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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this is not fit for purpose and want a refund?

30 replies

WaterBiscuit · 21/06/2012 14:55

A pushchair (brand and store withheld etc). The brake pedals stick out further than the back wheels so you can't roll it up and down steps. The pedals catch on the step and scrape up the risers, damaging the pedals and putting the brake on. There's nothing wrong with it, just a poor design. I called the manufacturer and the store and the response was the same - basically, that's just the way it is and you're not supposed to pull it up and down stairs.
Well . . . sorry but how else am I going to move it? I'm in an apartment block with 3 steps at the front door. The shop suggested that I should fold it up and only unfold it when I'm on the flat. Now that's just physically impossible, I can carry the pushchair and my 4 month old to the door and down the steps okay, but how the chuffing hell do I unclip its catches (one each side) and pull it upright while holding the baby? And then what do I do when I come across a couple of steps when I'm out and about? I know this isn't a problem with all pushchairs as I used to have a different brand, so I was really surprised that such a well-known and long established company hadn't thought it would be a problem. But it seems I am stuck with it. Advice, folks?

OP posts:
ObiWan · 21/06/2012 14:59

I've had a few buggies like that.

To be honest, I think it's just one of the things you have to look for before you buy them. Not everyone will have the issues with stairs etc. that you do, so I wouldn't say the thing was unfit for purpose.

Original poster
WaterBiscuit · 21/06/2012 15:07

Umm. Yes, probably 'unfit for purpose' is a bit strong. Unfit for MY purposes though! So I am probably cross as well because I didn't think to look for that particular issue, but just assumed that's what everyone does with steps and the manufacturers would have realised that. I think you are probably more measured and reasonable than me! Smile

OP posts:
LST · 21/06/2012 15:09

My old one did that. Really annoying.

No help though OP sorry!

nickelbarapasaurus · 21/06/2012 15:09

i think it's unfit for purpose.

it's a buggy.

how the hell are you supposed to get up and down kerbs for example?

and i think you should try again, and explain that it's not your fault it's a shit design.

EnglishGirlApproximately · 21/06/2012 15:10

How much have you used it? Most places would refund for goodwill if it was unused and could be resold. The onus is on you as a customer to make sure it suits your needs. In this case it isn't a fault but isn't suitable for where you live so they have no obligation to refund. I worked for a nursery retailer and these things happen a lot, people trying to return pushchairs as they are too heavy, won't fit in the car etc. It's so important to check thdse things before you buy

Original poster
WaterBiscuit · 21/06/2012 15:16

Hi EnglishGirl. I've only had it a few days, but it has been used. Totally agree with what you're saying that it's up to me to check it's suitable for my needs, but even if I didn't have steps at my front door, I would have to navigate steps sometimes . . . doesn't everyone? How do you do it if not ascending in reverse/descending on back wheels?

OP posts:
ObiWan · 21/06/2012 15:17

No, OP, I am not measured and reasonable, I am resigned.

We have a few children, and have gone through many, many pushchairs. I have learned the hard way to look for problems where other people see 'quirky design features'. Grin

Original poster
WaterBiscuit · 21/06/2012 16:03

I've had a call back from the manager at the store who was really nice, and wanted to be helpful, but said it wasn't a fault etc so she couldn't do anything about it. The interesting thing is that she said the manufacturers had designed it this way DELIBERATELY to STOP people bumping up and down steps because this can damage the frame and then people want refunds for a damaged frame. So I kind of see their point a little bit but in all honesty - taking the baby out and folding the thing every time you have to deal with steps or a high kerb??
So I guess that was a waste of £100 then, as I'm going to have to buy a different one. V v annoyed (at myself as well for not thinking about it. Grrr).

OP posts:
EnglishGirlApproximately · 21/06/2012 16:44

Its a shame they won't do it for goodwill as its only been a few days. It's true that everyone will have to negotiate steps at some point but they won't change anything without LOTS of complaints. By the way, i've been a shop manager for 20 years for 5 companies and have never needed permission from a manufacturer to do a refund. The manager will have the power to make that decision, she is just choosing not to as it will hit the p & l for the store. If the store is part of a chain you could always contact head office customer services and go from there.

BarredfromhavingStella · 21/06/2012 16:49

Obvious Question I'm sure, but did you not notice the design when you looked at it in the shop before you bought it? Hmm

Original poster
WaterBiscuit · 21/06/2012 17:55

Barred - well yes but I looked at things like stability, weight, size etc - never thought of brake pedal design being a problem I would have to consider.

