ᐅ Shelf in KALLAX unit broken by a thick binder – grounds for a complaint?

Created on: 8 Aug 2021 08:13
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abdel59
Good morning everyone,

I recently used a shelf panel from my KALLAX unit to store some thick binders. Unfortunately, the panel broke. My question is whether this could be a case for a claim, as at first glance, I believe this type of load should be acceptable under normal use. Does anyone have experience with the load capacity of KALLAX shelf panels or know if one can expect goodwill from the manufacturer in such a case? Thanks in advance for your insights!
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lofar
8 Aug 2021 12:15
Load limits are based on standard conditions. If you exceed them, it is not a material defect but improper use. Claims will not be successful in that case.
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abdel59
8 Aug 2021 13:00
Linavin schrieb:
If the load capacity is that low, you probably shouldn’t use the product for that kind of storage, right?

That’s exactly my thought. In the office, I have a lot of thick binders that I need to store properly. IKEA actually advertises the versatility of the KALLAX. Therefore, I find the load-bearing capacity problematic.
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Danabla
8 Aug 2021 13:27
For clarification: The maximum load of 13 kg per shelf is a value set by IKEA to ensure that the shelf remains stable under normal conditions. Exceeding this limit almost always leads to material failure, which is common with wood-based or MDF-like panels.

A claim is only justified if the load was significantly below the manufacturer's specifications and the shelf still failed. In your case, the load appears to have exceeded the specifications, which makes the manufacturer’s liability questionable.
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FLOMARCOS
9 Aug 2021 08:55
I would suggest describing the damage to IKEA factually and asking for goodwill. Some people are successful even if the load limit was exceeded. Just give it a try.
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tinau
9 Aug 2021 09:10
Don’t miss this opportunity. Simply make a complaint and explain the situation. Sellers are often cooperative if you remain polite.
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gekira
9 Aug 2021 10:48
From experience: IKEA has good goodwill policies. If you can prove that you did not intentionally overload it, your chances are quite good. Document the breakage and clearly communicate that you followed the recommended usage guidelines, even if the load was close to the limit.