Am I entitled to a refund or an exchange ??

[nutcracker]

I brought Dd1 a pair of long black boots from Barretts just under 2 weeks ago. She has worn them non stop since but today I noticed that around the top of the boot there is a little slit with elastic in and on the one it has all come unstitched.

I am going to take them back in tommorow. I do have the receipt but no box. If they have another pair then I am quite prepared to swap them, but if not I want a refund, will I get one ?

IMO boots should last longer than 2 weeks. I'd be looking for a refund if they're defective.

Exactly, they weren't cheap either, £25 which IMO isn't cheap.

The Sale of Goods Act is the main piece of law helping buyers to obtain redress when their purchases go wrong. It is in the interest of anyone who sells goods or services to understand the implications of the Act for them and the responsibilities they have under it.

Essentially, the Act states that what you sell must fit its description, be fit for its purpose and be of satisfactory quality. If not, you - as the supplier - are obliged to sort out the problem.

Aside from the legal issues, it makes sense to comply with the requirements of the Act in order to build customer relationships.

I think things have to be 'fit for purpose' and 'of satisfactory quality'

obviously kids boots that last two weeks are neither of these things

take them back, you have the receipt which is the necessary proof of purchase. Demand a refund if you want one

cross post lgj

Sorry to barge in but I have a similar problem. Got DD (18 mth) a pair of shoes last week (UMI brand used to be Elefanten apparently?), she wore them once for a few hours and the die (raspberry colour!) from them is coming off on her socks where the strap across the foot goes. I rang the shop (first time I've bought shoes there) and explained last Friday, they asked me to bring the shoes (and socks?) in, I've been poorly so not able to get in but intend to go in the shop tomorrow.

All they would say is they need to see the socks and shoes before they'll discuss the matter. Shoes weren't cheap £32!

I don't really want another pair as not sure it won't happen again and didn't really like any of the others in her size - do you think they'll give a refund? Do they have to?

TIA.

If you have the receipt then the fact that you don't have the box is irrelevant.
The Sale of Goods Act requires that goods should be of 'merchantable quality' and 'fit for purpose' ie you should expect a pair of boots to stand up to being worn for normal walking for longer than 2 weeks. The shop must rectify the fault, but it would be reasonable of them to offer to repair the boot rather than replace it or refund your money.
I'd be surprised if they bothered to do this, though - you're much more likely to get a replacement or refund.

Ok, thanks, will let you know what happens.

Bump for help on my query - thanks

Sale of Goods Act says it is your choice of refund or repair - you don't have to accept repair if you actually want your money back.

...and just in case they try to palm you off with 'referring to their supplier' - be aware that legal responsibility lies with the shop, not the supplier - they sold you the goods.
Some shops try to palm people off with 'It's not supplier's policy...' etc etc and that is just a lot of bollox - your contract is with them, not their supplier.

Message withdrawn

Update ....Took them in this morning and they were more than happy to refund or replace especially as she also notcied the same thing happening on the other boot too.
Anyway, they have no size 1's and so they refunded my money and I am ringing tommorow to see if any came in on the delivery.

If not, it mean shoe shopping with Dd1 again which is just torture.

Message withdrawn