Know Your Rights

Posted on 27 Jan 2003 at 15:30

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

 1 of 6

Gallery

Even the simplest purchase can sometimes run into problems. We show you how to avoid common pitfalls, and prime you with the essential legal know-how to get things put right.

There are few things better than the day your new PC arrives. Each member of the family opens a box, everything is quickly wired up and Windows soon chimes into action. It's a scene repeated many times across our green and pleasant land. Everything is just as it should be.

Sadly, though, it's not always like this. Bits arrive broken, parts missing and only excuses are offered in their place. The stuff of which consumer nightmare TV programmes are made.

Don't be put off buying a PC through fear of the worst-case scenario, though. We keep a constant check on the number of complaints about PC manufacturers we receive at Computer Buyer. When compared to the number of machines our readers buy, major problems are mercifully rare.

In this feature we'll look at what you can do to avoid disappointment. We'll see how you can avoid bad companies by looking out for classic tell-tale signs.

But no matter how picky you are about your supplier, if you're unlucky you may encounter a problem. If this happens, it's time to stand up and fight for your rights. Over the next few pages, we'll brief you on all the essential information you'll need to get results.

First, we'll see what protection the law offers you. We'll look at the specific Acts of Parliament concerned, and turn them into English. Then we'll take a few problem scenarios and see how the law works in practice.

Next, we'll explore the gentle art of making an informed and effective complaint. As we'll see, you won't need to get mad to get what you want. Indeed, that's often counter-productive. Instead, we'll look at effective letter-writing techniques that employ the legal understanding you'll have amassed. Used correctly, you'll increase your chances of success no end.

Finally, with the aim of keeping your blood pressure as low as possible, we'll also learn when it's just not worth complaining. There are occasions when the law says you're on a hiding to nothing. They are few and far between, but we'll look at them nonetheless. This way, we can avoid wasting time, energy and stamps.

Author: Martin Cooper