Victron Warranty?

[Dockhead]

I have a lot of Victron electrical gear on my boat. It is supposed to be the best, it looks like the best, and indeed it works superbly - when it works. Unfortunately it is highly failure-prone, at least it has been on my boat In fact every bit of Victron gear I have has failed at least once, except only the battery monitor.

In December, I had to remove my Multiplus charger/inverter, which had dead failed, refusing even to pass through AC power. This was an entire day's work to get it out of an awkward spot -- and the thing is heavy.

I got an acknowledgement that the unit was received by Energy Solutions, the dealer from whom I bought this and the rest of my Victron gear. I start emailing them after the New Year, thinking surely it should be repaired by now. Silence. Only just now (Friday) got a message from them saying the unit will soon be ready to ship, and please pay the attached invoice.

Invoice? For 100-odd pounds. Now 100-odd quid is not really a big deal compared to a whole day of labor to remove and a whole day of labor to put it back in, but how is this, charging for warranty repairs? It looks like a charge for labor only -- they replaced the control board. Are companies allowed to sell goods in the UK with a parts-only warranty? I am not a UK resident so I know nothing about the laws here. This would not be allowed in the US as far as I know. It's not that much money, but it kind of adds insult to injury. What sayest ye?

 

[VicMallows]

Are companies allowed to sell goods in the UK with a parts-only warranty? I am not a UK resident so I know nothing about the laws here. This would not be allowed in the US as far as I know. It's not that much money, but it kind of adds insult to injury. What sayest ye?

£100 IS a lot of money in my book!

EU law is quite simple. Goods must be of SATISFACTORY quality. This implies they should also last for a period normally expected of such good. For that sort of equipment my guess would be at least 5 years. How old is your kit?

 

[David2452]

Basically no they are not allowed to restrict your rights with a parts only warranty, however you need to ask for an explanation as to why labour has been charged, if they start blathering on about Victron warranty then just tell them that has nothing to do with it as your contract is with them under the sales of goods act. Google sale of goods act to better arm yourself for any ensuing arguments. I assume you bought the goods in UK and they are still here.

 

[charles_reed]

Depends if you're looking for an easy life - and I assume you're not in the UK.

The warranty and your rights under the Sale of Goods Act are two separate issues - if in the UK it will be easy to point out that you dispute the charge and will be consulting the local Trading Standards - that should move them quickly.

If abroad it's a bit of a Mexican stand-off - you pay and get the goods or they sit there and you suggest they do something rude.
I've just avoided buying something by Victron - it was the most expensive offer and (most importantly) wouldn't fit. I'm glad that I spoke with Charles Sterling and got a comparable device for 50% of the Victron price (which does fit).

Just goes to prove that price is no gauge of fitness for purpose.

 

[Dockhead]

Depends if you're looking for an easy life - and I assume you're not in the UK.

The warranty and your rights under the Sale of Goods Act are two separate issues - if in the UK it will be easy to point out that you dispute the charge and will be consulting the local Trading Standards - that should move them quickly.

If abroad it's a bit of a Mexican stand-off - you pay and get the goods or they sit there and you suggest they do something rude.
I've just avoided buying something by Victron - it was the most expensive offer and (most importantly) wouldn't fit. I'm glad that I spoke with Charles Sterling and got a comparable device for 50% of the Victron price (which does fit).

Just goes to prove that price is no gauge of fitness for purpose.

One professional marine electrician told me that despite the cheapness of Sterling gear, it fails less than other, more expensive types.