Returning online purchase - who pays postage?

mummy4monsters

Hi all,
I wonder if someone could kindly help me with this, I recently purchased an item from AllSaints which, upon receiving, is not suitable.

I have got the return address & a returns reference from AllSaints website but, from how I read it, they expect the return to be paid by the customer. They also ask for the item to be sent back via Special Delivery and state that they cannot accept responsibility for items not received.

Now I may be completley wrong but I was under the impression that the company had to pay for the return. The item was only worth £6, if I return it in its original box (as they request) with SD service it would probably cost £4/£5 so wouldn't be worth me sending it back if it's at my cost.

Thank you very much in advance!

mummy4monsters

Opps! Ok, just seen another post on same subject, answers my question, sorry!

me4bargains

Companies are only liable for the cost of returning goods if your order is faulty or they sent the wrong thing.
So you'll have to foot the bill or as the item is only worth £6 why not sell it on Ebay.

unholyangel

me4bargains wrote: »

Companies are only liable for the cost of returning goods if your order is faulty or they sent the wrong thing.
So you'll have to foot the bill or as the item is only worth £6 why not sell it on Ebay.

Not exactly true. You are only liable for postage costs if:
1) your statutory rights were not breached
2) it was stipulated in pre-contractual information that the buyer would be responsible for return costs where their statutory rights had not been breached.

So basically if their T&C's say buyer is responsible for postage on unwanted items, buyer is responsible. If their T&C's do not say this, seller is responsible.

me4bargains

I didn't realise they need to tell you before hand.
I buy from All Saints regularly and have just scrutinised their T & Cs.
They stipulate that the buyer is indeed responsible for the cost if returning goods but they will refund costs of up to £25 if the goods are faulty so thus the OP will have to foot the bill.

Orrin

It's also worth mentioning that you don't have to send it special delivery just because they say so. If the value of the item is below £41 there's not much point in using special delivery over signed for, but if it's only worth a few quid send it as cheap as you can.

shaun_from_Africa

I wouldn't be surprised if the "you must use Special delivery" statement is simply a ploy to try to stop people returning unwanted goods.

As Orrin states, just use second class recorded mail as this will cover you for up to £41 for loss or damage and will also provide proof of delivery.

mummy4monsters

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, you have all been very helpful and I learned a few things! Its very much appreciated :-)

jsukyn

On the same topic, I wonder if I need to send the item back in their box which is really big and heavy?

arcon5

If not sending via recorded, always make sure it's a reputable retailer than won't claim it hasn't arrived as in reality they are unlikely to refund.

There's no legal requirement to return in original packaging, although it's very selfish as they will struggle to resell it.

jsukyn

All saints use a large box to send a piece of light weight clothes, which doesn't even take up the entire space of of the box. It will cost a lot just to send this box back, and I don't see how not returning the packaging box (act like a carrier bag if you buy from their store) can affect the resell of the clothes. I think it's just their way to stop people from returning. Has anyone returned to all saints without using their box?