The Nvidia Defect Forum

I wanted to post this success story here, because this website offered me hope when I was formulating my case against Comet. My key message to you is - don't give up and don't believe Comet when they tell you there is no inherent defect and that you don't have a valid claim under the Sale of Goods Act! Comet is well aware of the problem, but is implementing a policy of deny first and hope the person claiming either believes them, or just decides it's too hard to get justice and gives up.

The laptop we bought (in late 2007) was an HP DV6500, and not one of the serial numbers that HP had at one time acknowledged should be recalled. Comet's initial reaction was to deny there was any known problem with these laptops and also tell me that the Sale of Goods Act didn't apply. I had to go through at least 2 or 3 decline stages before I started to get somewhere with them, even though I had advised them that I would take this to court.

The turning point came for me (as it will do for you too) when I sent them printouts from various news articles found via online searches. And of course there is a lot of good information on this site. I presented this information to Comet as a sample of what I would put in front of a judge if they were to force me to take this matter to court. Well that worked! I got a letter back containing no real explanation as to why they were changing their stance, but offering me a £300 settlement.

The laptop had cost nearly double that and had lasted only just over 12 months, so I wasn't going to accept £300. Comet insisted their offer was fair, as the laptop was now three years old. I insisted that it was unfair to look upon the laptop as being a three year old machine, as it had actually only worked for the first one year of that. Eventually, they raised their offer to a figure that I was happy with and I have accepted. I'm awaiting a cheque from them.

The only thing that Comet did well was respond to my letters promptly; either by phone or by letter, but generally just to say 'no'. A couple of times I tried to querry them on what precisely had made them change their stance and agree to settle. But they were very coy about answering this question and what they did say didn't stack up at all. This only made me more highly convinced that Comet is well aware of the problems with these laptops. I firmly believe that they will continue to settle with those consumers who can demonstrate knowledge of the defect and who have stated willingness to take court action if needed. I also believe they will opportunistically seek to take advantage of those consumers who fail to present a solid enough understanding of the issues involved. It doesn't seem to matter to them that they are well aware of the problem, they're purely concerned with working out whether YOU are are really sufficiently aware of the issues/defect in order to see what they can get away with. Once you demonstrate that you know about the defect you're likely to receive a settlement offer (but don't accept their initial offer!), until then they'll happily play games with you.

It disturbs me that those people who aren't as well skilled at putting together a solid case will be taken advantage of by retailers such as Comet. Well done to the creators of this website for helping people out!

I hope that my story convinces some others of you to not give up. Just focus on demonstrating that you have information of the defect - printouts of articles found online etc. I also sent some printouts to Comet showing that in China the issue regarding HP laptops had been deemed fairly seriously, with the Government becoming involved. In China (and in China only!) HP publicly apologised for the quality of its products and I believe they put things right with consumers there. Of course they could extend this to other countries, but again - like Comet - they will opportunistically limit their costs. Before I became aware that under the Sale of Goods Act I needed to pursue a case against Comet rather than HP, I wrote two letters to HP - but they ignored both.

Good luck to you all. I'll check back in a week or so in case anyone had any specific questions concerning my experiences.

I expect to have a cheque in the post from Comet soon!

Hello Kiwi,

Well done on your success

Thank you for sharing your experience of dealing with Comet with us and I have to say that I agree with all you have said.

One of the very reasons that I set this forum up was because of the way that customers were being treated by some of the high street stores and how they were being fobbed of due their lack of knowledge of the Sale Of Goods Act.

The real key to success is persistence. Stand your ground, be cordial but persistent and you will be successful.

Well done again on your success, I am really pleased that you didn't have to resort to litigation to resolve this.

I have to say that it amazes me how many retailers are still trying their chances in court when we all know that their position is indefensible. Thankfully, to date, the judges have agreed.

Best wishes

Paul
The Admin Team

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