MSE NEWS: John Lewis launches never-ending refunds

wort

I work at m and s and this used to be the policy there, it was open to extreme abuse.people would bring stuff back that was years old.(they must keep receipts for everything!) also they would buy xmas presents which they would return after xmas and buy back in sale!!! they have stopped the buy back a couple of years ago thankfully .It was a nightmare.

tara747

I think Gap were the same, I returned a few things that were several months old (but in pristine condition and still in their bags). I had just gone off them/never worn them lol.

I'd rather have the money in my a/c than theirs if I'm not going to make use of something!

scots_lass

I think J.L. will regret this 'BIG TIME' I worked in J.L. 30 years ago when their returns policy was like this, you wouldn't believe what people brought back. They didn't even blush when they swore blind they hadn't used it! Hats (with confetti in them), shoes (with the heels worn down), Nail brush ( with the bristles worn and dirty). clothes (smelling of perfume, with stains under the arms, and other places! ), underwear (well you can imagine!!!!!) The list is endless. They already have an excellent and comprehensive customer service record, they are opening themslves up to abuse. Don't know how they will get away with only refunding the last selling price if the customer produces the original receipt, even if it is months or even years later! I know from experience if the customer makes enough fuss and noise they get what they want!!!!!!!

Stageshoot

Costco have had this policy for years,

But even they found out it was unworkable on the "Usual Suspects" TVs Computers Cameras. Which now have a 90 Day return Window, all other items still have an unlimited return window

I must admit to taking advanage of it and returning a Bunk bed when I moved house and it would not fit in the new house, and it was 10 years old, they did not bat an eyelid,

But I think JL will find like costco that they will get used for free upgrades on PCs Laptops TVs etc, unless they curb the policy, lets face it otherwise its just a free loan service!

Puzzle.Mania

I'm SLIGHTLY confused.....so if I don't have a receipt, I will be offered the current price and in vouchers only?

If I return a skirt that is 10 years old (AND I HAVE THE RECEIPT), will I get exactly what I paid for it?

Going back about 3 or so years, M&S used to do this, and you should have seen the things that got taken back. Musty-smelling, old-fashioned items that no one would want, but because the customer(s) had their receipts, they got back what they paid. Disgusting!

Relatives take back clothes they've found in their deceased relatives' wardrobes to "see what they can get for them".

John Lewis must be mad - talk about opening a can of worms (speaking of which, I'm sure I have my receipt somewhere........).

superted2day

andrewmp wrote: »

So I could return a 5 year old TV in perfect condition, I still have the receipt?

:-)

Anyone know? i have a 4 year old plasma that i wouldn't mind upgrading! Still have the receipt too

kingalex985

trying_2_b_good wrote: »

The advantage for me will be knowing that I can return the item if it goes into the sale. If I have a big event, such as a wedding coming up, I always end up leaving buying a new dress until the last minute - just in case it gets reduced! Now, I can buy months in advance, keep an eye on it in store, and return for a full refund if it goes in the sale, then re-buy at the cheaper price.

Will also be very useful leading up to Christmas!

You still only have 28 days to return the item as an undersale, and have them refund the difference in price if it did get reduced.

If you were to just get a refund and hope you could pick it up off the shelf again, it's most likely that an item bought months in advance is no longer stocked, so the item would be sent back to the concession/warehouse rather than return to the shoopfloor

Lara

I was under the impression that you could only take back things which you brought last year, 2010, and not earlier. I am a big JL fan but I do agree they are making a rod for their own back. Why not make it 6 month return policy if they want to do something different.

ElkyElky

This will most certainly be exploited. I could easily buy a computer and use it... keep it in excellent condition then take it back for a refund a year later when the technology inside it will be obsolete.

I can't see them keeping this policy for too long when they've found out what a mistake it was.

BettyAngel_2

My mum bought an Iron from John Lewis in 2005 (still have original receipt), it broke a couple of years ago and we were given a replacement as it was still within the warranty but it broke again about a year and a half ago. Surely an Iron under the sales of goods act should last longer than this? And if John Lewis are offering never-ending refunds then does it count retrospectively? Not that we want a refund, just a replacement that won't break after two years would be fine. Help!!!