I bought a gravel cleaner from a shop. It was specifically designed for 20L - 40L tanks and my tank is 28L's so I assumed it would work fine. The way you got it to use suction is to pump it up and down to get a vacuum going but the level of water in my tank isn't enough to get a vacuum despite it being a large enough tank. I took it back once and they assured me it worked fine and gave it back. I tried it again and it didn't work so I took it back again. A nice lady was happy to give me a refund telling me that they use them and sometimes they don't work until an older man who worked there said 'What am I supposed to do with this? I obviously can't sell it on.' I told him that it wasn't my concern, he would have to speak to the manufacturer. He was extremely rude to me and took the product and my receipt off me. In the meantime I contacted my solicitor who advised my that they were breaking the law under the Sale Of Goods Act of 1979 as it wasn't 'fit for purpose' but since the pump didn't cost very much (£7.95) they couldn't do anything for me as any fees would cost more than the product.
Eventually I heard back from the shops manager. According to her, the pump worked fine and apparently I came in twice and told her employees that it worked fine but I still wanted a refund. I told her that was ridiculous, why would I come in and tell her it works fine if it doesn't? She was very rude and told me she would not give me a refund.
Clearly this shop just treats people like dirt and doesn't care what they sell as long as they make a profit. I really want to do something about this. They are breaking the law, surely there is something I can do? They shouldn't be allowed to get away with this but no solicitor will help me.
Sorry it was so long but I tried to include as much detail as possible.
(This seemed like the category that it fit in best, please don't have a go at me if I put it in the wrong category)
Thanks.
I'm in the U.K.
Answer by Paul Green
The only option you have is to report it to your local Trading Standards office. They will investigate on your behalf.
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Orignal From: Shop breaking the law, what can I do?
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