Press releases
4 September 2006
Laptop Replacement
A Lucky Laptop Replacement for Gloucester Resident!
Consumer Direct, the government's telephone and online consumer advice service, is advising people to know their rights as the number of households owning a computer or laptop increases.
Recent research shows that between January and April 2006 an estimated 13.9 million households (57 per cent) in Great Britain could access the internet from their home laptop or computer. This is an increase, of 0.6 million (5 per cent) over the last year.
Consumer Direct over the last year has received over 16,000 calls about personal computers, accessories and software items. Mrs Haynes from Gloucestershire was one of those callers.
Mrs Haynes, says 'Without the help of Consumer Direct, I would never have got such a successful redress.'
Mrs Haynes continues:
'I bought a laptop and within six weeks it became faulty. The trader agreed to repair it but within another six months the same fault recurred. Five months later, the fault returned but this time it was out of warranty and the trader refused to fix it. I contacted Consumer Direct South West and following their helpful advice, I managed to get a replacement laptop. I was ecstatic with the result as the new laptop even had a higher specification than my original!'
Purchasing a computer item can be an expensive purchase, and with lots of sales currently in the high-street, if you're looking to buy a new computer or a laptop, then follow Consumer Direct's advice:
- Before you buy your computer, look in PC magazines and on the internet to compare different models and prices.
- Think beforehand about what you want your computer to do and decide your budget.
- If buying on credit, then shop around as your seller may not offer you the best deal and ensure you check the terms and conditions.
- If you purchase your computer using a credit card or finance agreement, you may have additional protection.
- When ordering, be sure to keep copies of all receipts, details of the order, confirmations, correspondence and order numbers of your PC purchase.
- If buying online, ensure that the company has a UK contact address and telephone number in case you need to contact them.
- ALWAYS read the terms and conditions and small print on forms.
For further information and advice on consumer rights and how to gain redress when things go wrong, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit the website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.
