Buying expensive gift for Christmas. How to "protect" myself regarding returns?

Nine_Lives

I'm considering buying a gift for my other half for Christmas which is really quite expensive.

I haven't yet decided whether i'd go for the online purchase or find a store in town to buy from.

Thing is, it's a Christmas present - so will be getting opened in over a months time.

I've no reason to doubt that it'll work, but similarly i don't want to be left with a faulty item x amount of weeks down the line & not be in the position to return it.


Is there anything i should do at the till (or online if i choose online) to protect myself regarding this?

Thanks.

Mupette

normally you would get 28 days (i think) but dont shops extend for an extra month if you tell them it is for christmas?

shaun_from_Africa

Make sure that you keep hold of the receipt and if possible pay with a credit card so that in the event of a retailer refusing to honour your statutory rights you still have "section 75" protection.

Is the item the sort of thing that you could take out of the box and give a good inspection and test before wrapping it up?

arcon5

Don't assume you can return an item purchased in a store, check their returns policy before purchasing. If online you have 7 working days fro mreceipt under Distance Selling Regulations, anything above that is also company policy and should be checked.
Always keep the receipt if returning due to change of mind or ensure you have proof of purchase if a fault develops.

Also, I wouldn't recommend not opening it straight away. Take it out of the packaging to ensure there is no visible damage or defects and perhaps try it to ensure it works. Otherwise you could find yourself in a situation whereby the retailer has deemed you to have 'accepted' the goods.

If a fault occurs at a later date you will be protected by Sales of Goods Act, particularly in the first 6 months whereby the burden is on the retailer to prove a fault is not inherent.

Last of all, if over £100, use a credit card for the added protection it offers (section 75)

NCISROCKS

arcon5 wrote: »

Don't assume you can return an item purchased in a store, check their returns policy before purchasing. If online you have 7 working days fro mreceipt under Distance Selling Regulations, anything above that is also company policy and should be checked.
Always keep the receipt if returning due to change of mind or ensure you have proof of purchase if a fault develops.

Also, I wouldn't recommend not opening it straight away. Take it out of the packaging to ensure there is no visible damage or defects and perhaps try it to ensure it works. Otherwise you could find yourself in a situation whereby the retailer has deemed you to have 'accepted' the goods.

If a fault occurs at a later date you will be protected by Sales of Goods Act, particularly in the first 6 months whereby the burden is on the retailer to prove a fault is not inherent.

Last of all, if over £100, use a credit card for the added protection it offers (section 75)

For clarity its 7 working days commencing the day after you receive the item and that is to inform them in writing you wish to return it for a full refund including P&P, not 7 days to return it.

Nine_Lives

Thanks a lot for the advice guys.

Regarding the item & its cost - it's either an iPad2 or a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1