The shop (Currys) talked her into having a top of the range model, which she is having difficulty using basically because she doesn't understand the instructions.
She has asked Currys to change it for a more user friendly model several times, but they have refused, as it isn't faulty.
However, I've checked a few consumer rights websites, and they say goods have to be "fit for purpose".
So would "fit for purpose" mean it should be easy for anyone to use, even a rather easily confused OAP?
2007-11-11 00:36:23 · 12 answers · asked by Bum Gravy. 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
Thanks so far. Just to add, I've gone through the instructions with her a couple of times, but she's still struggling.
I'll try re-writing them more simply.
2007-11-11 01:02:31 · update #1
It may help to be persistent in requesting an exchange. Try writing a letter to the store manager with copies going the corporate office, the manufacturer, your local Better Business Bureau and your state Consumer Protection agency. (Be sure you list who copies were sent to on the letter to the manager.)
You might also try contacting the local Council or Agency on Aging, they may have people who are experienced advocating for seniors.
I have a neighbor who is also unable to learn to use any new appliance or electronic device; she has been baffled by a new microwave, new internet service provider, new phones, etc. Even with step by step instructions written simply and posted near the appliance, she can not do the new steps to use anything new. She's gone out to re-purchase items in her frustration, and we've worked with her to undo some of the new purchases. My heart goes out to her, she does become frustrated and hates to ask for help.
2007-11-11 01:38:37 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why can't someone read the instructions and properly train her on the correct way to operate the washer/dryer? And, if she is still unable, does she have any children living close by that would be willing to trade her appliances? I would still call the corporate office and complain. I just recently bought all new appliances, and the installers went through everything with me.
2007-11-11 00:55:58 · answer #2 · answered by Harley Lady 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Best way is for the machine to develope an intimitent fault.This way if the fault occurs now and then, the engineer that will undoubtly come out will not be able to say it has no fault, and an uplift will take place! The machine is then replaced with a model of your choice....
2007-11-11 00:44:56 · answer #3 · answered by anton k 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hopefully your friend has still got the receipt. They have policies that they have to follow and on the receipt folder that she should have received at the time of purchase it states "If you bought your product and have now changed your mind, we will exchange or refund it within 28 days of purchase. Proof of purchase will be required and the product must be unopened and complete with any free gifts supplied." Now then....don't worry about the "unopened" part. Could you go to the shop where she bought it with her because it sounds like there was a bit of naughtiness going on when she bought it and if you talk to the Manager he might, as a sign of goodwill, exchange it for her. Unfortunately, it sounds like she was taken advantage of due to her being elderly. You could make a complaint against the sales person who dealt with it....their name will be on the receipt....and you could ask for the address and phone number of their Head Office (it is on the receipt but actually asking the Manager for it will show that you intend to take the matter as far as you can!)
If you have to then get in touch with the Head Office either in writing, by phone or on their website by email. If you help her it will get sorted out, we are sure. Good luck. Thankyou for being a good neighbour and friend to her....there are some unscrupulous sales people out there and you have to know how to deal with them.
2007-11-11 01:32:58 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Sadly no fit for purpose is that it has a specific job and it does that job. Your neighbor should have considered the user friendly side of it before purchase. She should have just stuck to her first choice and if the refused to sell it to her she should have went else where to purchase. She should try to sell the new ones and then go to a different store and purchase one that is just a basic set.
2007-11-11 00:47:07 · answer #5 · answered by fresh_horses_7 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Fit for the purpose means the washing machine/dryer should wash and dry clothes. If it does that then it is fit for the purpose. Unfortunately this requirement does not cover being user friendly for an elderly person.
2007-11-11 00:41:15 · answer #6 · answered by reggie 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Make her some posters or signs explaining quite simply the operating instructions in a way she understands and hang above or beside the appliances.
2007-11-11 01:35:05 · answer #7 · answered by Aloha_Ann 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Do you know someone in the media? If you do, can you get them to consider a "human interest" story on stores that fleece "confused OAP's"? Often all it takes is a few questions from one of these people, for them to see the error of their ways, and agree to the change.
Alternatively, I would be looking for a consumer advocacy group. They often go to bat for old people with companies that are taking advantage of them. NO responsible company wants to get the reputation of conning their clients into goods that are too advanced for them. Sadly you see this sort of thing go on all the time with door to door salesmen.
2007-11-11 00:57:28 · answer #8 · answered by Susie Q 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
could you read the instructions for her and explain it simply to her.
my washing machine has a dozen programs but I only need to use 2 of them
2007-11-11 09:40:55 · answer #9 · answered by Diamond 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may need to spend
more time teaching her
how to feel comfortable
using them.
2007-11-11 05:37:09 · answer #10 · answered by candle 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