Hi,

Bought a laptop at Melectronics yesterday and it died today. Went to the nearest shop and they nearly refused to accept it. Their only option was to send it for repair which could take a month. I said I can't wait that much and I need either a new model or my money back now. The guy said they can't accept certain items like computers back. I insisted that I need a working computer and if they can't offer it to me I'll buy it elsewhere but they must give me a refund. Eventually, he agreed to take it back and gave me my money but he said he's not really allowed to do it and he may go to jail if someone (not sure who exactly) will learn it.

I'm not feeling very happy because I really need a computer but, on the other hand, I kind of feel lucky because I got an impression he did me a favour.

So in short, can you return a defective item (whatever its type or value) in Switzerland?

I asked the salesman for some official proof of this clause that I can't return computers here but he said he doesn't have it at hand and must look it up online. Both this statement and this whole situation were a bit strange.

Thanks

Did you have the receipt with you? They aren't obliged to do anything if you can't prove you bought it at the shop.

Otherwise, with proof of purchase, they have to either repair or replace.

Of course, I had a receipt and warranty. They didn't question the fact that the product was bought from them, they just didn't want to replace or refund it.

Customer service in CH sucks big time, Media Markt is better.Generally they behave as if the guarantee expires when you open the box, if you make a big fuss they usually comply.

I had that problem when I bought a Natel from them, and it didn't work when I got it home. However, the guy was understanding as I had bought it only a few hours earlier, and gave me another!

Tom