
Just had this response to Paul's query from Cobra's marketing guru John Peal:
"Very simply, the consumer's contract is with the retailer. This is one of
the realities if you choose to buy online, it isn't as easy in all cases to
resolve after-sales issues as it is if you buy from a conventional bricks and
mortar shop.
"In practice, we will service any products returned under warranty, by
repair or replacement if repair is not possible."
In a nutshell, under consumer protection, if a product is sub-standard and not fit for the purpose for which it was purchased, it is the responsibility of the retailer in the first instance to replace or offer money back. Check the on-line terms and conditions. Hope this helps.