Argos Greenhouse, won't supply replacement parts.

wexfordman2 · 21-02-2014 11:42am #1

Hi,

Looking for some advice. I purchased a greenhouse from argos abut two years ago. I have had some panels damaged recently and need to get some new ones, but I need to source them from the same supplier as otherwise they won fit in the frame (perspex pa let with very specific grooves to lock them in place in the frame).

Anyway, been on to argos, and they basically gave me no assistance whatsoever and said that they do not supply replacement parts for this Greenhouse.

So two things struck me, first how the hell am I going to get this fixed, as genuinely, only the same make of panel is going to work, otherwise I have to throw the while thing in the bin (800 euro wirth)

The second thing that struck me was, how the hell can argos sell a greenhouse that you can't fix if a panel gets broken.

So word of advice, do not ever ever ever buy a greenhouse from argos. And seriously question buying other stuff from them unless it is a well known brand, cos otherwise your gonna be left stranded if something happens.

I mean, who in their right mind would sell a greenhouse that you can't repair.

fleet · 21-02-2014 11:45am

Can you not go back to the manufacturer?

If I bought a mobile in Argos I wouldn't expect them to sell replacement batteries.
I would expect the manufacturer to though.

wexfordman2 · 21-02-2014 11:54am

fleet wrote: »

Can you not go back to the manufacturer?

If I bought a mobile in Argos I wouldn't expect them to sell replacement batteries.
I would expect the manufacturer to though.

A mobile phone has a lifespan of maybe 2 years, a greenhouse should last 20 or more. If you had a problem with your phone after two months, or even a year, surely you expect to be able to get replacement parts somewhere?

But, How about if you bought a mobile with no manufacturer name on it, and then you asked argos where to get a new battery for it, and they said they can't help?

My Potatoes · 21-02-2014 12:29pm

wexfordman2 wrote: »

...first how the hell am I going to get this fixed, as genuinely, only the same make of panel is going to work, otherwise I have to throw the while thing in the bin (800 euro wirth)

From my experience greenhouses use standard sized panes and parts.

wexfordman2 wrote: »

The second thing that struck me was, how the hell can argos sell a greenhouse that you can't fix if a panel gets broken.

I don't see anything unusual about this.

Now that I think about it, when you purchase certain items from Argos they offer an expensive warranty, for three years if I recall correctly. Did you purchase this?

As for what to do, I suggest contacting the likes of
http://greenhouses.ie/
or
http://www.nsg.ie/greenhouseglass.html

wexfordman2 · 21-02-2014 12:34pm

My Potatoes wrote: »

From my experience greenhouses use standard sized panes and parts.

I don't see anything unusual about this.

Now that I think about it, when you purchase certain items from Argos they offer an expensive warranty, for three years if I recall correctly. Did you purchase this?

As for what to do, I suggest contacting the likes of
http://greenhouses.ie/
or
http://www.nsg.ie/greenhouseglass.html

Hi potatoes,

This Greenhouse has clear plastic panels, but the edges of them have raised grooves which slide into the frame. It's a sort of a locking mechanism.

I checked with Greenhouse. Ie and they said they would not have those panels.

I didn't buy the insurance, I think it's a rip off.

Thanks

redser7 · 21-02-2014 1:05pm

Are there any indications of who the manufacturer is/was? A name of make or model? Anything to go by?
A lot greenhouse are Chinese made and bought in bulk by the likes of Argos, B&Q, Waltons etc and this can be an issue when stuff breaks. But there is usually a work around. Can you take a photo of the pieces you want replaced?

wexfordman2 · 21-02-2014 1:43pm

redser7 wrote: »

Are there any indications of who the manufacturer is/was? A name of make or model? Anything to go by?
A lot greenhouse are Chinese made and bought in bulk by the likes of Argos, B&Q, Waltons etc and this can be an issue when stuff breaks. But there is usually a work around. Can you take a photo of the pieces you want replaced?

Hi,

Will take some photos, thanks. No markings or anything like that on it for me to tell.

I think your point above is exaclty whats happening, just poor form on argos for not ensuring that spares are available. I mean off all things, a greenhouse would certainly be something that needs new or replacement parts.

If anyting else, serves as a warning to anyone buying stuff like this from argos.....dont!

wexfordman2 · 21-02-2014 1:46pm

The gas thing is, if argos were even remotely interested in fixing this for me, and other customers, they would simply order in parts. Its not difficult, but the only responses I have got from them (on a number of occasions), is "sorry your frustrated, but we dont supply replaement parts for this product).

It looks like all they have done is look up the list of parts on their website and said, nope, its not listed.

Gerobrien25 · 21-02-2014 2:16pm

Maybe try your local DIY or hardware shop, you can buy sheets of flat sheets of the plastic about 10 mm thick (similiar to the corrugated roof plastic) and cut them to size.

wexfordman2 · 21-02-2014 2:17pm

Gerobrien25 wrote: »

Maybe try your local DIY or hardware shop, you can buy sheets of flat sheets of the plastic about 10 mm thick (similiar to the corrugated roof plastic) and cut them to size.

Bit awkward to explain, i will post up photos, but the edges all have raised ridges /grooves that slide into the frame to lock the panel in place.

Technophobe · 21-02-2014 2:57pm

new panels and liberal dose of tech 7...that work?

My Potatoes · 21-02-2014 3:04pm

QUOTE=wexfordman2;89116186]This Greenhouse has clear plastic panels, but the edges of them have raised grooves which slide into the frame. It's a sort of a locking mechanism. [/QUOTE]

OK, I jumped to conclusions there. Is a repair job out of the question?

wexfordman2 wrote: »

I didn't buy the insurance, I think it's a rip off.

