Anyone know a leather expert for a written Court statement?
Anyone know a leather expert for a written Court statement?
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2fa

Original Poster:

37 posts

19 months

Tuesday 11th February 2025
quotequote all
I have a leather sofa that has started to display the delightful manufacturing fault known as fatty spew.

I'm going to take the vendor (big shop in Brum) to the small claims court as he's told me to fro.

Need to find someone who can provide me with an expert statement having examined the sofa and determined that I haven't been rubbing lard all over it.

Anyone done anything similar or know a suitably qualified expert?

Muzzer79

12,890 posts

215 months

Tuesday 11th February 2025
quotequote all
You could start with these guys

www.leathermasteruk.com

Pro Bono

685 posts

105 months

Tuesday 11th February 2025
quotequote all
These may be worth a try, though I know nothing about them - http://www.furniturereports.co.uk/upholsterersrepo...

But if you bought the sofa with a credit card it would be easier to make a section 75 claim against the card provider.

Also, you don't need an expert report just to issue the claim, and you may well find that the retailer will pay up rather than going to the hassle of defending it, so that you'll never need to get a report at all.

FWIW

3,907 posts

125 months

Tuesday 11th February 2025
quotequote all
Pro Bono said:
But if you bought the sofa with a credit card it would be easier to make a section 75 claim against the card provider.

Also, you don't need an expert report just to issue the claim, and you may well find that the retailer will pay up rather than going to the hassle of defending it, so that you'll never need to get a report at all.
Good advice

Dog Biscuit

2,436 posts

25 months

FWIW

3,907 posts

125 months

Wednesday 12th February 2025
quotequote all
The FHIO might be able to recommend an expert. They might even appoint one if put a complaint in.

Dr Interceptor

8,183 posts

224 months

Wednesday 12th February 2025
quotequote all
I can't help with an expert, but i really want to see the sofa - sounds manky laugh

silentbrown

10,757 posts

144 months

Wednesday 12th February 2025
quotequote all
You'll need court permission to use expert evidence.

https://www.smallclaimsportal.com/guide/59-expert-...

Byker28i

89,783 posts

245 months

Wednesday 12th February 2025
quotequote all
Never heard this term, but apparently
https://www.theleathercolourdoctor.co.uk/spew-remo...

Consider myself educated

2fa

Original Poster:

37 posts

19 months

Wednesday 12th February 2025
quotequote all
Thanks for all the help.

Looks like mildew but disappears on gentle heating with a hairdryer.

It's caused by insufficient de-greasing of the hide in the tannery, which is why it only occurs in the patches of leather originating from the same single hide.

I'd prefer to line all my ducks up before sending a letter to the business, so will explore the issue of an expert's report further.