Online Order Gone Wrong...advice needed

NurseMoneySaver1122

I recently placed an order with a company I'd never heard of, but payed via PayPal.

My order came and it was the wrong item (delivered via normal letterbox post). After A LOT of chasing the company, they sent me the correct order.

However my question is regarding their request...

They have asked that I post the wrong item back to them by merely writing 'return to sender' and popping it in the postbox.

My problem with this is:
a) I will have no proof of returning it to them and they could accuse me of not returning item if it goes missing (I also live miles away from my nearest post office and do not drive, plus needless to say, I do not expect to be inconvenienced any more than I have already!)
b) I don't see why Royal Mail should have the financial burden of her mistake. It's not like Royal Mail delivered it to the wrong address; no, this company just sent the completely wrong order to me and now want Royal Mail to post it back to them for free!!
I can't help but be a bit skeptical.

Any idea what is best for me to do? Maybe ask for email confirmation that I will not be held responsible if I return it in the way requested, and it is not received? But would rid me of accountability completely?

Thanks in advance

NurseMoneySaver1122

Just read this on another post. Someone with a similar situation to me posted and this was someone's response to them:

"I think asda are wrong here. Return to sender is for stuff that has been delivered to the wrong address (e.g to a former occupier) asda are asking you to return an item that has been delivered to the correct person, therefore to return it postage would have to be paid. ask asda to send you an envelope and pay for your phone calls".

This was my thinking too!

lucy03

In my view it's entirely unreasonable and potentially looks as though it is intending to deprive the Royal Mail of revenue.

The original poster is correct, if this item goes missing the Royal Mail are unlikely to have any interest in compensating for an item posted in this manner. The parcel was correctly delivered and the company should be paying for its return, either by compensating the original poster financially, arranging a courier to pick the item up or by providing a returns label or similar.

I would personally suggest, if the original poster can't easily get to the Post Office, that the company arranges for a courier to pick the wrong item up.

pinkshoes

Surely you can't "return to sender" if it has been opened?!?!

I'd just reply saying that as it has been opened, you cannot return to sender, so can they send you £X so that you can return the item recorded delivery next time you're near a post office.

Say alternatively they can arrange for a courier to pick it up, as you do not drive, so cannot say when you will next be near a post office.

NurseMoneySaver1122

Thanks Lucy03 and Pinkshoes. They were my thoughts exactly. Just felt like I may be being awkward, but thank you for clarifying I'm not.

Thanks again for your replies