AIBU to insist on a replcement not a refund?

[Astley]

I recently bought a bike for my DC1. It arrived with a dent on the handlebar. I emailed the shop and asked for a replacement part as it was in the removable handle bar and could easily be replaced.

The shop have called me to say that they have an issue with the maker of the said bike and that they do not want to pay for the replacement part and neither will the maker (both blaming each other for it)

They said they will not send a replacement as the maker will not send THEM a replacement so will I accept a refund?

Am I within my right to say No I want a replacement, the bike arrived damaged and surely the shop should replace it if that's what I want? Can they make me take a refund when I know they have the bike in stock????

It doesn't seem right that the customer should be punished because the shop says the dent is a manufacturing fault and the maker says it was not packaged correctly... which IMO it wasn't as the screws were not in a little bag but rattleing around it the box

[dilemma456]

Message withdrawn

[bruffin]

Your contract is with the shop not the manufacturer., so they can't pass on their manufacturer problems onto you.

I would take the money and use someone else

[MadameCastafiore]

FFS - punished is a bit of a harsh word isn't it - we are talking about a kids bike - do you have nothing else in your life to concern you - just take the cash and go and get him a new one!

No one is punishing you - I think in fact you are getting a good deal - most people whould be on here moaning if they had been offered a replacement part and not a refund.

[sb6699]

What dilemma said. I would take your money and opt for a different bike.

Sounds as if even if you got a replacement, if there was any problems you would find it difficult to get it replaced/fixed.

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

If you like that certain type of boke so much and you know the shop still has them in stock just take the refund and then buy another!

[Sassybeast]

PITA having to go and buy a new bike but yABU to think that THEY are BU.

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

lol bike not boke

[piratecat]

Your contract is with the retailer, and i can't see the problem with them giving you a replacement if they have one in stock? it would mean they would be giving you less in a monetary way, becuase they surely have a mark up on the bike?

Do they def have one in stock?

in this case I think i would take the money and run.

[BigBadMummy]

They are trying to help you.

They could promise you a replacement but what happens if it doesn't arrive? They have to let you down.

Take it graciously and go elsewhere

All this arguing leaves your son with no bike.

Take the money and take him out tomorrow to buy a new one.

[mayorquimby]

"Am I within my right to say No I want a replacement"

In a word NO. you are only entitled to a replacement or repair where the shop can provide it and you are willing to accept. They can't provide it so you're not entitled to it. YABU

[Astley]

They have said they will not let me buy a new bike actually I don't want a refund as the bike is at least £10 more expensive anywhere else

They have many in sotck so they easily can provide a replacement bu they won't as the manufacturer will not refund the shop. The fault is cosmetic, there is nothing wrong with the bike per se, it was just pacaged poorly IMO.

[SpottyMuldoon]

Well then get the refund and buy another bike from them.

[Astley]

stock and packaged

[Astley]

They have said they will not process another order from me They said if the manufacturer won't pay for the damaged bike even though it was damaged by them on delivery then they will not sell me another one as it could happen again and they might have 2 damaged bikes that they have to re sell for a lower value.

Personally I think they could put the screws in a thicker bag so they didn't go through the bag and dent bikes personally...

[SpottyMuldoon]

That's ridiculous. Why are they selling the bike to anyone if the same thing could happen? Either they stock them and deal with it if the goods are damaged or take them off sale altogether.

Not sure what you can do about it though. You can't force them to do what you want. You may have to just accept the fact that you'll have to pay the extra to get it elsewhere.

[Astley]

The manufactuer has said that they are not happy with the shop selling these bikes as they are damaging the bikes reputaion so would like to buy them all back which the shop is refusing. I don't think they will sell anymore now TBH as they don't seem willing to risk anyone needing anything replacing.

[Astley]

Oh and they only sell one type of bike and you can't buy it in shop sadly.

Madamecasta why so nasty? Yes I do have more to concern me but this was my DC's birthday present and the shop and the manufactuer are using me in their arguements with each other. I have said to both I will accept the replacement part which I will fit myself or a new bike. I'm not rying to cause them problems at all, I just would prefer not to have to order another bike at a higher coat to me when they could send the part but won't becuase they have fallen out.

[screamingskull]

can you not take your money back and buy direct from manufacturer or take the money and ask a family member to order it to their name/adress and you give them the cash?

[Astley]

I can order direct from the manufacturer which is what I think I'll do but it it more expensive and I'm a little miffed that I will end up paying more.

I guess you live and learn, if I'd bought from Mothercare I'm sure they would have swapped it instantly but online, smaller shops don't want to lose any money at all so would rather lose a customer I think.

[Astley]

Yep I think I will have to. The shop is clearly trying to make the manufactuer pay for their mistake and I worry about anything else going wrong and them trying to wriggle out of it