SMEG kettle bought & received, then not used for 7 months, but is then faulty!

[scoby-de-bo]

Hello,

As a seller & a buyer I always do my best to accommodate the parties involved.

I bought this kettle last year, upon receiving it, plugged it in and tried to boil the water, and I immediately noticed the toggle switch was acting up, however I flicked it on 3 or 4 times and eventually it did begin to heat the water & complete the boiling process.

I put the toggle switch issue down to it having been in transit, and didn't think it would be an issue moving forward.

I packaged up the item and stored it, as it was not to be used until the end of Jan 2025.

Fast-forward to 31st Jan 2025, and I've moved into my flat, unboxed the kettle, plugged it in and tried to make a cup of coffee....and guess what?....the toggle switch issue is still there, and it is infuriating because the light will come on for a second or two, then go out, stopping the heating process.

I have tried to use the kettle this week, and have firmly arrived at the opinion that there is an intermittent fault in the toggle switch.

The kettle is functional, as long as I don't mind spending 5 or 10 minutes persevering with the toggle switch until it finally decides to stay illuminated and heat & boil my water.

Today I decided to reach out to the seller, who promptly replied with:

"The kettle was in perfect working order when sent out as it was fully tested and working. Why would I send out a faulty item when faulty items can be returned in 30 days.I am unable to provide any return or exchange as you have had the item over the 30 days, in fact you have had it for nearly 7 months.Sorry.Rebecca"

Where do I stand now?

Can anyone assist me?

Is my only course of action to try & get this toggle switch repaired independently?

Thanks,

Scott

[tressygirl · Accepted solution]

You cannot report this to eBay as they do not offer warranties or guarantees on items, just that they are just as described on receipt.  If they are not,  a buyer has 30 days under eBay's 30 day MBG,  Money Back Guarantee policy,  to return the item for a full refund.

If you bought this from a Private seller you are too late to claim a refund.  I fear after 7 months you'll be out of time to claim from your payment provider too.

If purchased from a registered UK business, who offered a guarantee and is now not upholding this,  then turn to Citizens Advice for your next steps,  if you wish to take this further.

@scoby-de-bo 

[scoby-de-bo]

tressygirl,

Thanks for the helpful reply.

Scott.

[tressygirl]

You're welcome,  definitely worth checking items bought on eBay as soon  as they arrive for functionality as there are 30 days from last estimated date for delivery to receive a full refund ,when receiving a faulty item.

@scoby-de-bo