How to conduct an independent inspection of a washing machine?

If you purchased a washing machine that turns out to be defective or faulty, but the seller refuses to take it back and refund your money, you need to involve a third party. The most reliable and simple way is to have the washing machine inspected independently. This allows the injured party (the buyer) to prove that the appliance was defective from the start, and that the store or manufacturer is at fault. How do you obtain an objective expert opinion, how much does the procedure cost, and what are the final findings?

What is it done for?

Both the buyer and the seller—the party that disagrees with the claim—can request an independent expert assessment. However, this doesn't mean experts can be bribed: the commission objectively assesses the condition of the household appliance and renders an appropriate verdict. Typically, the experts must answer a number of questions.

• Is the washing machine of good quality?
• Is there a manufacturing defect?
• What faults are present and what are the reasons for their occurrence?
• Has there been any repair work done before and how well was it done?
• Does it make sense to repair the machine or is it no longer practical?

The issued expert opinion has legal force and can be used in court as evidence.

With the recent increase in sales of low-quality equipment and counterfeits of well-known brands, only an independent expert opinion can save an honest buyer. Therefore, if the retailer's management is unwilling to cooperate and resolve the dispute amicably, it is necessary to demand the involvement of specialists to resolve the dispute. If the conclusion states that the consumer is not at fault, the seller will be obligated to acknowledge the customer's innocence, exchange the product for a new one, or refund the purchase price.

However, the expert assessment results will only prove the buyer's case if all legal requirements and procedural rules are followed during the inspection. Only a reputable company can provide objective and reliable information that proves a manufacturing defect or other failure not caused by the consumer. Therefore, it is essential to choose recognized expert organizations.

Who and where is all this being done?

When testing a washing machine, many nuances must be taken into account, and even improper transportation can distort the final results. Therefore, great care is taken when delivering the machine to the service center. Moreover, specialists often travel to the customer's site and conduct an inspection on-site. However, this is a strictly individual matter, as complex cases are handled only with specific equipment, requiring the machine to be delivered directly to the lab.

The examination begins with a review of all documentation issued by the store upon purchase of the vehicle (registration certificate, user manual, warranty card).

An independent examination first determines the cause of the washing machine's malfunction. The essence of the problem and its origins are described in detail and with arguments in the expert opinion, which is issued to the buyer and becomes proof of his rightness (or wrongness). Typically, the final document specifies one of four possible failure scenarios.

• Manufacturing defect. This one is simple: the manufacturer is entirely to blame for supplying defective equipment to the store. The buyer receives a refund or is offered a replacement product of similar value.
• Improper transportation and installation of the washing machine. Not all washing machine owners know that the machine should only be installed on flat, horizontal surfaces of sufficient rigidity. Also, inexperienced people, trying to save money on experienced installation specialists, often forget to remove the transport bolts or ground the machine. All this leads to breakdowns, and more often than not, the fault lies not with the seller, but with the buyer.
• Violation of operating instructions. If an expert examination reveals that the cause of the malfunction is exceeding the maximum load limit, using the machine in inappropriate conditions, or washing items not intended for the machine, the seller will be held responsible. No one will refund the money for the machine.
• Machine software issues. The control board often malfunctions, slowing down or glitching. However, this isn't always straightforward: it could be a manufacturing defect or the result of improper operation.

The verdict is rendered by several experts, whose personal signatures guarantee the impartiality and accuracy of the information provided. Independent researchers are responsible for their findings and, if necessary, are subpoenaed to testify in court.

In addition to identifying the factors and causes of the malfunction that prevents the machine from functioning properly, the expert assessment also provides other clarifying information. Most importantly, the report provides detailed, accurate, and reliable information that clearly identifies who is at fault and should correct the disputed situation.

How much does it cost?

The cost of independent research varies. Companies set individual rates depending on the prestige of the organization and its location.However, indicative prices can be obtained using the example of the Moscow branch of the Non-Profit Partnership "Federation of Forensic Experts." It conducts all types of expert assessments, including electrical ones. The prices for expert assessments are as follows:

• washing machine inspection – from $30;
• Dryer inspection – from $25;
• inspection of refrigeration equipment – ​​from $50.

Transportation costs are paid separately.

The cost of "truth" is affordable, especially since if a manufacturing defect is discovered or the seller's fault is proven, the latter can be sued for reimbursement of the expert examination costs. The main thing is that the expert's report demonstrates the buyer's innocence in the equipment's defect.

   

3 reader comments

1. February 8, 2021 at 11:02 AM

   Gauhar:

   It would be very helpful if you could tell me who in Kazakhstan does this kind of assessment. I can't find anyone.

   Answer
2. December 13, 2022 at 11:16 AM

   Lyudmila:

   Good afternoon. Could you tell me who in Belgorod provides independent washing machine inspections?

   Answer
3. April 7, 2023 at 3:51 PM

   Galina:

   Who conducts the examination in Chelyabinsk?

   Answer