Issue with Warranty Repair Timeframe. $1K+ Item

To start with I have made an enquiry with NSW Fair trading, so why I am I posting here.

Its going to be 7 days before they say they will respond based on the volume of enquiries , so I thought I would see what the experts and sundry here at Ozbargain might know, to see if it’s worth waiting for an answer, or wasting my time

TLDR: - What are my rights - implied or otherwise on a long repair time. (11 weeks) and given its a $1K+ valued purchase.

I accept that some answers may not be suitable or what I expect but at the same time I may get some great insights. BTW will also update on the outcome, even it it takes sometime.

Thank you.

History

I have been made an offer and while I am not happy, hence the enquiry, adding to delays to get this underway given as you will see below is something I want to reduce.

I bought an electric Bicycle which is still under new purchased warranty. (August 31 2024) I have been advised that this will take 11 weeks (or more) to get a replacement part (Motor). To me that seems a long time for a product that cost $1K+. This was after they had sent me a part initially thought to be the problem, that I had to fit myself (BTW That was ok with me as I preferred this to having to return the whole bike to the vendor).

This did not fix the issue, so I then had to return bicycle. They then inspected the it and the response is quoted below. "The technician inspected the unit and found that the motor was faulty. The item will be repaired once the necessary parts are available. We anticipate that this part will arrive around the last week of July; however, please note that delays may occur. Rest assured that we will contact you promptly if we have any updates regarding the ETA."

I responded with the following "Thank you, glad they have found the issue, however over 11 weeks to wait is fairly long, and as you said this may be further delayed. Is there any other option you can suggest to get me back on the road again faster than that. I would appreciate if you can advise any further options."

Their response has been to offer a small offset credit as compensation, while still replacing the motor. I want to know what you consider my options could be before I reply to them. Also should I have to wait, what my warranty expiry on the bike will be, given that it will be 5 or so months before it would be repaired since I first contacted them about the issue.

Update Edit.

In response to - who is this supplier.

I think its only fair to give them a chance to respond.

Then I will update then post so others here at OzB will know if they are a "good" supplier or "poor".

Comments

  • +1

    Manufacturer’s warranty and ACL guarantee coverage are not the same thing. It's amazing how many people don't understand this.

    All the above is fine under warranty for them to try and repair the item under warranty. However, since that's no longer acceptable to you, and you would not have purchased the item had you known the issues and length of time it takes to get parts and repair (i.e. MAJOR failure), you now need to claim your consumer guarantee rights to a refund for the faulty product.

    The warranty repair is no longer relevant here so do not use that term anymore, only refer to consumer guarantee.

    • Ok, will take that on board.

      Do you have an suggestions how I would respond using that to indicate this is what is now the issue for me and of course them?

      Thanks

  • +2

    A few subtle hints of the vendor would help others. Sounds like pretty lame support/ service if you ask me.Either that or you bought the most obscure/rare electric bike in Straya. Also sounds like a company who is built on sales only.

    • Of course I am happy to do this, but in fairness I would like to give them a chance to respond.

      Then I will update then post so others here will know if they are a "good" supplier or "poor".

  • +1

    Don't smash your car OP. People are waiting 4+ months to get parts then the repair time.

    • Unfortunately I guess smashing my bike and waiting for parts would be the least of my problems 🤕

  • +2

    Context would help. What do you use the ebike for? (e.g. commuting, leisure…?) How frequently had you ridden it before it developed the issue?

    If you barely used it (e.g. for a leisure ride on a weekend), then the 11-week wait is probably not too big of a concern, but if you're using it for your daily/weekly commute and you have had to change your travel arrangements significantly, then I would say 11 weeks is way too long and they need to somehow compensate you for the alternate travel costs or have some alternate option like sending you a replacement ebike instead of repairing the busted one, particularly when the component with the issue is a fundamental component and is literally what makes it an ebike and not just a push bike.

    • Ok, thats a very good point. Thank you.

      I will make sure in my response that this is causing me the issues that are relevent as you indicate.

  • What is the make and model of the bike? I'm wondering if the motor failure is a common problem?

  • +1

    A good retailer would supply another bike while repairs are being made.

  • Isn’t $1k cheap for an e-bike?

    • The Plus indicates that it wasnt 1K but more. I didnt think I needed to give actual amount paid which also included a rebate etc

  • Can't you still use it the old-fashioned way, you know, by using the pedals? You might work up a bit of a sweat, but your legs will get huge and you'll sleep better at night.

    • Not really. If I wanted to pedaled more I would have stuck with my better regular bike. Thanks for the thought

  • +1

    Update tonight.

    I have been asked to supply my banking details for a refund.

    This is based on my mentioning things that , Hybroid suggested in that I wouldn't have purchased if I knew it would take so long to repair.

    I noted that their own posting on eBay said major repairs could take up to 8 weeks , while they were quoting 11 weeks for this repair.

    I gave them other options as well like loaner or replacement with a similiar returned bike as others here suggested. They elected to pay me out.

    When I get the refund I'll post again with more details - Bike model and supplier and detailed wording of my requests, to assist others.

    Of course if resolved as promised then it is good for all of us (apart from not needing to have the bike repaired at all).

    Also all communications by myself and the company have been polite and helpful. No mention of ACL or Fair Trading etc was made.

    Thanks to all of you who assisted.

  • I have an issue with an Audio Technica Turntable that was purchased for $560 on the 30/04/2022.

    It is dead, howevever the PSU registers continuity as well as 12.2V.

    I contacted the Retailer, and they said it was only a 12 month wty, and said it was up to TAG (Aus Retailler) to cover.

    I quoted ACL as I thought this was a reputable brand (and not an $99 Aldi Turntable).

    TAG said it will not be covered by warranty, but they will evaluate for free.

    Then there is the issue of shipping, packing etc, however they referred me back to the retailler to ship it on my behalf.

    I made a complaint on the 15th to the ACCC, and today to Fair Trading NSW.

    So, in summary, do you think that a $560 Turntable should last just on 3 years (My Technics lasted just on 30), given this is promoted in the DJ section?

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