Is there much I can do about this?

[HexBramble]

I purchased a Skandika 10cm Self Inflating Mat from Amazon in June in readiness for our camping holiday in France this year. We tried it out at the end of July only to find it losing air so overnight it would lose it's firmness, and when re-packed, even with the valves closed, the small hole would allow back in, so it doesn't pack as well as what it should.

I looked at returning it to Amazon but it stated that it had gone beyond the acceptable return date. At this point, I emailed Skandika but didn't receive a reply. In the hope that we would get a reply on route, I took the mat with us (by this point, it wasn't packing away at all so it took up lots of space) and we ended up not using it at all and buying a cheap air bed to last the holiday. The company still didnt reply. We got on with our holiday.

As not to drip feed, our van broke down half way through and we had to return as foot passengers at the end of the holiday without our van and every part of our camp in the back of the van, including the faulty mat. It was then kept in storage until it could be repatriated, It was only returned to us last weekend, so even though much time has passed, I'm still hoping that the company will swop the faulty mat for one that works. I contacted the company some 7 weeks after the date of purchase, but they didnt get back to me at all.

I realise that some time has passed since, but I still have an expensive mat, that's never been used and is not fit for purpose. I don't want a refund, but I would love to exchange the mat for one without a leak!

Would this be possible or have I allowed too much time to elapse?

Your rights are against Amazon, not the manufacturer. Although you left it too long to reject the mat and get a full refund you are still entitled to a repair or replacement. Amazon can choose which to give you. If they choose to repair you cannot insist on a replacement. Assuming you paid by credit card your credit card provider is jointly liable with Amazon so you can deal with them if Amazon refuse to co-operate.

Thanks! I'll contact Amazon.

Sale of goods act - item not fit for purpose. You do not have any rights if you change your mind about something - this is what amazon restrict - but if the item is not fit for purpose you have statutory rights. Google sale of goods act letter - pretty sure moneysavingexpert has one. If item does not function as required you have statutory rights under the sale of goods act.

Your rights are - refund, repair or replace.

Fantastic everyone. I'd be delighted to have it repaired or replaced - am genuinely not after cash here - we already have one of these mats (bought it 4 years ago and it's a lovely quality item) and love it so realise that this is a blip. I'm guaranteed a good nights sleep on it so want it for my next holiday!

UPDATE: I sent an email similar to my OP and I received a reply last night. There's a replacement in its way already! Free of charge! With
A really nice reply too - I'm so pleased.

I need to send the faulty mat back and that I going to be a task and a half! It slowly re inflates and since it's a double, it's going to be a job to pack and send (should I keep it tight with packing tape, then wrap it in thick black bin liner plastic?)

All very worth it though. I'm really pleased that you all have me the confidence to email Amazon. Chuffed with the response!

Thanks again.

Aaaargh clumsy fingers in small phone! Excuse terrible typos.