In-Store Repairs

After a conversation a few days ago and a few thereafter gauging the opinions it would appear that there is some dubiety over repairing appliances in-store, i.e. in a retailer’s premises especially where the appliance cannot be tested.

For one, you cannot repair a gas appliance in store according to CORGI as it cannot be checked for soundness. You are the last person to touch it therefore you are responsible and, by default, should you repair and sign it off as being okay then you have stated that it is sound. If the appliance is then installed to a customer’s home and does have a fault, you’re responsible irrespective of whether it was installed by a CORGI approved plumber/repairer or not. Apparently one of our nice manufacturers feels that they can flaunt this little gem.

Apart from that, if you can’t test it, how can you warranty it at all and, by that, I mean ANY appliance? Simple, you cannot do it!

As a responsible repairer I feel that if I cannot test the appliance then I can offer no warranty on any repair carried out, who’s to say there is not another less obvious fault that you cannot see? What happens if you repair a washer, it goes to the customer and subsequently floods the house, who is responsible? Not so easy is it?

Likewise a fridge, if it dies on install then ruins all the food are you responsible because you signed it off as okay? Does that allow for the delivery guys turning it upside down and the customer putting it on the minute it gets through their door?

In-store repairs are dangerous ground and should be treated as such IMO especially in the current climate of applying blame and trying to extract compensation. So I apply a simple rule, if we can’t test it, we don’t warranty it and, if it’s gas and we can’t test we don’t touch.

K.