When you return something - why do they ask for your postcode/house

HankMcSpank

Out of principle...I give a different postcode/house number *every* time I return something ....but I'm curious why they ask this information & what do they use the database the info goes into for?

jayok

Presumably, they will have software that flags up when a certain address is returning a lot of items. Some people view Argos as a free library.

Inactive

jayok wrote: »

Presumably, they will have software that flags up when a certain address is returning a lot of items. Some people view Argos as a free library.

Indeed, and why not, they save on the cost of having floor space to let customers see/touch anything.;)

mrcow

It could also be a requirement in order for their suppliers to accept returns from them.

mambury

As far as I am aware by law they do not have right to demand this information, only request it. You can refuse if you do not want to be put on a database. Providing you are within the legal time frame for return of products then they have to refund/exchange even without this information. Although I think the law differs slightly when it comes to the sale of TV's and related equipment.

jayok

Other than the 7 days for the DSR and faulty goods, buyers have no right to a refund or a credit note.

admos

The reason argos ask for your postcode following a refund being issued is to identify serial refunders. i.e People who continuely return items. This can be used to identify possible scams and frauds.

It is a fact that most retailers ask for this information for the same reason, it is not just argos!!

littlejaffa

I always put my actuall information on these things, but so illegibly the store would need to be really really determined to understand it.
It saves the till ocnversation where I refuse, but i also wouldn't want random strangers to get my junk mailings if i put someone elses details and so far the tillfolk have been to polite (pc?) to ask me to write better :rotfl:

The most baffling was recently i bought 3 tins of mat emulsion and when i got home realied one was gloss, i took it back within an hour of buying, the store staff remembered me and i was doing a straight swap...but still they wanted my details. (i forgot to take the receipt to the store with me)

Turk

One other reason why companies collect this information is to understand how far customers are coming to a store and running this through a tool to see where new stores should be located.

spookylukey

I paid for an item (using cash) at Jollyes pet store, as the assistant handed me my change I noticed they had overcharged me by something like £1. She called the manager over who demanded that I fill in a form with all my personal details for my 'refund'. I refused out of principle saying that it wasn't a refund, I hadn't even left the shop let alone the till point and that all she was doing was giving me my pound back that they had overcharged me!

I won although she did insist on a signature, gave them my best squiggle

Idiophreak

Have to say, I've never had a problem with this. It's understandable for them to want to monitor these things in order to identify serial returners (although, like the OP, how many of these actually give the same details each time, I'm not sure). I don't return much stuff, so have never been too concerned by it...