Travel expenses when getting refund..?

iaing84

Morning all,
I'm a long time follower of thee email and forums, however this is the first time I have needed to post as i'm not too sure on my rights in this case...
My son received a wooden garage for his 1st birthday, it comes from Sainsburys. Yesterday the OH took it back for an exchange as it was faulty (the car lift appears to be glued badly and won't go up or down). The staff claimed that it was a branded item so they couldn't do anything without a receipt (which I know isn't completely correct), as it couldn't be proved it was bought from the chain. The other half didn't know/remember this, but it clearly says Sainsburys on the instruction sheet, leading me to believe that these "branded" goods are actually Sainsburys own make (much like Chad Valley used to be for Woolworths).
I am going back over there today to get a replacement garage, but my question is... Am I entitled to ask for money to cover the 2x 20mile round trips to return the item? Does this count as consequential loss? (I can remember this happening when I worked at the aforementioned Woolies years back, but don't know if it a "right" as such)
Thanks in advance for any help!

mattyprice4004

You need some proof of purchase or you're not entitled to anything - the item could have been stolen from a store, be seconds bought from another source etc.

It doesn't matter that only sainsburys sell the item. Pray tell how you think it was incorrect of them to refuse the return?

iaing84

Thanks for the reply. Whilst there yesterday the OH exchanged other products (TU clothing, also Sainsburys own brand) without proof of purchase and with no problem, their reason for refusing the garage wasn't lack of proof but that it was branded and not necessarily their product. You make a fair point though, I shall get hold of the receipt from the original purchaser eliminating that problem.
However, returning to the point of my post, would I be entitled to ask them for reimbursement of travel expenses (at least for the second trip as the first was done without proof of purchase and could be considered our own fault)?

frugal_mike

A bank statement may be sufficient if it clearly shows a transaction for the amount the toy cost. If you used a nectar card then they might be able to look up what you bought, but that information might not easily be available to customer service staff in store.

frugal_mike

Technically yes if they breached a contract with you then you could claim your losses, however in your previous post you said you would get the receipt from the original purchaser. This implies you have no contract with them. only the original purchaser has rights here.

Ask them and see what they say.

marliepanda

As you went back without any proof of purchase I doubt you could claim back that trip, they didn't help you because they did not have sufficient evidence to help you.

The next one, maybe,.

JournalGirl

We bought some kitchen cupboards from Ikea, and found on unpacking one was badly damaged. OH took it back (34 mile round trip) and when there the member of staff asked him his postcode. When he (cheeky as ever) said, 'is that for my mileage costs' the member of staff muttered no, but I can pay you mileage if you want.

So not an entitlement, but ask nicely and you never know.

mattyprice4004

Thanks for the extra info.
With the receipt you'll be fine, however the first journey won't be eligible for any refund of travel expenses as you didn't have the required documentation with you.
I'm sure they'll sort something out for the 2nd journey though.

iaing84

Thanks for all your help, I'm leaving to go now, will let you know the outcome...

Norma_Desmond

We had to take no less than three faulty toasters back to our nearest (!) Tesco - a 35 mile round trip each time.

We politely asked about our travel expenses being met and the manager offered us £50 in cash or voucher with no quibble.

We took the cash.