I bought a laptop from the UK high street electrical store Currys 20 months ago, and it worked fine until the charger decided to pack in. I did not buy any extended warranty, so walked back into Currys expecting a bit of a battle.

However, I'd read up on the Sale of Goods Act, and expected them to explain to me what process I had to follow to justify a replacement charger - in my opinion, I'd need to get an independent report showing that the product was manufactured with a defect that reduced its life expectancy.

However, it was talking to 2 sales staff, a call centre tech support guys and the deputy manager, not a single one of them offered me this route.

They all insisted that I needed to take up the issue with the manufacturer, Toshiba, and that Currys were not responsible. I demanded to talk to customer service, so was put through on the phone.

Again, I had to explain why Currys were liable and eventually they offered me the option of submitting a report. Even then I had to press on the next steps and process.

It's a long sorry tale which I'll written in far greater detail at:

http://money.wikinut.com/A-laptop%2C-the-Sale-of-Goods-Act-and-incompetence-from-Currys/neslw8ax/

I'm very unimpressed with their approach, and would urge anybody else in a similar position to press them - without making a nuisance of yourself, nothing will be offered.

Don't let them get away with it! Fight for your rights...