Can I send a new mobile phone back, just cos I don't like it? *Update post 15*

Hootie19

I had narrowed my choice of phone down to five. The contract is in my husband's name so the negotiating was left to him.

Somehow, I seem to have agreed to a phone which wasn't even of my list of five choices. I had a brief look at the picture of it online (I was busy doing something else at the time so didn't really pay too much attention - my own fault, I know) and it looked kind of ok, so I agreed to it.

Well, it's turned up today, and I really really don't like it. I have taken one photograph (of nothing - just trying to work out the camera controls) on it and sent three text messages. Would this then stop me from returning it - or are mobile phones not even covered by distance selling regs?

I have got a Samsung Galaxy Pro, from Three, if that's relevant. My contract ran out about four months ago, and it's taken me this long to decide on a new phone (self confessed luddite - can't really be bothered with fancy apps etc on a phone) and I'm really disappointed at how little I like this new one.

OneADay

If its been used (especially if you have activated the sim), then the answer is no probably though some retailers/networks may let you off.
Try factory resetting it and then asking to return it and see what Three say.

Hootie19

Thanks OneADay. I get what you're saying. But . . . if you don't try it, how do you know you don't like it??

I've not activated a new sim - just put my old sim from my old phone in it.

gjchester

Hootie19 wrote: »

Well, it's turned up today, and I really really don't like it. I have taken one photograph (of nothing - just trying to work out the camera controls) on it and sent three text messages. Would this then stop me from returning it - or are mobile phones not even covered by distance selling regs?

I have got a Samsung Galaxy Pro, from Three, if that's relevant.

Unfortunatly that is entirely relevent.

On all other networks you can try a Phone, even though thats not really what the DSR is for, its so you can see it in person. Unfortunatly if you use a Phone on Three then they will not accept it back under the DSR, If you'd looked at it but not turned it on you could send it back but as you've used it you are now stuck with it.

Buzby

Becaise it is an Galaxy, you could sell it on as new and get one you like with the money - just remember to state it is locked to the 3UK network. As for trying it, that's why the shops have demo phones. YOu wouldn't expect to return a car after purchase, and a phone isn't much different.

I have a friend who got an upgrade through Vodafone, but he didn't notice until too late that they keypad lit up with blue digits/letters, and his eyesight made blue indistinct - he tried to get it replaced with anything else, but not joy. He could only use it with daylight shining on the keypad. They were sympathetic, but no exchange or refund.

Guys_Dad

Hopefully you will get used to it and come to like it. Just give it a fair shot.

But what you MUST learn from this is to read all the terms and conditions for any product you buy over the net. Yes, you have Distance Selling Regulation protection, but there are conditions and you happen to have picked the network with the toughest conditions.

Next time, ask the questions BEFORE you buy. I am not having a go - it's easy to be wise after the event - but maybe some readers of these posts will learn from others mistakes and please learn from your mistakes. :beer:

kingofherts

Not wanting to state the obvious

But could you not have just gone to a 3store, had a play with a demo one and found out there and then before you committed to it.

I know high streets are a bit old fashioned and dated but they have their uses

Hootie19

Thanks all. I take all your comments on board. I did go into the Three shop in our town, but I clearly don't fit their demographic market, as I was studiously ignored by every salesperson on the shop floor, and just slunk back out again, feeling rather embarrassed to have even put my nose through the door!!

Hey ho. I found this on the Three website
http://www.three.co.uk/Help_Support/About_my_mobile/Returns
so will at least give it a go. If they say no, I'm no worse off, and who knows, they might just say yes.

Another of life's lessons learned!

qxt123

This is news to me. Just bought a phone from T mobile's site and assumed from their policy one could actually use the phone before deciding they don't like it and return it for a refund. This is what their email confirmation stated in the order, so can anyone confirm if T mobile are ok with refunding handsets that have been used?

Returns and refunds

We wouldn't want you to be stuck with a phone or any other piece of equipment you don't like or can't use. Here's what to do if you want to cancel your purchase and get a refund.

7 days to decide

When you buy one of our products online, we'll give you seven working days to decide whether you're satisfied. The clock starts the day after you receive your purchase.

This applies to:

New connections
Upgrades and renewals, including airtime renewals
Accessories
SIM only
We'll refund what we owe you within 30 days of receiving your request.

You'll be charged for any usage.

Just read the last line after pasting this, so I assume by the word 'usage' they are ok with you having a play with the phone before returning. Now it seems odd that Three would have such a different policy tbh.

Edit: whats the coverage like? Surely if you turn the phone on to find Three's coverage is pants, you'd have a case for returning it, used or not?! If not, then Three are truly awful in this regards IMO!

grumbler

qxt123 wrote: »

Just read the last line after pasting this, so I assume by the word 'usage' they are ok with you having a play with the phone before returning. Now it seems odd that Three would have such a different policy tbh.

Policies are supposed to be different. Otherwise they would not be needed. In your context usage means mobile services.

Edit: whats the coverage like? Surely if you turn the phone on to find Three's coverage is pants, you'd have a case for returning it, used or not?! If not, then Three are truly awful in this regards IMO!

With such policy like at '3' you have to use some other handset and a free PAYG sim to check the signal.

qxt123

grumbler wrote: »

Policies are supposed to be different. Otherwise they would not be needed. In your context usage means mobile services.

With such policy like at '3' you have to use some other handset and a free PAYG sim to check the signal.

You're right, policies are different: T Mobile's is vastly superior to Three's.

As for Three's policy regarding their coverage, do they honestly expect customers to find an equivalent phone to the one they're considering purchasing, just to test out a PAYG sim in?? Sounds crazy, especially if like me your old phone was locked and too much of an antique to compare the services you'd expect with the new phone.