Agreed. It's very expensive.

redser7 · 21-02-2014 3:22pm

Is there a less exposed side that you can swap panels with? Then try a sealant like Technophobe suggests? Plus is there room in the channels to use greenhouse glazing clips? Maybe board up the north side with wood painted white and use the panels from there? ie. get the MacGyver hat on

wexfordman2 · 21-02-2014 4:37pm

wexfordman2 wrote: »

This Greenhouse has clear plastic panels, but the edges of them have raised grooves which slide into the frame. It's a sort of a locking mechanism.

My Potatoes wrote: »

OK, I jumped to conclusions there. Is a repair job out of the question?

Would be a complete bodge job, I lost three panels, found two of em, but both are damaged, while I pu them back in, they are weakened and wont last long. The third panel is completely missing.

Norfolk Enchants_ · 21-02-2014 6:20pm

wexfordman2 wrote: »

The gas thing is, if argos were even remotely interested in fixing this for me, and other customers, they would simply order in parts. Its not difficult, but the only responses I have got from them (on a number of occasions), is "sorry your frustrated, but we dont supply replaement parts for this product).

It looks like all they have done is look up the list of parts on their website and said, nope, its not listed.

That answer seems perfectly reasonable, Argos are a retailer not a manufacturer, there is a big difference between "won't" and "can't" and you seem to be confusing the two (perhaps in an attempt to be dramatic just for the sake of it).
I'm sure with a little research you can identify the make and model of your greenhouse and then you can source the parts (if available).

wexfordman2 · 21-02-2014 9:04pm

Norfolk Enchants_ wrote: »

That answer seems perfectly reasonable, Argos are a retailer not a manufacturer, there is a big difference between "won't" and "can't"nd you seem to be confusing the two

Mmm, a retailer has a responsibility to ensure that a product they sell has a reasonable lifespan, and that would include making sure that replacement parts can be sourced.

I am not blaming argos for breaking the greenhouse, it's not their fault, thats beyond question, but for a large retailer to import a product like that, and not provide customers with an avenue to source replacement parts is very poor indeed.

As I said, if I had purchased a 800 euro washing machine, and the glass broke on the door, it would be reasonable to assume that a responsible retailer would be able to point the customer in the direction to get a suitable replacement.

As another poster said, these items are probably imported from China end masse by the likes of argos, and may even be imported exclusively by them.

Norfolk Enchants_ wrote: »

perhaps in an attempt to be dramatic just for the sake of it).

I think that's a little unfair. I'm not being dramatic at all. If this was a local retailer I reckon the story would be very different.

If you think I am being dramatic, tell me genuinely, would you purchase a greenhouse from argos knowing that if a panel breaks it will be near impossible to source a replacement?

What if for example this was part of the door, or hinge, would it be unreasonable to not be able to get a replacement for this?

I mean in fairness, it's a greenhouse, stuff breaks in greenhouses it's fairly certain that people are going to need parts.

Norfolk Enchants_ wrote: »

I'm sure with a little research you can identify the make and model of your greenhouse and then you can source the parts (if available).

Really, your sure? That's very reassuring seeing as the retailer doesn't provide it, and I've asked them numerous times where I can source them and they have blanked me.

Baring in mind I have the argos part number etc,
do you think my first attempt to get a replacement is posting on boards?

Norfolk Enchants_ · 21-02-2014 9:46pm

wexfordman2 wrote: »

Mmm, a retailer has a responsibility to ensure that a product they sell has a reasonable lifespan, and that would include making sure that replacement parts can be sourced.

I am not blaming argos for breaking the greenhouse, it's not their fault, thats beyond question, but for a large retailer to import a product like that, and not provide customers with an avenue to source replacement parts is very poor indeed.

As I said, if I had purchased a 800 euro washing machine, and the glass broke on the door, it would be reasonable to assume that a responsible retailer would be able to point the customer in the direction to get a suitable replacement.

As another poster said, these items are probably imported from China end masse by the likes of argos, and may even be imported exclusively by them.

I think that's a little unfair. I'm not being dramatic at all. If this was a local retailer I reckon the story would be very different.

If you think I am being dramatic, tell me genuinely, would you purchase a greenhouse from argos knowing that if a panel breaks it will be near impossible to source a replacement?

What if for example this was part of the door, or hinge, would it be unreasonable to not be able to get a replacement for this?

I mean in fairness, it's a greenhouse, stuff breaks in greenhouses it's fairly certain that people are going to need parts.

Really, your sure? That's very reassuring seeing as the retailer doesn't provide it, and I've asked them numerous times where I can source them and they have blanked me.

Baring in mind I have the argos part number etc,
do you think my first attempt to get a replacement is posting on boards?

Look dude you need to relax, is it really news to you that argos are purely a retail outlet?, with how should I say it, "not the best customers service in the world".

wexfordman2 · 21-02-2014 9:52pm

Norfolk Enchants_ wrote: »

Look dude you need to relax, is it really news to you that argos are purely a retail outlet?, with how should I say it, "not the best customers service in the world".

I'm glad you agree with me, although I'm now even more confused as to the point of your earlier post.

Look, As I said, two things I am trying to do, one is warn people not to buy this type of product from argos, and make them aware of their shoddy customer care, and the second is look for a solution to my broken 800 euro Greenhouse seeing as the crowd that sold it to me couldn't give a toss.

redser7 · 21-02-2014 10:46pm

Have you googled the part numbers?
What year exactly did you buy it in. Someone somewhere will have kept the catalogue if it is only a couple years ago. Start posting around on popular forums. Find the make and model and go from there.
But I think you will have to resign yourself to working out some sort of DIY fix. Annoying but there you go. The multiples are not the place to go for specialist stuff like greenhouses unfortunately.
Be sure to post a photo of the panel, someone might be able to help.

Argos Greenhouse, won't supply replacement parts.

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