Argos have sold me a used item and refuse to return my money

planningforthefuture

I have just purchased a food processor from Argos for £80. On the way home I found a similar one in Tesco for half price. Within the hour I went to Argos to return the first processor but upon opening staff discovered the food processor had been used and therefore will not provide a refund. I have been left with a used food processor whilst Argos have my £80.

The staff at the store clearly insinuated that I am a liar/fraudster and must have used this food processor as they haven't. I absolutely have not used this item nor did I even take it out of the box.

Can someone please advise as to what my options/rights are. I feel like Argos have stolen my £80. I really am upset about this.

Thank you

McKneff

Did you have the time on your receipt. Have you made a note of the time you took it back.


Who did you speak to in store, if you spoke to the manager, escalate the complaint to head office.

planningforthefuture

Thank you. I do have both the Argos and Tesco receipts with the time stamped on them. I have escalated it via customer complaints. They have contacted the store manager who states that he still refuses to take it back.

The thing that upsets me the most is the insinuation that I'm a fraudster.

I feel powerless and extremely hard done by.

StuC75

was the seal broke on the box when you bought it?

planningforthefuture

No. Staff opened this with a key when I went to return it. They state however that the seal was sellotape and even asked me if I had done this.

redfox

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planningforthefuture

This is a really unjust situation. Basically Argos are saying all their evidence suggests that it was unused when it left the store and as such they are not changing their minds. I have been through two tiers of customer service complaints and got no where. It looks like my only option is to pursue a small claims which will cost me even more money.

I cannot believe that Argos can treat customers this way. I actually feel as if I have been mugged and that I have no alternative option than to just accept the power that is their word verses my word.

I would never have believed situations like this could occur had it not just happened to me. Argos has managed to rob me blind and get away with it.

AnnieO1234

I know this won't help your situation, I had a similar problem with Index years ago but never got out of the shop. I was passed the item, the box just didn't look right. I asked if it was seconds, no. Right okay then, let's open it right here. It was very obvious the package had been opened and the item potentially used.

Presumably there was food matter in the appliance, was it "fresh"? I assume you have the appliance still?

You've got three options, a)return the tesco item; b) clean up the appliance and take it back to a different argos store and reject as unfit for purpose; or c) pursue argos through the small claims court.

It just depends what's really worth it/how much you want to be a dog with a bone! Xxx

planningforthefuture

The store are saying the food item is fresh. Had a look and it seems like a hard cheese.

I have spoken to Trading Standards and they have advised that it is unlikely to be a positive outcome in a small claims court due to Argos's claims that they can verify that it was not sellotaped when I bought it. Which may I add is either a bare faced lie or an infactual presumption.

I do feel utterly powerless. Option c is out. Option B I never thought of but suspect that they are wise to this sort of thing.

Either way, I will never step foot in or advocate Argos ever again. I feel wronged and to be suggested that I am a liar and a fraudster (and in public) is nothing short of unbelievable when I am the victim.

I have contacted Tefal to complain as well but the lesson I have learnt today is that ultimately they don't give two hoots just as long as they have your money

Thanks for taking the time to reply. It has eased the pain a little to know that someone believes I'm telling the truth.

bris

You have to see it from their point of view, you buy an item find another half price elsewhere and think you can just return it after dinner(Devils advocate).

It used to be that Argos didnt even check sealed boxes but the trick has bee done to many times now to catch them out anymore.

They think your at it and you getting it half price elswhere doesn't help your case.

unholyangel

planningforthefuture wrote: »

The store are saying the food item is fresh. Had a look and it seems like a hard cheese.

I have spoken to Trading Standards and they have advised that it is unlikely to be a positive outcome in a small claims court due to Argos's claims that they can verify that it was not sellotaped when I bought it. Which may I add is either a bare faced lie or an infactual presumption.

I do feel utterly powerless. Option c is out. Option B I never thought of but suspect that they are wise to this sort of thing.

Either way, I will never step foot in or advocate Argos ever again. I feel wronged and to be suggested that I am a liar and a fraudster (and in public) is nothing short of unbelievable when I am the victim.

I have contacted Tefal to complain as well but the lesson I have learnt today is that ultimately they don't give two hoots just as long as they have your money

Thanks for taking the time to reply. It has eased the pain a little to know that someone believes I'm telling the truth.

Have you tried complaining via head office or their facebook page?

Also, it may help matters if you can prove (on the balance of probabilities) that there was not enough time for you to get the appliance home, and then back again.

Or alternatively ask them to check whether the CCTV shows that it was sealed or not. Or even ask them if they'd be willing to give store credit rather than a refund (not ideal I know but sometimes it can bring a result).