What do you consider is a reasonable time-frame to claim for defects

[*wheels*]

From either a buyer's or seller's perspective, how much time from the date of purchase do you think buyers should have to be able to lodge a claim for manufacturer's defect in clothing.

[*smee*]

Are we talking online buying or over the counter sales ?

[*wheels*]

Online

[*Brum6y*]

I would be curious as to the nature of the defect.

If it was something obvious that could be picked up when examined or first tried on, then I would expect something to be said within a few days.  To me, a week would be pushing it.

However if it was something that took a couple of wears to show up - such as an unfinished seam that started unravelling - then I might be open to it taking a bit longer.  Depends, too, on whether the item was a 'special event', 'occasional' or 'everyday' piece of clothing.


Just my thoughts ... but I'm not much of an online fashion shopper.

[*smee*]

I woud expect a buyer to examine goods for defects as soon as the receive the goods or at least within a few short days
I guess it depends  on how long he manufacturer or the wholesaler will honour defect claims for also

[*wheels*]

So do you think a request for exchange 13 months after purchase might be unreasonable?

[*smee*]

Very unreasonable , yes

[*CountessA*]

I think I'd be calling that OUTRAGEOUS.

Let's see how the scenario might go.

Buyer: "Mr Rogers, I want to exchange this frilly white apron which I bought from you."
Mr Rogers: "Do you have your receipt?"
Buyer: "No, I bought it online."
Mr Rogers: "Ah, okay - what was the item number/order number?"
Buyer: "I don't have that anymore, but I bought it from you - you can check your records."
Mr Rogers: "Right.... Your name?"
Buyer: "Mr Scabidabble."
Mr Rogers: (puzzled) I do remember that name... but I only seem to have a record of a purchase from you more than a year ago."
Buyer: "That might be it."
Mr Rogers: "Order number PX000104329J?"
Buyer: "Could be."
Mr Rogers: "One white apron, purchased by credit card 13 months ago?"
Buyer: "Yeah, must be it, because I only bought the one apron from you."
Mr Rogers: "It was thirteen months ago."
Buyer: "Yes."
Mr Rogers: "I'm not sure I understand this situation correctly..."
Buyer: "Look, I bought this apron from you, and I'm not happy with it."
Mr Rogers: "It was thirteen months ago. I'm afraid we do not accept returns after that length of time."
Buyer: "But it's FAULTY. I was frying some bacon and then noticed one of the frills starting to detach..."
Mr Rogers: (trying to smother incredulous laughter) "I am so sorry, Mr Scabidabble, but clothing does not have a permanent money-back guarantee over a period of use. That you've suddenly noticed some thread having become loose does not entitle you to a refund or exchange after such a time period. Had there been a problem within a month, we would happily have refunded, but you cannot seriously expect your clothing to be given a lifetime guarantee after you've been wearing it for more than a year...?"
Buyer: "Oooh, you're so shonky! I'm going to neg you! I'm going to bad-mouth you! I'm going to make you sorry! Shonky dodgy sellers refusing to refund faulty item! Bad, bad, bad!"

[*Brum6y*]

So do you think a request for exchange 13 months after purchase might be unreasonable?

Seriously... 13 months ????!!!!!!!

Unless the manufacturer has a 'lifetime' warranty on something, then it's not only unreasonable - but verging on the unbelievable.  (I say 'verging' because there is always somebody who will take things to the extreme.)

[*Ubbie Max*]

13 months! ridiculous. Even the Government statutory warranties are generally only 12 months, often less depending on the types of goods