Shopper who ordered a £150 vacuum cleaner from Argos is stunned to find two BRICKS inside instead when he opened the box

  • Tony Challis ordered Vax Blade online and collected it from store in Braintree
  • The 47-year-old claims when he opened the box he discovered two large slabs 
  • Argos have since arranged a full refund and are now investigating the incident 

By AMIE GORDON FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

A bemused shopper claims Argos sent him two bricks in a box instead of the £150 vacuum cleaner he paid for. 

Tony Challis ordered a Vax Blade vacuum cleaner online and collected it from the store in Braintree, Essex.

The 47-year-old claims he was 'livid' when he took his purchase home and opened the box to find two bricks instead of the cordless vacuum.

Tony Challis ordered a Vax Blade vacuum cleaner online but claims he found two bricks when he opened the box

Tony Challis ordered a Vax Blade vacuum cleaner online but claims he found two bricks when he opened the box

Mr Challis bought the hoover on his Argos card and refused to pay anything off the balance until the company looked into the matter

Mr Challis bought the hoover on his Argos card and refused to pay anything off the balance until the company looked into the matter

Mr Challis said: 'I was livid when I first opened it to be honest, because you do not expect to pay £150 for two bricks.

'When I received the box it was sealed, but only with three bits of Sellotape.

'It seemed Argos was saying that, basically more or less, I have done this myself.

'I think it is disgusting the level of customer service I received.

'I am relived but at the end of the day it has been a nightmare what I have had to go through to get it sorted.'

Mr Challis bought the hoover on his Argos card and refused to pay anything off the balance until the company looked into the matter. 

He collected the vacuum from the store in Braintree, Essex (pictured). Argos gave Mr Challis a full refund and are now investigating the matter

He collected the vacuum from the store in Braintree, Essex (pictured). Argos gave Mr Challis a full refund and are now investigating the matter

Mr Challis said: 'I want people to be aware, and if something looks unsealed, check it before you leave the shop'

Mr Challis said: 'I want people to be aware, and if something looks unsealed, check it before you leave the shop'

Mr Challis also reported the incident to Trading Standards. 

'It is a considerable amount of money but I told them I am refusing to pay anything off until I actually receive my item,' he added.

'I have spent hours on the phone to customer services and I even drove all the way to Chelmsford because they told me I could exchange it at that store, but they changed their minds.

'I want people to be aware, and if something looks unsealed, check it before you leave the shop.' 

An Argos spokesperson said: 'We have arranged a refund for Mr Challis and are investigating.'

Argos

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