Is this fair ?

stardoman

My mum bought my 2 sons some pyjamas for xmas from Woolworths. Unfortuately, she got the sizes wrong. I took them back last week. I didn't want to offend my mum by asking for the receipt and saying she'd bought the wrong size, so I didn't have the receipt to go with them.

I asked if they would exchange them. I wanted to change the age 5-6 to age 4-5 and the age 9-10 to age 7-8. I was happy to keep the same styles, which happens to be the new ones they got in just before xmas.

Anyway, I was told that because the pjs' had been on a 3 for 2 offer before xmas, I would have to pay an additional £6 as they could only refund two thirds of the cost of the pjs. I declined as I guess the kids will grow into them eventually.

However, the more I think about this the more I think its unfair. Okay, my mum may have bought on the 3 for 2 offer, but they will sell the items I returned for the full price (they haven't been reduced in the sale as they are a new line).

I didn't ask to speak to a manager. Should I try again and ask to speak to a manager or just accept and wait a year or two for the children to grow into them?

Thanks, Mandy.

sarahlouise210

You have not made it clear if they actually offered you replacements in the right size or only the refund. There is absolutely no reason that they should not offer you the correct size - as you say they will have the ones you returned and they will sell them for full price. Stand your ground - ask for a direct swap for the correct sizes - if they will not replace them then keep them for when they do fit.

cherries_3

I agree a replacement should be offered regardless of what sale/offer was on before xmas. Ask to speak to a manager the next time you go in, take some one wiht you for morale support..! ;-)

stardoman

Hi,

They did not offer a refund - I didn't ask for one, I only wanted to exchange for the correct sizes. She said I would have to pay an extra £6 as the till would only give £18 towards the new sizes and each pair cost £12. I did say that that couldn't be right as why should I pay extra for the same thing? She then said I could pick pjs which were in the sale if I wanted and that way I would be able to get 2 pairs in exchange. However, the children wanted the same pjs, just in their correct size.

Think I'll go back next week, or I might try a different branch of woolies instead.

Thanks, Mandy.

Bossyboots

Surely their till will not know the difference between items bought on an offer and those bought now if they are from the same range. They would simply scan in the unwanted items and credit them and then scan in the replacements and charge for them (or vice versa) ending up with a nil balance to pay.

I think the assistant has got confused with what happens if a refund is required and a straight swap.

motorguy

Bossyboots wrote:

Surely their till will not know the difference between items bought on an offer and those bought now if they are from the same range. They would simply scan in the unwanted items and credit them and then scan in the replacements and charge for them (or vice versa) ending up with a nil balance to pay.

I think the assistant has got confused with what happens if a refund is required and a straight swap.

how would their till know if its only reading the (presumably same) bar code?

Bossyboots

pgilc1 wrote:

how would their till know if its only reading the (presumably same) bar code?

I was assuming for stock control that the bar code is slightly different for each size. If that is not the case then it is even simpler as they surely can just swap them.

If a refund was required then the assistant would presumably have to override the system to show the balance payable.

The issue of a refund on a 3 for 2 came up here a while ago but I can't find the thread now. It also came up on another forum where someone tried to return two items from a 3 for 2 and were told they would have to pay extra and the shop involved then wasn't woolies.

Bossyboots

gizmoleeds wrote:

I have to say I think this is fair .

If a shop agreed to take back items from a 3 for 2 offer at their original price without a receipt then unscruptulous shoppers could use this to obtain free items (by returning the two most expensive later without a receipt).

It is the same reason a shop will only refund a product without a receipt at the lowest it had recently sold for.

I'm sorry, but I see absolutely nothing unfair about this.

The OP wanted an exchange for the same item but in different sizes, not a refund. Otherwise I would agree with what you say.

Dormouse

I took something back to Woolies last week for an exchange, without a receipt (wanted the same thing in a different size - also have relatives who don't realise what size my little one really is). Anyhoo, the item was originally on the 3 for 2, but they swapped it for me no problem.

As Bossyboots says, I think the assistant in your case got confused. I would try again.

Lara

I would go back, pick up the correct size I wanted, take them to the desk and ask the cashier to do a straight swop.

If asked for the receipt, say No. Being on 3 for 2 doesn't make any difference. You aren't asking for a refund, you're not asking for a cheaper item. Ask politely for them to swop the sizes and stick to your guns. If it doesn't get you anywhere ask to speak to the Manager but I'm sure it won't come to this as common sense will prevail . Perhaps the cashier had a lousy day :rolleyes: .

Good Luck

busymumof3

I did the same thing myself at Woolworths with an item I had bought on a 3 for 2 deal. I did have the receipt but simply changed my mind about one of the items. The cashier simply put through a completely different item of clothing I had chosen which happened to have been on a 3 for 2 which had since been discontinued. I would definitely stand your ground.