Sports Direct Returns

mcoyne

Has anyone else had a proble with sports direct's dubious returns policy.

I bought a squash racket and one of the strings broke first time I played with it. When I took it back I was told that the strings were not covered under waranty and so couldn't be returned.

I pointed out that;
a) this was not explained when the item was purchased
b) I did not want to return the item under their waranty, I wanted to return the item under my consumer rights as it was not fit for purpose.

After explaining this to 4 increasingly senior but just as unhelpful staff, they were still refusing me my consumer rights and told me to contact their complaints department (which is an 0870 number).

I have had to post the racket to them (not easy to wrap when standing in a post office) and that is where the story ends a present. Will post further developments on my case as they happen.


Having spoken to other people I have found this is not an isolated case. A friend of me had to buy something before they would remove the security tag so that it could be tried on. When it didn't fit they were told they couldn't have a refund as the item wasn't faulty, even though the fact it would not fit could not be determined until the tag was removed.

Has anyone else run into problems with sports direct?

M

4743hudsonj

They are pretty strict on these things and dont seem to care much about customer service but to be honest, what they do is the bare minimum they are required to by law.

I agree the faff about sending it off was questionable but if it gets you a result which the morons in store are not capable of doing then i would just count myself lucky.

Sorry for the harsh generalization but it certainly applies to my local score. Makes me wonder if there is a maximum iq requirement to work there.

the182guy

4743hudsonj wrote: »

Sorry for the harsh generalization but it certainly applies to my local score. Makes me wonder if there is a maximum iq requirement to work there.

Lots of people had problems with them. Especially with their online service, ie people ordering the sale items and having their money taken then told out of stock, then battling to get their money back.

I was in a Sports Direct shop yesterday, the member of staff at the checkout said absolutely nothing except "19.99" when I was buying something, even though I'd said something like "hi just that please" and "thanks seeya". I also noticed that another member of staff was shouting and swearing loudly at his colleague in front of small kids.

mcoyne

Hi Guys

I said I would update you.

Good news, I have my refund but it took a lot of effort.

I sent in a letter attached to my broken racket and got a reply from sports direct thanking me for my letter and saying that they "would be happy to inspect my racket if I sent it in to them". THEY HAD TO OPEN THE RACKET TO GET THE LETTER - HOW STUPID ARE THESE PEOPLE!:mad:

After numerous phone calls they found the racket and agreed to send me a refund for the racket and postage (but not unfortunately the packaging I had to buy to send it to them). This is a partial result but I still feel aggrieved at being made to post it to them in the first place as it should have been dealt with instore as a simple refund under my statutory rights.

Someone should bring Sports Direct's returns policy to Martin's attention as I'm fairly sure it breaks the law and something needs to be done about it.

4743hudsonj

mcoyne wrote: »

Hi Guys

I said I would update you.

Good news, I have my refund but it took a lot of effort.

I sent in a letter attached to my broken racket and got a reply from sports direct thanking me for my letter and saying that they "would be happy to inspect my racket if I sent it in to them". THEY HAD TO OPEN THE RACKET TO GET THE LETTER - HOW STUPID ARE THESE PEOPLE!:mad:

After numerous phone calls they found the racket and agreed to send me a refund for the racket and postage (but not unfortunately the packaging I had to buy to send it to them). This is a partial result but I still feel aggrieved at being made to post it to them in the first place as it should have been dealt with instore as a simple refund under my statutory rights.

Someone should bring Sports Direct's returns policy to Martin's attention as I'm fairly sure it breaks the law and something needs to be done about it.

It does break the laws when they refuse consumer rights as this is an offence.

deanos

mcoyne wrote: »

I sent in a letter attached to my broken racket and got a reply from sports direct thanking me for my letter and saying that they "would be happy to inspect my racket if I sent it in to them". THEY HAD TO OPEN THE RACKET TO GET THE LETTER - HOW STUPID ARE THESE PEOPLE!:mad:
.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Ivan_Jellical

In the past I have bought a couple of pairs of Nike trainers at £110 and was satisfied with them. However I bought a pair on Friday and returned them the following day for a refund and was point blank refused without any hesitation from the staff despite the fact their was some damage to the back of the heel I had not seen. As the goods where damaged but not seen to be I felt there was a reasonable case under the Sale Of Goods Act 1979. All to no avail I too walked out with my damaged goods and no refund. However I am starting a campaign on Facebook to mobilise the power of the people against this hidious company that does not care about consumer rights or the damage this type of company has on legitimate companies that trade in an ethical manner. Bring back civilisation to the high street and stop unethical practices on our high streets!
:A

neilmcl

Ivan_Jellical wrote: »

In the past I have bought a couple of pairs of Nike trainers at £110 and was satisfied with them. However I bought a pair on Friday and returned them the following day for a refund and was point blank refused without any hesitation from the staff despite the fact their was some damage to the back of the heel I had not seen. As the goods where damaged but not seen to be I felt there was a reasonable case under the Sale Of Goods Act 1979. All to no avail I too walked out with my damaged goods and no refund. However I am starting a campaign on Facebook to mobilise the power of the people against this hidious company that does not care about consumer rights or the damage this type of company has on legitimate companies that trade in an ethical manner. Bring back civilisation to the high street and stop unethical practices on our high streets!
:A

If the shoes are faulty then you have a right under the SOGA for a remedy, probably a full refund at this stage. Don't take no for an answer, take them back to the shop (who are they btw?), ask for the manager and explain that you are rejecting them as they are not of satisfactory quality, due to the obvious damage. Don't waste your time with facebook campaigns, if you feel you have a case and you don't get satisfaction from the store then start a small claims action.

Ivan_Jellical

neilmcl wrote: »

If the shoes are faulty then you have a right under the SOGA for a remedy, probably a full refund at this stage. Don't take no for an answer, take them back to the shop (who are they btw?), ask for the manager and explain that you are rejecting them as they are not of satisfactory quality, due to the obvious damage. Don't waste your time with facebook campaigns, if you feel you have a case and you don't get satisfaction from the store then start a small claims action.

Well I didn't take no for an answer and the manager would not budge. As a Credit Note was not satisfactory to me he just gave me a A4 sheet referring me to Sports Direct "customer services" He just didn't care what I had to say or the facts. The shoes cost £80 which is 'considered purchase' territory and was totally shocked at his attitude. They may have gained a sale but they have lost a customer. If I get no joy from their CS (I suspect they are trained to break the law too) I will take them to the small claims court - its not just about money but about law, common sense and most importantly principle!