Had a mate ring me yesterday. His laptop died 18 months after he bought it. Shop told him tough luck, warranty was 12 months. He was ready to just buy a new one. I told him to push back.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is stronger than people realise. For the first six months, the law assumes any fault was there from the start. The seller has to prove it wasnt. After six months and up to six years, the burden shifts to you. But heres the thing most people miss. You still have rights. The key is that goods must last a reasonable length of time.
What is reasonable depends on the item. A 50 quid kettle lasting 13 months is probably fine. A 1200 laptop dying after 18 months is not. The law says the seller has to give you a repair, replacement or refund. And they only get one chance at a repair. If they mess that up, you can demand a refund or price reduction.
The other one worth knowing is Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. If you paid between 100 and 30,000 on a credit card, the card provider is jointly liable. So if the company goes bust or fobs you off, you go after the bank. I had a friend get 2 grand back for a sofa that fell apart after two years. The retailer was long gone, but the credit card company paid.
Most people just don't push. They assume theyre stuck. But the law is on your side more than you think. Next time something breaks too soon, dont just eat the cost. Make the seller do their job.
Paul