to consider returning a product which isn't as described?

[IceBeing]

having tent woes....

We bought an expensive tent ~£600 which we could have bought cheaper ~£300 because the description of the ground sheet was that it didn't contain pvc.

Once we pitched the tent for the first time we realise that the ground sheet couldn't possibly be made of the material that was claimed.

On returning from the trip we checked with manufacturers rather than retailer and discovered it is indeed made with pvc.

So can we / should we return a tent we have used given that it was sold to us as not made with pvc when it is actually made with pvc?

[TestingTestingWonTooFree]

If that's important to you, then yes, you should return it.

[nornironrock]

I'm genuinely intrigued... Why is that a problem? (Excuse my potential ignorance)

[DoJo]

YANBU - if it was specifically sold as something that it's not (not to mention priced to match) then I would return it.

[KPlunk]

Where did you get it from? I think you can return it but that will be easier if you bought it from say John Lewis rather than EBay.

It might be a bit tricky because you used it for the trip as it might look as though you just wanted to use a tent and not pay for it iyswim

[IceBeing]

yes I am worried about the fact it is 'used' now. But I don't know that we could have been expected to notice the problem without using it if you see what I mean.

Ahhh the problem....many tents are made of plastic....this means you need to coat them in fire retardant which is toxic. People have been poisoned by drinking water collected from standard tents (yes - I know - why would you DO that).

So we went for a canvass tent as they don't burn and hence don't need the extra chemicals...which are of a random nature and different from tent to tent.

PVC is a wonderful substance but in order to make it useful for making ground sheets you have to mix it with stabilisers...and maybe plasticisers. Many of these are either heavy metal based or similarly random and toxic chemicals as per the fire retardants.

There is evidence that the chemicals and heavy metals can leach out of the PVC particularly if exposed to water or other solvents. There can also be dust formed from the stabilisers that accumulated.

So when we found a tent that claimed not to have either PVC or fire retardants we thought we had won!

But not so much. Now we have an expensive tent that we don't particularly want to use.

[nornironrock]

Ah, ok... Been camping for over 30yrs, but not something I'd ever heard of, I have to admit...

Either way, the retailer has sold you a product you have discovered not to be as advertised. Of course you can return it.

I've recently used the Sales of Goods act to get a replacement for a faulty product after warranty period, and it was actually a fairly easy read... I'd be willing to bet there is something in there if the retailer turns into a bit of an arse about it.

Good Luck!!!!

[IceBeing]

thanks! We will see what they say....

[KPlunk]

You have probably already thought about it but I would take screen shots of the advertising to take with you when you go to take it back.

[IceBeing]

hmm..it wasn't advertising so much as we asked by email what the ground sheet was made of and got a detailed response, also by email, which was sadly completely incorrect.

A screen shot of the website where is doesn't mention PVC could also be useful so I will get one ASAP!

[LurkingHusband]

If you made it clear at the time of purchase that being non-PVC was a key factor in your decision to purchase, and it turns out the item is PVC, then the supplier (shop) has not fulfilled the contract. What they do with the incorrectly supplied goods is their problem - not yours.

The fact you have this proven in email form is perfect.

Don't let yourself be sidetracked into discussions about your reasoning for wanting a non-PVC tent. They are irrelevant to the contract.

[IceBeing]

got a saved version of webpage which says polyester coated fabric....good call kplunk

[IceBeing]

lurking I am not sure how clear we were that PVC was a deal breaker. We asked for details about the make up of the groundsheet and made our decision based on the fact it didn't include PVC.

[BeeRayKay]

Then that's fine. Your reasoning for purchase or otherwise is irrelevant.

You bought something based on the facts presented.
Those facts were wrong.

You've been missold.

[KPlunk]

Is it a tortuga groundsheet?

It's an odd description as it doesn't make sense really. You don't have fabrics with a polyester coating
and polyester isn't waterproof unless it's treated with something.

[IceBeing]

it is tortuga....

yes it is certainly different. I think it was a mistake in the translation from the german.

We have now had an email from the seller saying oops...they must have changed the specs on me - they keep doing that ho hum...

Not sure if he will be expecting our phone call saying actually we don't want the tent because of this.

[KPlunk]

That's good they have admitted the mistake. Are you going to try and get them to take the tent back as well as the ground sheet or was there a problem with the tent too - do you think that might be problematic?

[IceBeing]

it is a stitched in groundsheet, so the whole thing will be going back.

[KPlunk]

That fair enough then. .

[Mitzimaybe]

You have the email stating what it's made from, and you purchased on that basis. You have another email admitting it doesn't match what they promised beforehand. You didn't realise it wasn't made of that until you pitched it. Cast iron and watertight case for a full refund.