10% Restocking charge?

CharmCaster

Hi,

I bought a jacket from ebay and, although it is supposed to be a size 14, it is really small so I have asked to return it.

Naturally, return postage is down to me but I've only just noticed in the small print that it is subject to a 10% restocking charge (item cost £45), are they allowed to do this?

Between postage to me, returning it, and this charge I may as well have just chucked £15 in the bin.

TIA

neilmcl

Was it a "buy it now" purchase and did you buy it from a business seller?

CharmCaster

Hi,

Yes, it was BIN from a business seller, it just seems a bit OTT.

ThumbRemote

Under the distance selling regulations they cannot charge a restocking fee, and must also refund the postage cost to you. You still need to pay return postage costs, unless they specify otherwise.

CharmCaster

ThumbRemote wrote: »

Under the distance selling regulations they cannot charge a restocking fee, and must also refund the postage cost to you. You still need to pay return postage costs, unless they specify otherwise.

That's exactly what I was wondering but, what I know about DSR could be put on the back of a stamp with space left over. Okay £4.50 isn't really worth having a hissy fit over but, I just thought it was a bit cheeky really.

Thanks for that, I'll mention it on the returns note and probably receive a big fat neg feedback for my trouble

Hintza

CharmCaster wrote: »

Thanks for that, I'll mention it on the returns note and probably receive a big fat neg feedback for my trouble

Sellers can only leave positive feedback. So you are in control.

halibut2209

As a buyer, you can't receive a negative. However if they refuse to comply by the law, there's nothing to stop you leaving a negative

CharmCaster

You certainly do live and learn, I never knew that, I don't really use ebay that much and now I remember why. Very useful to know, thanks both!

Jinks

Hmm... If the seller is obliged to refund the original postage even if the buyer changed their mind or bought the wrong size, I suspect that the "restocking fee" they want is to cover that loss and deter customers from returning items without a good reason. That approach may not come across well to customers, but at the same time it's understandable that small businesses don't want to make a loss on a sale any more than the buyer does, especially if they haven't done anything wrong.

I've actually seen a lot of eBay sellers who have this same "restocking fee". I don't know anything about business laws, but perhaps it may help to check with eBay customer service or ask on the eBay forum to find out if they are allowed to do this under the eBay selling regulations. If they aren't, inform them politely and hopefully they will be polite back - they may not be aware it's not allowed and just trying to cover their losses.

CharmCaster

Jinks wrote: »

Hmm... If the seller is obliged to refund the original postage even if the buyer changed their mind or bought the wrong size, I suspect that the "restocking fee" they want is to cover that loss and deter customers from returning items without a good reason. That approach may not come across well to customers, but at the same time it's understandable that small businesses don't want to make a loss on a sale any more than the buyer does, especially if they haven't done anything wrong.

I've actually seen a lot of eBay sellers who have this same "restocking fee". I don't know anything about business laws, but perhaps it may help to check with eBay customer service or ask on the eBay forum to find out if they are allowed to do this under the eBay selling regulations. If they aren't, inform them politely and hopefully they will be polite back - they may not be aware it's not allowed and just trying to cover their losses.

I do appreciate that however, I'm actually a size 10/12 but decided to go a size up in order that I could wear sweaters etc. under the jacket (a parka) but there is no way that it is a proper size 14. It's so tight across the shoulders that I can't put my arms out in front of me.

So although they're not at fault, neither really am I. As I said, I'm not about to have a hissy fit over £4.50 either way.

zaax

As this is faulty item - incorrect size Sales of Goods Act applies. DSR only applies if you don't like something. This is faulty because the label shows the wrong size, and therefore as the goods are not of mechantable quaility you need all your money back including postage.

Get the sellers name and address before shouting at him. If the seller is not in the ec you might have problems.