Most electrical retailers have something called the '28 day rule' whereby they insist on not exchanging faulty goods after that period, claiming instead that this is a manufacturer's problem. Ususally they state 'This does not affect your statutory rights'
The '28-day rule' is, of course nonsense. Your contract is with the retailer, not the manufacturer - the retailer has a contract with the manufacturer. Now there is a form of 28-day rule between theretailer and the manufacturer, in that the manufacturer can demand to see any faulty returned goods that are more than 28 days beyond their sale date, before providing a refund/credit note to the retailer.
This does not apply to the contract between the customer and the retailer (your statutory rights in other words). Any goods that are found to be faulty (and therefore not fit for purpose)can be returned for either an exchange or a refund within a reasonable period of time. This period of time varies dependent upon the nature of the goods and their value, but under European legislation it's at least one year - sometimes longer.
The retailer can ask to take the goods away to check that they are indeed faulty and not wilfully damaged - but assuming they are faulty the purchaser has no obligation to accept a repair.
As I say - most retailers will try this 28-day flannel with you - and far too many customers swallow it hook, line and sinker. The 28-day rule has absolutely no basis in law
