Comet Store
Abbotsinch Retail Park,
Paisley. PA3 4EP.
Ref. 40192107

Dear Sir or Madam,
On the 23rd of March I purchased a 19" CRT Monitor from your store and at the same time I also purchased a 5year Extended Warranty. (Policy Number 18864908)
This policy is valid until 22.03.2007.

On the 4th of June 2003 my Monitor became faulty and I visited your Store to find out the procedure, I was given a telephone number to contact, re-repair or replacement.
I duly phoned this number (0870 606 2633), I can't remember the exact date; I then was put through to a female member of staff who asked me to do a few things using my computer BIOS. When this was completed I was told I would be given a new Monitor and would be contacted in a few days regards delivery.

Your engineer contacted me on The 11th of June 2003 (or contracted by you) unfortunately our times were incompatible. We arranged for the faulty Monitor to be left at your store and it would be attended to.
When I returned to your store later on in the evening I was given a replacement monitor and that should have been an end to the matter. What happened next I found most upsetting and very unprofessional for a company of your standing. I had a phone call from a company I had no contract with whatever asking for their Monitor back. At my own expense I made a few phone calls and visited your store twice, and indeed I was told to return the monitor to this company and I would be sent vouchers. I am very pleased with the monitor I was given and to give me vouchers would be against the policy you have stated in your leaflet (The Facts).

Before I return this Monitor I insist you send me a written reason for this turn of affairs especially why I must have vouchers and not a new Monitor.

I have shopped with Comet for many years and you will have records for most of my purchases and indeed you have already stated I was a valued customer.
I cannot understand how something as trivial as a Computer Monitor can be worth so much trouble that you would upset me and may endanger my custom.

As I have said I cannot take any action until I have had written confirmation why this whole situation came about.

Yours Sincerely
James Barclay

James Barclay
27.06.2003

To date this is the only correspondence I have received from Comet. Two things to Consider. 1) I have had this Monitor since 11.06.2003 (Why no Contact?). Why should I return it. ?
2) If I do accept these vouchers my Warranty which expires on the 23.03.2007 would be terminated.

As you have probably guessed this is only a scribbled note from a member of their staff. If you read closely into this scribbled note it is quite plain Comet do not want to fully commit themselves, but at the same time put all the onus on to the customer.

30th of June: Still no reply or phone call.

1st of July: Still no word or phone call.

12th of July: No word or phone call, Cold feet??, more important no word from Maztec.

22nd July: Closing this complaint as I have had no word from Comet, I have had no explanation or apology from this company and to date do not know how I stand or care. I have taken out Warranties over the years for my Television and have had no problems when any repair was required. I would suggest unless you are computer wise, keep well away from Comet as this is not quite their field.
If in the unlikely event I hear from Comet I will let you know.

23rd July: My mistake, I got two phone calls today from Maztec. The first call he said he was just back from holiday and asked about his Monitor. I told him I have not heard anything from Comet and could not help.
The 2nd call he said it looked like he would get paid for the Monitor and in that case it would be mine. He then went on to say if I cash any vouchers that have been sent I would be committing fraud. To even insinuate I would do such a thing makes my blood boil, how dare he. The very fact that he has been phoning me so many times is a form of harassment. I have no other option but to pursue Comet until I get an apology. Comet have never intended to send me any vouchers until I returned the Monitor to Maztec, I had no intention of returning the Monitor unless I was given written instructions and an explanation.

30th September: The conclusion to the Comet Saga, I have to say the outcome was unsatisfactory. They have at no time made any attempt to make contact with me and the only way I have been kept informed was with a company I have had no dealings with. I would suggest if possible deal with the company that manufactured the product, as they will know how best to fix it.

As for my Arnold Clark problem with my Vauxhall Astra at Paisley, take a tip from me and never entrust your car to their Service Centres. I bought my car from them and it cost me £2500 on just over 1 year, this includes the fact that I took out a Network Q guarantee. (Not worth the paper it is written on)
I have made up my mind, not to deal with either of these companies again. However the choice is yours.