Product defected

We just replaced 140 mailboxes with top of the line from HomeDepot. Got a great
price because the order was over $5,000. Everyone thinks they are stunning.
That is until 6 weeks after installation and the lids were snapping off. Seems the lid is attached to mailbox with a "plastic part" and with repetitive use (6 weeks??)the entire lid becomes detached and falls off. We have had 5 incidents
2 weeks ago. We sent photos to the manufacturer which Home Depot provided the
address, etc. This total project cost us $13,000 and essentially is a lemon.
As we await to hear from the manufacturer, can anyone explain what usually happens
in a situation like this. We can't simply replace with same product due to flaw,
so what can I expect from either manufacturer or Home Depot??
Jackie

Jackie B,
You might want to have a good handy man look at the boxes and see if a cheap fix can be made. Get a cost/unit and talk to manufactor or Home depot about or both and asking them to split the cost.

Also, I would work with a main office person about your problem, and document what he says, get conversation s noted and try and get e-mail responses, both Home Depot and Manufacture. After you can get as much in writing as possible, take this to your state comsummer affairs office, also think about giving them a call.

You bought them from Home Depot, so start there. What is or was the warranty regarding the mailboxes and installation? (Document everything you do in writing). Start with Home Depot's warranty or return policy. I'm sure they don't want you to drop 140 mailboxes off at their customer service counter. Don't wait too long to get your attorney involved. Sometimes a letter from an attorney letting the other parties know that you're serious, and that the costs are going up, can get action a little faster. Make sure you have a copy of the manufacturer's warranty and understand any time limitations.

Joe