Bradcot Awnings

[Ian_5040589]

Whilst on holiday in Devon in July, our new awning with "Easy Up" system collapsed causing damage to our 1 year old caravan.

It was admittedly windy, but other awnings around us had no problems.

We complained to the manufacturer and this week, 5 months after the initial letter they have responded.

It would appear that we made the mistake of buying another awning (porch awning - different make) in Devon in order to continue our holiday comfortably. Concerned about weight etc, we disposed of the poles whilst in Devon although I did take a photo of the damage. (I did not want to tow back two awnings).

I am now told by the manufacturer that as part of the "warranty" they would want to examine the poles or I can pay the trade price of £174 for new ones.

Having already paid £700 for an awning, I am not going to give them more of my hard earned money.

They now tell me my only alternative is to take them to court.

How's that for customer service?

Suffice to say, I WILL be taking them to court!

 

[Andy_5039840]

I really don't think that you would win. I think it is only reasonable that you return the faulty poles and would have got a replacement or a refund. Does your insurance not cover you.

 

[MikeP]

You are in a very weak position relying only on photographic evidence. You have no real proof that it was your awning. It was your choice to dispose of the poles, and I think that the manufacturer is being reasonable in the circumstances. It is usual for a manufacturer to inspect damaged items which are under warranty.

 

[rayc]

Ian, sorry to hear of your problem. The same thing happened to me with a Harrison porch but I returned it to the dealer and they gave me my money back straight away.

I have a Bradcot full awning with steel poles with twist lock fittings and that has been no problem.

I think you may be on dodgy ground if you sue Bradcot, as they are quite reasonable in asking to see the poles before admitting liability. I guess you would have to prove there was a generic fault, as you cannot produce yours, so you would have to find some evidence. Good luck but unless you are the non worrying type think carefully because it could cost you even more money.

 

[Damian]

Ian, I think you will not get a lot of luck going to court, as you have "lost" your evidence, by disposing of the poles. I have a bradcot awning, with easy up poles, and it is fine, in all weathers, as long as its well pegged and guyed in wind.

bradcot offer what I believe to be a very fair warranty, in as much as they will replace any parts damaged during the first year, and their customer service is very good, following a phone call to them to clarify a point on my awning, they not only sent a second set of pole ends, in case mine were at fault, but also a very detailed description of the remedy to my particular problem.