OP posts:
BarredfromhavingStella · 21/06/2012 18:12

I only asked as I spent ages looking at prams we were going to buy & this was one of the things I did look at. But hey lesson learned I suppose-expensive one though, could try selling it on Ebay?

takingiteasy · 21/06/2012 18:13

I think this is quite common with stroller type buggies I recall my basic one from toys r us doing it. Why not get a sling for going in and out? Bumping that often is going to damage any frame.

OhNoMyFanjo · 21/06/2012 18:32

Have you tried looking at tge wording on their website, does it match with what you have? Tweet the store/manufactor they hate neg feedback.

fuckityfuckfuckfuck · 21/06/2012 19:12

Surprising how many buggies are designed this way. I had a bargain Silvercross freeway that I had to get rid of before ds was even born as I realised that I couldn't physically get it up to my flat as the brake overshot the wheels and went on with each bump. I live on the first floor, up about 15 steps Hmm Not the manufacturers fault though really. I don't think the shop would even think about giving you a refund.

griphook · 21/06/2012 19:19

Is it a mamas and papas by any chance?

VodkaKnockers · 21/06/2012 19:22

That sounds like my old silvercross buggy.

Heap of shit!

elizaregina · 21/06/2012 19:29

water - you have my complete sympathy and also checking for a pushchair going up and down steps can be hard to do in a store which may be flat.

i have considered lots of things looking for pushcahir but tbh, i have to say - making sure it could go up and down steps isnt something that would EVER cross my mind, too bug for car, hard to fold, too heavy, too fragile etc...

we do not live where steps are but have millions of times bumped it up and down stairs - railway stations - out and about.....

Water - i can imagine the out cry at this - but as its your precious 100 pounds, and what i would certainly call a design fault, AND they can re sell that surely as a second, i would probably get a bit shitty threaten reviews etc...

can you tell us what make it is as i am about to buy as well, and certianly woldnt want to be lumbered with a pushcair that A) couldnt go up and down stairs and B) had such a flimsy frame they designed it not to do this to protect a crap frame.

zipzap · 21/06/2012 19:31

When you were buying the pram did you get any advice from sales staff? If so, is it worth trying out that they mid-sold it to you because at no point did they point out it was not suitable for steps - and if they say that you need to ask about steps you could counter that steps are a really common thing and a part of everyday life in the uk, you should not have to ask about them specifically.

Plus, if it is a 'design feature' that it can't be bumped down stairs as you were told by the manager then this is something they should be pointing out and on the 'features' info label for the product, along with a rainhood, adjustable back and swivelly wheels or whatever. But im guessing they dont want to do that because if they put it as a feature then hmmm how many people are going to buy a pram which can't be used on steps without folding it up... They can't have it both ways!

I'd then speak to trading standards if you have no joy, ask them if they think it is acceptable to sell a pram that can't do steps without telling you. And then use twitter, reviews on here, amazon, mothercare, kiddicare etc to stop other parents making the same mistake erroneous assumptions you did and inform them of all the pram's features!

Moodykat · 21/06/2012 19:38

I agree with Zipzap. And I think you should name and shame!

EnglishGirlApproximately · 21/06/2012 19:50

Trading standards would be unlikely to get involved in my experience as failing to say it won't do stairs isn't in any way false advertising or a safety issue . As other posters have said this design is common in buggies and if TS had a problem with it they would all have been withdrawn. I get threatened with TS at least twice a week and have only been contacted by them 3 times in 20 years. Store staff wil always try to help polite, reasonable people with well presented arguments than people who start threatening Twitter, watchdog etc

Stellarforstar · 21/06/2012 19:51

Surely, the sticky out bits are going to snap off some time soon, which means they will have to refund/replace it.

DoesItComeInBlack · 21/06/2012 19:59

No if the sticky out bits break off the bunch of bastards will just say it was misused and still refuse to do anything about it, to be fair OP i'd never have thought of checking for that either.

izzyizin · 21/06/2012 19:59

How are you expected to get it on a bus/train/tube?

Sounds like a design flaw coupled with flimsy components that can't withstand the rigours of what a buggy is intended for.

Back in the day I had a Maclaren buggy that went upstairs, downstairs, got thrown into assorted plane holds, and was generally tested to the limit.

It's as good as new and languishing in the attic pending the arrival of my 1st dgc

Graciescotland · 21/06/2012 20:08

I bought a cheapish buggy (boots black and white thing to name and shame) exactly the same problem. It is a PITA two stairs/curbs and you can tilt it back but three stairs means the brakes click on and your dragging stationary wheels upstairs.

It's not something I checked either, live and learn.