Zips on breeches subject to misuse?

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alwaysbroke

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Have returned two pairs of OH's Rodney Powell Breeches (RP) to the shop he bought them from, an online one which in the past I have been very happy with.
He purchased these 4 months ago together with a pair of his favourite Mark Todd (MT)ones.
He is a riding instructor so tends to live in breeches, Mark Todd ones usually last 18/24 months.
The 'new' batch have been used in rotation with 2 pairs of older breeches, so have not been hammered. Breeches and trousers always have the zips and waist band done up to wash.
The zips on the RP ones broke, one pair just before the other, and I returned them both, clean, last week.
Have just received an email saying that the RP breeches are being returned without any repair or replacement as the zips MAY have been subject to misuse and too much time has elapsed since purchase:mad: Sorry but I would expect zips to last a little longer than this, the MT ones most certainly do.
Am I right in being more than a little angry about this, the rrp on the RP breeches was £60, although they were reduced to £30.

Sorry forgot to say RP breeches were 4 monts old.
 
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I think you may have to swallow it, but I suggest you send them a polite letter detailing what you have said, and advising them that neither you, your OH or any friends will be buying any more stuff from them, send it to the Managing Director.
The fact that two zips went in such a short time suggests manufacturing fault, they should have returned them to the manufacturer, I suggest you ask them to do this, or give you the address.
I always check when I am buying good stuff that they have good zips, as I do find this is one of the weakest links in Jackets, but not had any problems with joddies.
As for misuse, well what kind of misuse are they suggesting?
 
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Hmm I would be inclined to remind them of your consumer rights! Generally anything under 6 months old (unless it is a perishable item) should be replaced if faulty. it depends on how long a zip is reasonably expected to last, but I think you can argue that sub-6 months is not excessive use!

Not sure what they mean by misuse? I would take offence to that and tell them so!
 
Tell them that under EU law you are eligible for a refund, repair or replacement of faulty goods for up to two years after purchase, and they should repair them unless they want to go to a small claims court :p ;)

J&C
 
Under the Sale of Goods Act 1974 all items have to be fit for purpose for at least six months from when they were sold. In the first six months it is the manufacturer's responsibility to prove that you were using the item inappropriately, after 6 months you can still have a refund but it is up to you to prove that there was a manufacturing fault.

A lot of retailers try it on but the law is on your side. I would suggest that you have a look on the Trading Standards website to get the rules clear in your own head, contct Consumer Direct if necessary to talk it through with them and then go back to the retailer.

If I knew you in RL I'd do it for you, I'm the queen of taking things back for a refund at our yard :D
 
Nocturnal said:
Misuse?! Good lord, what on earth are they suggesting your OH has been doing with them?! :eek::p
Click to expand...

Have been considering this all day, the mind boggles!!:rolleyes::D:rolleyes:

Thanks for your replies, my email of this morning may have done some good, I have just received another saying they are now reconsidering this!
I have sent a polite one back, thanking them, but holding off on my winter rug order until I get a reply;)
 
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