of luck!! ooh im sure they could give you a free usb stick as well!! call it petrol money!!

Answer 9

as long as you have proof of purchase you should be able to demand a full refund from them or a replacement laptop. It would be a good idea to call the customer service number and perhaps evan to ring the store you bought it from and ask to speak to the manager.

Answer 10

Inform Currys that you are contacting Trading Standards and see what they offer. They won't want them involved but if you don't get satisfaction go to them. This could cost Currys £ thousands if Trading standards take it up!