slowrey wrote:Thanks everyone for your support. I hope that Mary does something for me. .......I do hope that Chris compensates me in some form or fashion but we'll see.
Thanks!

I don't know about Consumer Law in the US, but here in the UK, liability for faults, defects etc lies with the manufacturer. So what happens is you return the product to the retailer and the retailer takes it up with the manufacturer. If it is shown that the fault, defect etc lies with the manufacturer, then there a number of remedies available, such as a full refund; partial refund (discount) or replacement of the faulty component/product. If I recall correctly then the manufacturer is also responsible for any loss incurred by the consumer arising as a direct consequence of the fault.

Of course what qualifies as a defect or fault is open to question and is usually determined by reference to the particular case and what could reasonably be expected by a reasonable person. So for example if you buy an old second hand car you may not reasonably be allowed to claim for corrosion to body parts. If on the other hand the car is new and corrosion appears through the paintwork after a short period, then it would be reasonable to claim.

There are also the issues of merchantable quality and fitness for purpose. Again these are subject to a reasonableness test. Merchantable quality is in some ways related to the cost of the item and the use to which it is put. So the higher the cost and the more the appearance is considered an integral part of the product then the more likely is it that finish and fitment may be considered part of the merchantable quality.

I know all this is UK Law, but the principles are good ones and may help in any discussions you may have concerning your purchase.