Faulty extractor fan

[Selfmade]

Hi

I fitted a Vent-Axia extractor fan a little while ago (about a couple of months if my memory serves me correctly). Now my customer informs me it has stopped working. It will of course be under warranty, but do I have any rights when it comes to getting Vent-Axia to pay for my time/call out/expenses (assuming of course that it is the fan and not the wiring that is at fault)? If so how much should I expect? My usual call out fee, or will they have a standard amount that they pay? Also should I buy a replacement and then ask for a refund for the old one, or do I have to send back the old one and wait for a replacement? And should I deal with Vent-Axia directly, or with my supplier?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[trev]

Tell your wholesaler that you're bringing a faulty one back and they might not book it out, otherwise put it on your account then expect an invoice and a credit note. Your contract is with your wholesaler, not Vent Axia so you're unlikely to be successful with hitting them with a bill.
As an aside, these issues are the reason most of us put a mark up on any gear we supply.

 

[Iddy]

As trev has said you won't be able to claim any money from the manufacturer. Best to exchange with wholesaler. Most manufacturer would cover cost for collection \ delivery under warranty for any repairs booked with them direct.

 

[Selfmade]

Thanks for the helpful replies, it was from Screwfix (I should have mentioned that), but I guess the principles hold true. I will speak to them and hopefully get it sorted out. I was hopeful about getting paid as MK payed me (eventually) to change a main switch when they had a recall, but I guess that's a slightly different situation.

It's p***ing me off as I already have to return twice to another customer to change a floodlight he didn't like. Will be making a pittance on that.

 

[Octopus]

Changing parts under warranty is part of our jobs when WE supply the kit. If the customer buys it, then I would charge for my time. Simples.

 

[Selfmade]

Changing parts under warranty is part of our jobs when WE supply the kit. If the customer buys it, then I would charge for my time. Simples.

My policy exactly.

 

[nickblake]

thats why you add 25% to what you pay to cover the cost of it being going faulty

 

[Selfmade]

Trev and nickblake have raised the issue of markups. I do (although I didn't initially) put a markup, on non-stock items, which varies between 10% and 35% (10% for a high cost item, 35% if I have to go right across town for something for £1.50). I tend to reckon this covers time finding a suitable product and ordering/collecting/purchasing it etc, as well as unexpected costs such as postage added at checkout for internet purchases, price rises since last purchase or between quoting for and being awarded a job, and items customers change their mind about. I guess it will have to cover time for replacing faulty items as well! But thanks for the tip anyway - it took me a while to work out I had to add a markup, so hopefully others starting out who are reading this will be saved having to learn it the hard way.

The new fan is ordered from SF now and I will return the faulty one for a refund once I have removed it.

Thanks again folks