Christmas Returns Warning (Especially WH Smith)

ab7167

reehsetin,

thats exactly correct.

I do appreciate that it would not always be possible to tell, but I took the old and new statements in that clearly show the audit trail between the two accounts.

The manager said that it was "at her discretion" - but then refused any refund, not very politely either. Guess I'm annoyed because I did have proof that the two cards were linked, and she couldn't take the time to try and understand what I was saying - just a flat "no".

I don't like the clothes there either, so refund really needed, and sister lives in Paris, so no opportunity to choose something different for her.

I'm not going to name shops, because as far as I can tell they are acting in accordance with their policy - just thought that with proof there might be some leeway....

Ali

hollydays

They cant do both though.Either they stick rigidly to their policy, or be allowed to show discretion.If you named the company someone on here who has worked for them might either say Contact head office (Lots of companies will cave in if they believe the customer has been treated badly),or dont bother they are completely inflexible.
I think what you have said seems reasonable,if it was me i would contact their head office and ask their opinion.This seems a ridiculous situation.

sissy_2

jonnyb wrote:

I got an electric blanket for Xmas - more for the other half than me, honest.
I wanted the next model up, so tried to return it, but they say it's exempt from their money back guarantee, even though I have the receipt, coz it's been opened.
Even though it has not been used, they say for hygiene reasons I cannot return it.
Any similar experiences or advice ? Other than 2just use the once you were given."

In fairness to argos Jonny I agree with them. It clearly states on their receipts when items are exempt from their 16 day gaurantee. I would nt accept a blanket from Argos if it was opened. Be honest would you? Sorry to hear you are out of pocket tho

yeslek

i've never really had any problems exchanging anywhere without receipts. spesh after xmas

i forgot to ask where a mate got a dvd from so just took it in when i went to hmv and they swapped it over fine.

i think it depends on the person behind the til, generally they will swap but sometimes you get arsey workers that just refuse to help

hollydays

yeslek wrote:

i've never really had any problems exchanging anywhere without receipts. spesh after xmas

i forgot to ask where a mate got a dvd from so just took it in when i went to hmv and they swapped it over fine.

i think it depends on the person behind the til, generally they will swap but sometimes you get arsey workers that just refuse to help

are you serious?lol

In theory,Could you blame someone for being "arsey" if they were being asked to accept stuff that wasnt theirs.

ab7167

update - I tried to get a refund again on Saturday, and the lass on the till didn't blink an eyelid! Just looked at the cc statement where it indicates the previous number, said "oh, okay then" and processed the refund! Must have caught the previous one on a bad day or something.

Must admit, I really needed the money back on my card, so am pleased with the outcome. Just slightly annoyed it took two goes!

Ali

hollydays

:money: well done for persevering

yeslek

hollydays wrote:

are you serious?lol

In theory,Could you blame someone for being "arsey" if they were being asked to accept stuff that wasnt theirs.

yeah i'm serious

i wasnt going to get all fussy if they refused as i didtn have a receipt but i thought i'd chance it and so far its been fine.
what i meant about the assistant being arsey is that shops dont have to exchange without proof but most, especially after xmas, will overlook this rule and do it anyway. just depends on the discretion of the person serving you

an we are talking about goods still in packageing so can easily be resold, so its not like the store will lose out.

DjP

Hmmm

just for your information:

in stores

credit card purchases are only refunded back onto the same credit card because that way the store don't lose money.

if they gave you cash instead than they have paid the credit card company for the transaction - and never recovered it on the resulting refund*


x


* they pay a fee to the CC company when you use one to buy things from them

RadoJo

Two quick points:

1. If you return an item to the store because you just don't want it, the only way the store can afford to offer you an alternative is if they can recoup the money on the original item. This means it must be in 're-saleable condition' - ie not opened, damaged or obviously used. This is so that the store can re-sell the item as new, thus covering the cost of your mistake )or that of whoever gave you the gift), and alllowing them to offer you a replacement.

2. Beware of only paying cash (as one poster has advised) - if you lose that receipt, there is absolutely NO WAY of proving your purchase. At least if you purchase an item on a credit card and the receipt goes astray (it is always the important ones which do as well - any number of receipts for bread etc will turn up instead though!!). The company I work for has a reasonably lenient returns policy, but we can do nothing for people who have paid with cash then lost the receipt - those who can send us a credit/debit card statement however can prove tehir purchase and are in a much better position regarding refunds.