Comet refuses to give disabled Orpington woman a refund for faulty fridge (From News Shopper)
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Comet refuses to give disabled Orpington woman a refund for faulty fridge
12:25pm Monday 19th November 2012 in News By Heloise Wood
A DISABLED woman has been left in the lurch by bust retailer Comet.
Dawn Pearson, of Osgood Avenue, in Orpington, bought a £500 fridge freezer in January from the electrical firm, which went into administration on November 2.
She says the appliance turned out to be faulty and she’s been struggling to get a refund ever since.
Comet allegedly disputed there was a problem with the item for around nine months, at first suggesting Mrs Pearson, who has Multiple sclerosis (MS) and serious lung condition Bronchiectasis, was putting in food the wrong way.
The 68 year-old has been forced to store food in a 20-year old fridge in the garage, which is falling apart from the inside.
After much wrangling, she asked an engineer friend to have a look and he said there was a problem with the insulation which she says a Comet employee later confirmed.
Allegedly the firm eventually offered to give her the money back three days before going into administration, after which, staff told her they don’t know when she’ll get a refund.
She said: “The aftercare from Comet was appalling.
“It’s been really hard having to go back and forth getting food from the garage.
“I think the situation has been a waste of time from both sides.
“It’s been exhausting. I wish I’d bought it from somewhere else but then, hindsight’s a wonderful thing.
“I even spent about £170 on the extended warranty.”
Mrs Pearson said she hopes by speaking out, other people who have had similar experiences with the chain, will come forward.
“It would be great if other people can come forward, we can fight our case together.
“It could take months and months to get the money back. I just don’t know what’s happening.”
Private accountancy firm Deloitte, is now acting as administrator for Comet and is trying to find a buyer for the struggling retailer.
News Shopper has approached them for a comment on the situation and is awaiting a response.
Have you had problems with Comet? Are you struggling to get a refund since the firm went into administration? Call the newsdesk on 01689 885 721 or email hwood@london.newsquest.co.uk
Comments(24)
PaulErith
says...
3:31pm Mon 19 Nov 12
Lord Erastus Theobald Piggott
says...
4:05pm Mon 19 Nov 12
It never seems to bother most Erithians. They just love those Pot Noodles.
PaulErith
says...
4:09pm Mon 19 Nov 12
Lord Erastus Theobald Piggott wrote:Granted, I guess it could be difficult to go back and forth to the garage. But there's probably a lot of people in the same sort of position. Maybe some of them don't have any back up. It's a very unfortunate position to be in when a company goes into admin.
“'It’s been really hard having to go back and forth getting food from the garage.' It never seems to bother most Erithians. They just love those Pot Noodles.
As you say, pot noodles and cup-a-soups seems the order of the day!
johninLeeds
says...
4:21pm Mon 19 Nov 12
I have a precisely similar story to tell. Even though Comet finally accepted liability for delivering faulty goods to me (it took them weeks to do so), they still have not sent me a full refund of £107.98 which they promised back on October 13th. Now Comet is unavailable - except through the administrators.
Pity your other correspondents cannot treat this story of corporate deceitfulness with a little less cynicsm
Lord Erastus Theobald Piggott
says...
4:23pm Mon 19 Nov 12
PaulErith wrote:What's your favourite flavour, Paul?
Lord Erastus Theobald Piggott wrote:Granted, I guess it could be difficult to go back and forth to the garage. But there's probably a lot of people in the same sort of position. Maybe some of them don't have any back up. It's a very unfortunate position to be in when a company goes into admin.
“'It’s been really hard having to go back and forth getting food from the garage.' It never seems to bother most Erithians. They just love those Pot Noodles.
As you say, pot noodles and cup-a-soups seems the order of the day!
I reckon it's of the hot and spicy variety. Though I could be wrong.
Lord Erastus Theobald Piggott
says...
4:25pm Mon 19 Nov 12
johninLeeds wrote:Come on, John. It is the British way to laugh in the face of adversity.
Have just read your story in "News Shopper" about the disabled lady in Orpington who was refused a refund on faulty goods by Comet.
I have a precisely similar story to tell. Even though Comet finally accepted liability for delivering faulty goods to me (it took them weeks to do so), they still have not sent me a full refund of £107.98 which they promised back on October 13th. Now Comet is unavailable - except through the administrators.
Pity your other correspondents cannot treat this story of corporate deceitfulness with a little less cynicsm
Goodness knows what you'd have done in the war if your life falls apart as a result of receiving some 'faulty goods'.
the wall
says...
4:45pm Mon 19 Nov 12
johninLeeds wrote:Got an thing in writing?
Have just read your story in "News Shopper" about the disabled lady in Orpington who was refused a refund on faulty goods by Comet.
