Do I contact apple or ao?

[tbhb]

Bought a new Mac mini M4 on finance from ao two weeks ago. It turned itself off mid factory reset and now has a flashing red light, Won’t turn on and has no display on my tv so I can’t see the screen to try to do anything.

been trying for hours and nothing is working. Do I contact apple or ao?

ao, you paid them so they need to fix/replace it

Your contract is with ao

Yes ao. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/return-faulty-goods/

Your statutory rights are via AO as you bought from them however you also have a warranty with Apple so you can contact either. In my experience, Apple customer service is excellent and if I was in your position I would go through them, especially if you live somewhere with an Apple Store and can take it in.

ETA if you want to return for a refund then AO would be the way you need to go. If you want repair or replace I would recommend Apple. You can start via their online support (which, again, I find excellent).

AO will have to replace it for a new one within 30 days so I would go with them as your first port of call. Apple will repair instead so it’s best you go to the retailer.