Defective microwave sparks dispute over refund
Dear Claudienne,
On December 31st, 2025 I purchased a Panasonic inverter microwave from a store on Orange Street, in downtown Kingston. The cost was $28,000.
About the first week of January 2026, I decided to test the microwave. When I plugged it in and set it for two minutes, my husband was in the kitchen. I left the kitchen to get something elsewhere, only to hear my husband shout out, “See the microwave a bun up!” He then moved quickly and plugged it out.
When I went back into the kitchen and opened the microwave one side of it was badly burnt. The next day I called the store and reported what had happened. The proprietor told me to take the microwave oven back to the store.
My husband returned it to the store on January 13, and the proprietor said we would hear from them within one week. We did not hear from them, so my husband went to the store to find out what was happening. He said that the proprietor told him that the microwave oven that he had bought was his property and could not be fixed. He told my husband that the fire had resulted from electrical problems at his house. And that was it. I have never had any electrical problems at my home and I have been living there for 28 years. My husband pointed out that the receipt he got when he bought the microwave stated that it had a warranty of three months. However, the proprietor said that he would not get a refund. On January 22, my husband made a complaint to the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) and they said it would take a little while. But we have not heard anything from them after almost two months. I am currently without the use of a microwave and also my $28,000.I am seeking your assistance to get back my funds from this proprietor. Please see the receipt that is attached.
AB
Dear AB,
Tell Claudienne has been in communication with the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) and notes that the store proprietor agreed to a replacement for your defective microwave.You have told the column that your husband collected the replacement on March 26. “My husband collected the microwave yesterday (March 25) and we tried it and it’s OK now,” you stated.
We wish you all the best.
Have a problem with a store, utility, or company? Telephone 876- 936-9436 or CELL/whatsapp # 876-484-1349 or write to: Tell Claudienne c/o Sunday Finance, Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail: edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com. Please include a contact phone number.
