Faulty Item returned by freepost possibly lost in mail

Mcbain_2

Hello,

Looking for a little advice as to where I stand.
I purchased a lightweight jacket off ebay, Buy in Now, brand new from a company with a ebay shop (Winfield outdoor).

The jacket had a faulty zip so I contacted the company and let them know I wanted a refund, not a replacement. I asked for the address to which I should return the item.

They provided me with a freepost address. I mailed the item back over a week ago. Obviously it could still be in transit but i'm getting worried as they've not received it.

If it shouldn't arrive, where do I stand. Obviously if they'd given me a normal address I would have paid the postage (which they're legally obliged to refund) and would have had a proof of postage. As they gave me a freepost address I've no proof of postage. I've witnesses to the original fault and I'm probably on our company CCTV putting the item in the post room and the postie collecting the post.

Do they still have to refund me or not? It's not my fault that they provide a freepost address. Even if I'd got a proof of postage I'd still have been down on my refund because the post office insurance wouldn't have covered the postage of the original item.

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Andy

deanos

Even if its freepost the PO can give a certificate of postage which is what you should have done to prove you have sent it, not sure if they have to refund you as how do they know you have sent it ?

Mcbain_2

Didn't realise you could still get proof of postage even for a freepost item. That's annoying.
Even if I'd got a proof of purchase, who then has to claim for the lost item from the post office as obviously I'd not paid for the postal service?

wealdroam

Mcbain wrote: »

It's not my fault that they provide a freepost address.

That is true.

However, it is your fault that you haven't protected yourself.

You could've insured it.

You could've used Special Delivery.

You could've used Recorded Signed For.

All with a freepost address.

:beer:

adam.mt

Freepost items can sometimes take longer (depends on the delivery service used) so it could still be in transit.

In future, a certificate of postage will cover the value of the goods up to £41. I'm unsure who would have to make the claim since being Freepost (in theory they've paid but you sent it) but I think it would be you. Obviously, I could be wrong, as stated.

If the goods are worth more than £41 then you should have asked the retailer what they advise and if necessary paid extra for additional insurance (unless they clearly said no, in which case tell them you'll consider them liable for loss).

Mcbain_2

phew, coat has finally arrived with the seller.

Next time I'll use a little more common sense before rushing to send something back.
Thanks for the advice
Andy

adam.mt

Unnecessary worrying then! Glad it worked out fine.