Can't return goods - not asked for.

fatblackandwhite

I recently received a pair of boots at random from Barrats - I had not ordered these - they came out of the blue.

I contacted them yesterday to let them know they had sent me something that I didn't order and gave them the opportunity to collect them at their expense - the only convenient time for me to be in all day is a Sunday (full time job, two hour commute, toddler, other commitments).

They have refused to collect them on a Sunday. They first insisted I package them up and take them to the post office, send them back and then they would refund me the postage when they get them. Aside from the fact I only get a half hour break (and at seven months pregnant I am not prepared to waste it getting to a post office and then standing in a queue) I am not prepared to spend money to correct their error even if I do get it back eventually.

They are now insisting I leave them in a 'safe place' and they will collect them during the week. Aside from the fact I live in a terraced house on a main road and do not have a safe place to leave them - I am guessing I would then be held responsible if they got stolen?

All in all, I am stuck.

Can anyone make any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

mattyprice4004

Friend's or relative's house?

fatblackandwhite

Thanks - this is not an option though or else I would have offered this.

robatwork

You're more than reasonable.

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e/consumer_common_problems_with_products_e/consumer_problems_with_delivery_e/consumer_unsolicited_goods_e/youve_received_goods_or_services_you_didnt_ask_for_distance_sales.htm

But out of interest, why don't you take them to work and ask them to collect from there?

fatblackandwhite

Thanks Robatwork!

Because I am seven months pregnant, have to take a toddler to nursery on the way to work and have a two hour rush hour commute on public transport. It is all I can do to get myself there in one piece! (They are knee high boots in a big box)

(also - re previous post - friends/relatives all have full time jobs)

I might ask them to send a pre paid postage label and get someone to take to post office for me.

spacey2012

All you have to do is provide them a list of times they can be collected.
The rest is their problem.
You are not their free slave.

fatblackandwhite

TBH I just want the bleeding things gone - won't be a problem in a few weeks when I am on Mat Leave! Infact - they can collect them then!

Thanks all for your input.

Sambucus_Nigra

Dear Barratts.
They are available between the hours of x and y at the address of z on sundays.
If they are not collected within 14 days of the date of this email, then they will be disposed of.

Kind Regards, from someone who didn't even have to inform you that you had made a mistake and is definitely not going to be making trips to post offices and spending money on postage to return them to you.

Sambucus_Nigra

Or just say 'thanks for collecting them from the safe place yesterday'.

Then bin them. Or give them to a charity shop.

arcon5

I hardly think it's reasonable to only allow collection on a Sunday. A day where couriers generally do not work!

Although I wonder if they would be classed as unsolicited goods? Was they addressed to you personally? (ie your namea nd address) Have you purchased anything from them recently or in the past? How did they get your address?

arcon5

Dear Barratts.
They are available between the hours of x and y at the address of z on sundays.
If they are not collected within 14 days of the date of this email, then they will be disposed of.

Kind Regards, from someone who didn't even have to inform you that you had made a mistake and is definitely not going to be making trips to post offices and spending money on postage to return them to you.

If the goods are not unsolicited goods then be careful when following this advice.. there is a specific procedure to follow when disposing of uncollected goods. Not following it could see you liable.