Originally Posted by
DirkW
Maybe that all these rules may be different in other countries?

I think the general retail model in the west affords every consumer very similar benefits. Europe/UK/US. Every time you buy something from a shop - including an online retailer - a contract exists between you as the consumer and the retailer.
In general, consumers don't need to deal direct with manufacturers, because they can insist the retailer sort out such issues. They're contractually obliged to.