We got back to Marie and we asked her to provide further details but thankfully she already had done all the hard work and been in touch with Targa in Germany who were going to supply her with the replacement bulb but had requested prepayment prior to dispatch.

Targa had given her their bank details and she arranged for the transfer through her bank and, fortunately, all went well and Marie sent us the following e-mail:

 

We have now received the bulb although a little late and my sister is over the moon to be watching TV. We have of course had no further communication from Lidl and I don't really expect any now, so this is definitively a word of warning for any body dealing with Lidl;  just don't take the risk, it will cost you time, money and a lot of hassle. 

We are now going to look at going to a more reputable company for a new projector and bulb, if any one has any suggestions I will be glad of the info. ( oh and happy new year?) 

 

 

So here it is, a happy outcome for Marie, but as she said, think very carefully if you buy an expensive item from a Discounter.

Ask yourself if, like in the case of a projector, if you will need spare parts and ask the seller before you buy what back-up service they provide.

 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Targa, they are a very reputable company but if you live in the United Kingdom then it is rather difficult and expensive to obtain parts from Germany or anywhere else in Europe. Ask the seller what procedure is required if something goes wrong and check out the term of the warranty. If you are happy and you are prepared to accept the consequences then by all means go ahead and buy but don’t be tempted just by the price as it may cost you dearly in the long run if something goes wrong, especially outside the guarantee.

 

Think before you buy - You have been warned