Warranty crackdown for Currys
Raw Deal receives a regular stream of complaints from irate readers who are confused by extended warranty contracts being offered when buying goods.
Extended warranties cover repairs for any product faults that occur after the manufacturer’s warranty runs out.
Good news is that one of the UK’s biggest retailers has been told to make these terms clearer to shoppers after an investigation found its sales practices could be misleading.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) carried out a mysteryshopping exercise that raised concerns Currys PC World may be mis-selling extended warranties.
In a letter to Dixons Carphone, which owns Currys PC World, the CMA said it fears some customers were being given the wrong information.
It found that more than 20% of store staff incorrectly told shoppers that extended warranties cover cosmetic damage.
The CMA also found a fifth of staff were unable to provide shoppers with a quote, which is a legal requirement before selling these kinds of warranties.
Currys PC World promises action.
Which? consumer rights expert Adam French said: “This is a welcome move and we look forward to Currys PC World swiftly implementing the changes.
“We also urge customers to read the terms and conditions before buying an extended warranty as their right to return, repair or replace an item may already be covered under the Consumer Rights Act.”
Currys PC World has promised to address the issues raised by the end of this month. It agreed to carry out more staff training, improve its advice leaflets on extended warranties and provide more information at tills.
It also says it will monitor how effective these measures are.