That’s a legitimate claim as long as you are using the item for the purpose for which it was intended. This is the principle of fitness for purpose. There is no point claiming that paint thinner has had adverse effects if it is not being used as paint thinner! Similarly, if you are commissioning the manufacture of a product and do not specify the purposes for which it will be used you will have no recourse if it fails to live up to your expectations.

Your Statutory Rights

• How do you measure quality?
• How long should it last?
• Is the guarantee worth the paper it’s written on?
• I bought it from a bloke down the pub
• Rights when knowingly buying damaged goods

Common Complaints

• They say I’ve taken ownership so it’s my responsibility
• Do shops have to give me my money back?
• The shop doesn’t want to know, they say it is the manufacturer’s responsibility.
• It’s second hand – do I have any rights?

And if your statutory rights are broken