Consumer Advice Please, oh and avoid Sonos they remove key features.

[TheAnimus]

So I signed up for the annual zune pass because its really rather cheap, and ultimatly gives me great access to almost any music I want.

I bought a Sonos system from BestBuy last Novemember, it was good and all was happy. It stopped working in Feb. I've finally gotten round to looking at this now.

Sonos basically stopped WM-DRM or PlaysForSure. So if your using one of the rental services which makes use of such DRM you can no longer play it with their speakers.

I had a quick chat with Best Buy they said contact trading standards.

Given that the reason I bought the Sonos system was because the salesmen specifically stated it would be compatitable, which it was until the mandatory update came out, do I have a leg to stand on?

I know we've got a few consumer rights bods and even a little lawyer here, so hopefully someone can save me a lot of time!

[Terbinator]

While I'm not an expert in these matters i think the sticking point will be the "mandatory" update.

In terms of mandatory, did it update automatically or did you have to accept the update (and its T&C's?)? If it did it by its own accord then i think you're in good shape to get a refund or whatever.

[Behemoth]

Well mate, you could argue Sales Of Goods Act not fit for purpose made known - it was when you bought it - is there anyway you can revert it back to the firmware that was on there before the update ?

[TheAnimus]

It refused to work unless you installed the update, which then disabled a bunch of the functionality. It was mandatory.

http://www.electronista.com/articles...osoft.devices/

[TheAnimus]

Well mate, you could argue Sales Of Goods Act not fit for purpose made known - it was when you bought it - is there anyway you can revert it back to the firmware that was on there before the update ?

Not with any of their tools : (

[Behemoth]

Ahh bought from Bestbuy, hmmm are they still trading in the UK or have they closed down the UK side of the operation ?

Ahh just had a thought, if the update was from the manufacture you could argue Suppy Of Goods And Services Act - Services not Carried Out with Reasonable Care and Skill

[TheAnimus]

oh thats a good idea thanks, I'll read up on the rules around that.

[Behemoth]

No worries, gives me a chance to use my legal knowledge even though I'm not at work this week

[Phage]

IIRC Best Buy were a joint venture with CPW. I think CPW are now the face of Best Buy in the UK.

[Lucio]

Only tricky part is if they were obliged to remove the functionality due to a legal settlement.

Realistically here, you're shooting for a partial refund, based on usage to date vs expected lifetime of the product, since you can no longer use the product for it's intended purpose. If you're reasonable from the outset, you're more likely to get what you want.

[badass]

Only tricky part is if they were obliged to remove the functionality due to a legal settlement.

IMNSHO, that is not relevant. The contract is between the buyer and the seller. If the seller enters a contract making promises they cannot keep, generally it is their problem.

Realistically here, you're shooting for a partial refund, based on usage to date vs expected lifetime of the product, since you can no longer use the product for it's intended purpose. If you're reasonable from the outset, you're more likely to get what you want.

I would strongly agree with this.

Personally, I wouldn't use the supply of goods and services act as there was not charge for the "service" they offered. Personal preference though.

Finally, did you buy this off a credit card?
If so, at the slightest hint of any awkwardness, immediately start claiming the refund through the card provider. They may try to force you no to the retailer but they have no right to do that whatsoever.

Finally, do you have legal assistance with your home insurance? Letters from legal firms tend to not be ignored. Emails and letters from consumers generally are by the less scrupulous companies.