Manufacturing Seam Defect on Bestway Inflatable Boat Triggers Refund Request
In March, I purchased a Bestway Hydro-Force Voyager X3 inflatable boat set from the A101 online store. After the product was delivered, I initially created a return request; however, I later changed my mind, did not return the item, and left it completely unused. I used the boat for the very first time on July 26 while swimming in Selçuk, İzmir. During this initial use, I noticed a 2 cm seam separation on the interior section, right along the glued edge. Even though there are no cuts, punctures, or impact marks on the exterior surface, water is pulled inside the boat while at sea due to this opening, making safe and proper use impossible.
On the day I discovered the defect, I contacted A101 customer service and filled out a damage report form. Shortly after, A101 sent an email requesting photos of the damaged area. I took the photos as instructed and replied directly to the email. However, my email apparently failed to register, as I received a notice stating that my claim was closed due to missing information. I called customer service again, and this exact cycle repeated 5 to 6 times: each time I explained the issue and sent photos, my ticket was closed without any concrete steps being taken to resolve the defect.
Every time I call customer service, I ask to speak with a field representative or a higher management authority, only to be told "we are the highest authority here," yet the problem remains entirely unresolved. I have been left stranded with a defective boat that failed on its very first use due to what I believe is a manufacturing flaw, with no responsible party willing to take ownership of the process.
I demand that this product be evaluated as a defective good under statutory warranty, that a proper technical inspection be conducted to provide either a repair or replacement, or, if neither is possible, that a full refund be issued. Additionally, I request a formal written explanation regarding the systemic failure of their customer service process.