Product liability is one part of tort law that holds companies accountable for a defective product when it causes harm to another person. The defect is often the result of negligence when designing, making, and selling a product. Successful product liability claims rest on showing that: The company acted negligently.
If the retailer refuses to replace or repair the product, then the retailer will have to prove that you the consumer has caused the fault. If they cannot prove that you caused the fault, then you are entitled to a repair, a replacement or even a refund.
A product defect is any characteristic of a product which hinders its usability for the purpose for which it was designed and manufactured. Product defects arise most prominently in legal contexts regarding product safety, where the term is applied to "anything that renders the product not reasonably safe".
Your procedure could include the following steps. Listen to the complaint. Thank the customer for bringing the matter to your attention. Record details of the complaint. Get all the facts. Discuss options for fixing the problem. Act quickly. Keep your promises. Follow up.
Reporting Consumer Products Begin by filing a report at .SaferProducts or call their hotline at (800) 638-2772. They will ask you to provide detailed information about the product, the incident, and, whenever possible, photographs of the defective item.
It might be worth contacting the manufacturer initially, just to make sure you're using the product correctly. But if the problem truly is a defect, it's best to return the item for a refund or exchange—if the retailer allows it and you're still in the return period.