Halfords returns - why do they want my name and address?

sarahg1969

arcon5 wrote: »

Shops do not have to accept returns if you change your mind. Nor are 'change of mind' returns treated in the same way as faulty goods.

Under the SOGA, no.

But it quite common with larger companies that it forms part of the contract at the time of sale, in which case they do have to accept a return.

Whether or not they are permitted to add a further term to that contract at the time of return/refund is questionable.

There is definitely no obligation to provide personal details if returning an item under the SOGA.

The_Black_Sheep

Is this storm in a teacup still going on?

How tiresome...

Hermione_Granger

Surely it's only tiresome if you read it.
If it bothers you that much then just ignore the thread totally.

NeverEnough

wealdroam wrote: »

It appears that you have overlooked post #4, where the OP says...

As the OP expected it to be resold, I am sure you will agree that it is probably reasonable to assume that the thing is not faulty.

As part of their process for accepting what is effectively a 'change of mind' return, the shop is perfectly entitled to use the condition that name and address be supplied.

Might be resold via a Returns Joblot, or via an Ebay outlet - no I did not overlook the post. It didn't specify that the item was to be put back on the shelf and resold as new. In any event, the shop has no right to force you to provide your personal details, whether the goods are faulty or not. They may refuse to refund you in the event that the goods are not faulty if you don't jump through their obstructive and potentially damaging hoops, but they cannot force you to provide your personal data. End of. It is a deliberate ploy by retailers to intimidate and obstruct and you put yourself in a vulnerable situation by giving personal data to some shop assistant who could then go on to commit fraud with it. I know what I would do if faced with that prospect.

Shops that make it up as they go along like this should be providing all customers with clear terms and conditions of returns, before a purchase is concluded, and that you will have to compromise your personal data security if you attempt to return an item if you "changed your mind". They should also be clarifying where and how this data will be used and stored.

I do not believe that they comply with the Data Protection Act in respect of the way this data is collected and stored - anyone handing over their personal details in this way is likely to have their data misused as it is not secure.

The_Black_Sheep

Hermione_Granger wrote: »

Surely it's only tiresome if you read it.
If it bothers you that much then just ignore the thread totally.

Unfortunately I have the sort of sadomasochistic personality that prevents me from walking away from it.

We all have our crosses to bear I suppose...

Hermione_Granger

I do not believe that they comply with the Data Protection Act in respect of the way this data is collected and stored - anyone handing over their personal details in this way is likely to have their data misused as it is not secure.

Not believing something doesn't mean that it doesn't happen though.
There are lots of people who don't believe that NASA put men on the moon in 1969.

I have returned many items to various shops, and when asked I have no problems giving my details.
Strangly enough, this hasn't lead to me being innundated with unwanted junk mail.

and that you will have to compromise your personal data security

The same personal data that is available to anyone who wishes to check out the electoral register.

StretchedElf

I remember having this conversation years ago regarding a faulty return. And while this particular thread may refer to a "change of mind" (or at least imply it) you would get much the same response (both in the shop and on here) if you questioned a retailer's right to your personal details for a faulty return.

I think in this day and age of increasingly sofisticated identity fraud/phishiing we shouldn't have to put up with our details being kept in some file in some shop we have no affiliation to and have no control over. Most want your name and address, some want a signature, others want your phone number while others want an email address. Probably handy if you can get all of those. If we can't trust our banks, our insurance brokers or even our government to look after our information properly (or legally), why should we trust shops?

The_Black_Sheep

Hermione_Granger wrote: »

There are lots of people who don't believe that NASA put men on the moon in 1969.

I'm one of them.

And don't get me started on Elvis not really being dead...

wealdroam

NeverEnough wrote: »

In any event, the shop has no right to force you to provide your personal details, whether the goods are faulty or not. They may refuse to refund you in the event that the goods are not faulty if you don't jump through their obstructive and potentially damaging hoops, but they cannot force you to provide your personal data. End of.

OK, maybe they cannot force you to give your personal details, but to do so means that in the case of non-faulty goods you, the consumer, takes the risk that you may not get a refund.
How does that help anyone?

NeverEnough wrote: »

It is a deliberate ploy by retailers to intimidate and obstruct and you put yourself in a vulnerable situation by giving personal data to some shop assistant who could then go on to commit fraud with it.

What a vivid imagination you have.
We are talking about a name and address.

NeverEnough wrote: »

I do not believe that they comply with the Data Protection Act in respect of the way this data is collected and stored - anyone handing over their personal details in this way is likely to have their data misused as it is not secure.

Wow!

Do you have any basis at all that allows you to arrive at that conclusion?

Hopefully Halfords Privacy Policy will re-assure you...

Privacy Policy

Halfords and Halfords Autocentres are part of the Halfords Group

The Halfords group is registered under the Data Protection Act. We are committed to protecting your privacy and have taken steps to explain this in full below. <snip>

The_Black_Sheep

wealdroam wrote: »

OK, maybe they cannot force you to give your personal details, but to do so means that in the case of non-faulty goods you, the consumer, takes the risk that you may not get a refund.

How does that help anyone?

wealdroam wrote: »

What a vivid imagination you have.
We are talking about a name and address.

Bravo to both.