To hold this fridgefreezer from ARGOS hostage?

[wump]

I stupidly ( i now realise ) ordered and paid in full for a fridge freezer and electric cooker online from ARGOS around 7ish weeks ago the payment was swiftly taken from my bank account and i received a text and email acknowledging my order, then many further texts giving the delivery date. All good so far... the delivery date was then changed to 'pick another or take next available one' no explanation was given. Ok changed time off and took next available date, items were duly delivered but upon opening packaging long story short both were damaged! Now the real problems started... customer services via telephone just aren't interested and instruct you to email as there is nobody who can resolve my complaint on the the phone?? I sent an email and got a reply blandly apologising and basically saying these things happen, i raised the point that these were vital kitchen appliances and pretty difficult to manage without (i had paid extra to have the old cooker removed and sold my old fridge freezer) as they had my hard earned money i couldn't afford to go elsewhere to replace them, i was told the next available delivery date for replacement would be in 9 days take it or leave it. No refunds can be given until ARGOS have the items back it then takes 5 to 7 days to generate a refund!!! So we botched the cooker in and thankfully it works damage is at the back and doesn't show, same with fridge freezer but which has frontal damage also, am told i could seek compensation when all issues had been resolved... Due to more mix ups today i have a damaged cooker that i said i,d keep if compensated, and 2 fridgefreezers as the 1st damaged 1 has not been collected, the replacement looks ok as far as i can tell.I rang ARGOS as instructed to discuss 'compensation' they said they'd give me £30 lol, i said not good enough, was told i had to write to head office if i wanted to dispute it, as this was the final insult she called it an offer though! Very late in the day i googled and discovered all the complaints about ARGOS and how others never get a reply from head office, tried ringing the complaints number which is no longer in use ha ha surprise surprise, So i am tempted to not let them collect their appliance until I am satisfied with the compensation offer what would you do?

[MothersGrim]

I hear nothing good from Argos lately, and had a couple of run ins myself. I wouldnt go anywhere near them for anything other than a £10 child's toy and only if I was desperate.

Did you pay by credit card? Please say yes!

[littledrummergirl]

We had similar when we bought a f/fzr from Argos. Bought it on next day delivery, when it arrived the box was damaged in the front. I insisted on inspecting it before I accepted it and as they were lowering it of the lorry they dropped it!
I refused it, was given the un helpline number who told me i could have a new one in two weeks! They would refund the cost of next day delivery.

I declined, asked for a refund which took four weeks and two phone calls due to "a glitch in the system", received no apology from them and ended up driving to currys who delivered a new one that afternoon. It was better and cheaper than the Argos one.

I will never buy large kitchen appliances from Argos again.

[wump]

I paid by debit card .

[MothersGrim]

www.money.co.uk/current-accounts/is-debit-card-protection-the-same-as-for-credit-cards.htm

Even on a debit card a Chargeback might work

[wump]

Thanks for that MothersGrim i will contact my bank.

[Capricorn76]

No advice but had the same problem with them a few years ago. 'Customer services' were rude basically giving me no option on when they would collect item which turned up in wrong colour. Took ages to rectify including time taken off work. Never again will I order something from them.

[DuchessofAnkh]

why why why Argos????

//ao.com everytime! fast delivery, they have every item you could possibly want - never had an issue.

[wump]

Update, The new fridgefreezer arrived at 9.35 this morning, i received an email at 9.59 asking why damaged one hadn't been returned? Amazing how speedily their customer service works in reverse, hmm how long should i leave them without answers?

[FlabulousChic]

Debit cards are for purchases up to £100. You arent protected above that only on credit cards.