Debenhams sale returns and Nectar card policies

poorcat

I've just bought a top in the sale at Debenhams (Newbury) - 70% off, bit of a bargain, but was surprised to be told at the counter that I wouldn't be able to get a refund if I returned it - "anything half price or less in the sale can returned for exchange or vouchers only". I buy 90% of my clothes in sales at various big high street shops (M&S, Next etc) and I've never come across this policy before, except with items marked as damaged. Not even sure if it's legally binding.
It's a great top, I'm sure I won't want to return it, but I'm rather cross about the principle.

Also, lady on the till told me staff weren't meant to ask for Nectar cards anymore (like they do on the till in Sainsburys), only swipe them if the customer remembers to hand it to them. She reckons that Debenhams customers have been totting up too many Nectar points so they're trying to keep quiet about the fact you can use your Nectar card in there. I usually forget to use it in Debenhams because I don't shop in there that much, it's not like Sainsburys where you get into the habit of handing over your card when you do the weekly shop. Luckily, the sales assistant saw the Nectar card in my purse, and thought "mean not to ask for it".
I bought something in Adams the other day and they did ask me for my Nectar card in there, so it just seems to be Debenhams who have this new policy.

Chocoholic

I've seen the signs at the tills in Debenhams about this. Don't know about the legality of it but it isn't very encouraging to shop for sale items if you're in a hurry or can't be bothered to queue to try something on. I usually forget to give my Nectar card too and they never ask for it - that's been going on for about a year or more :mad: . Adams also asked for my card but the points haven't been added neither have the 950 bonus points for a spend of £20 or more (deliberately spent over £20 to get that :mad: ). I have to send a photocopy of my receipt to claim these points. Nectar is pants .

BTW Insider knowledge: WHSmith clubcard staff aren't meant to remind customers to give their cards either because the company was losing too much money from customers redeeming their points.

Choc

deanos

Remember its not a legal right to get a refund or even an exchange unless an item is faulty, i susspect this policy is so they get rid of more sale stock or at least they keep hold of your cash, i noticed a few places have stated to do this FCUK definately do as i bought a T Shirt and was told its only a exchange if its returned.

Debenhams also dont give refunds on brands that are available elsewhere like Levis or YSL only a exhange or gift voucher, i didnt realise until i took a YSL shirt back that didnt fit they did give my money back as the sign was not clearly displayed

sunflower_2

i heard a rumour that debenhams were thinking about pulling the plug on offering nectar points altogether?!?

saying that, this was a good few months ago and they still seem to be allocating the points

on the subject of nectar - what really annoys me is claiming points for petrol at sainsburys or BP
they just swipe the card in this machine - you get no confirmation of whether the points have gone on or how many you were awarded
BP are terrible for this - sometimes it doesnt even look as though they swipe the card properly
:confused:

Quackers

poorcat wrote:

I've just bought a top in the sale at Debenhams (Newbury) - 70% off, bit of a bargain, but was surprised to be told at the counter that I wouldn't be able to get a refund if I returned it - "anything half price or less in the sale can returned for exchange or vouchers only". I buy 90% of my clothes in sales at various big high street shops (M&S, Next etc) and I've never come across this policy before, except with items marked as damaged. Not even sure if it's legally binding.
.

Any store can do this. Retailers only offer you your money back as good customer service. They are not legally obliged to refund you just because you changed your mind or it doesn't fit etc. They only have to refund if goods are faulty. Most do give refunds but you'll notice that retailers are giving shorter time scales eg; refunds only if returned within 7/10/14/28 days. Even exchanges on non faulty goods are goodwill gestures!