I have a precisely similar story to tell. Even though Comet finally accepted liability for delivering faulty goods to me (it took them weeks to do so), they still have not sent me a full refund of £107.98 which they promised back on October 13th. Now Comet is unavailable - except through the administrators.
Pity your other correspondents cannot treat this story of corporate deceitfulness with a little less cynicsm
corporate deceitfulness - Really. The company is in the hands of the administrators. 100s are losing their jobs. If you don't like the laws in this country move to another or write to your MP and get them changed.
johninLeeds
says...
4:48pm Mon 19 Nov 12
Come on, John. It is the British way to laugh in the face of adversity.
Goodness knows what you'd have done in the war if your life falls apart as a result of receiving some 'faulty goods'.
Is it the "British way" to laugh at asset stripping, throwing people out of work and dishonest business practice? Maybe it is, more's the pity
Lord Erastus Theobald Piggott
says...
4:52pm Mon 19 Nov 12
Yes, I'm afraid it is. Have you never wondered about the expression, 'stiff upper lip'?
Sue vdv
says...
5:28pm Mon 19 Nov 12
madras
says...
7:15pm Mon 19 Nov 12
Beckenham Chris
says...
10:21pm Mon 19 Nov 12
Is she also thick ? I ask this because as she has a warranty she can claim on but maybe she is also blind ? and cannot read the warranty !
lollie,erith
says...
11:07pm Mon 19 Nov 12
Gypo.Joe
says...
11:59pm Mon 19 Nov 12
Beckenham Chris wrote:Yes there we have it, the disabled want to be treated the same as all of us until they can use the disability to their advantage.
Disabled people should be treated the same as non disableds so what the hell has the fact she is disabled got to do with anything ?
Is she also thick ? I ask this because as she has a warranty she can claim on but maybe she is also blind ? and cannot read the warranty !
Then the card comes out.
Marty1979
says...
6:44am Tue 20 Nov 12
madras wrote:She spent £170 on extended warranty - so has the warranty company gone bust as well, meaning any aren't worth the paper they're written on
and worth looking also to the extended warranty if it is with an independent company
MsChevious
says...
9:11am Tue 20 Nov 12
However, I agree that her disability has little to do with this case.
In terms of the company it's not their choice anymore - the administrators decide who's debts come first and as others have rightly pointed out she should approach the manufacturer.
John In Leeds - ditto - take it to the company who made the goods. Also, we know you're just read this piece, given that you're commenting on it!!
dontpannic
says...
4:06pm Tue 20 Nov 12
Yes, its very unfortunate that she can now not get a refund (mentioning that she is disabled will not make a blind bit of difference). As Comet technically no longer exists, money cannot go out of the company (refunds, etc).
The Fridge will have a manufacturers warranty. Get in touch with whoever made the fridge.
dontpannic
says...
4:10pm Tue 20 Nov 12
Therefore, all the lady has to do is phone up (I think it's masterplan?) who provide the warranty, and get the unit repaired.
2bobsworth
says...
7:25pm Tue 20 Nov 12
Gypo.Joe wrote:says gypo joe lol who (if he is a gypo) is also guilty of pulling the ol minority card card out haha
Beckenham Chris wrote:Yes there we have it, the disabled want to be treated the same as all of us until they can use the disability to their advantage.
Disabled people should be treated the same as non disableds so what the hell has the fact she is disabled got to do with anything ?
Is she also thick ? I ask this because as she has a warranty she can claim on but maybe she is also blind ? and cannot read the warranty !
Then the card comes out.
Gypo.Joe
says...
8:49pm Tue 20 Nov 12
2bobsworth wrote:Your point is ? What have I tried to gain from the user name I choose to use.
Gypo.Joe wrote:says gypo joe lol who (if he is a gypo) is also guilty of pulling the ol minority card card out haha
Beckenham Chris wrote:Yes there we have it, the disabled want to be treated the same as all of us until they can use the disability to their advantage.
Disabled people should be treated the same as non disableds so what the hell has the fact she is disabled got to do with anything ?
Is she also thick ? I ask this because as she has a warranty she can claim on but maybe she is also blind ? and cannot read the warranty !
Then the card comes out.
Run along numb nuts.
Outandabout
says...
11:41pm Tue 20 Nov 12
Erith chap
says...
10:16am Wed 21 Nov 12
The situation is unfortunate, I'm sure she'd get her money back if the company wasn't in administration, but they are, highlighting her as a disabled person has nothing to do with the matter, and nor should it.
Bob Hope/No Hope
says...
10:59am Wed 21 Nov 12
the wall says...
1:12pm Mon 19 Nov 12
Take it up with manufacturer.