Buying furniture Online v instore

RAP_2

Hi, as a newbie I once again apologise if this has been covered elsewhere or I am posting in the wrong forum.

I have found some wardrobes that I want to buy, but I have only seen them online and in the shop's brochure as there are none in the store's showroom. I am worried that they may turn up and I may not like them. Which form of purchase, if any, will make them easier to return, online or instore? I will use a credit card to pay as I understand that offers more protection.

frugal_mike

If you order online then you have a minimum of 7 working days to cancel the contract. The shop will have to give you a 100% refund (including the delivery charge if there was one). They may require you to pay the cost of returning the furniture though.

If you buy in-store then you have no legal right to return them. It will be down to the shops terms and conditions. If they have a returns policy then they have to honour it as it forms part of the contract, but if not then they can refuse to refund you.

da_rule

Under the Distance Selling Regulations (which come into play should you order online) you can cancel the order at any point up to 7 days after you have received the goods. High street shops don't have to accept returns for non-faulty goods.

However, they can insist that the item is returned to them in a condition that makes it possible to re-sale the item. Also, most companies draft their terms and conditions in such a way so as to make you liable for any cost of return. Also, the regulations will not apply if the wardrobe is customised/made to measure in any way.

westy22

If it arrives as flat-pack then how will you know if you like it unless you assemble it. If you do assemble it then how would you propose to return it in saleable condition if you don't like it?

RAP_2

westy22 wrote: »

If it arrives as flat-pack then how will you know if you like it unless you assemble it. If you do assemble it then how would you propose to return it in saleable condition if you don't like it?

They are not flat pack, they are solid oak wardrobes so I will know as soon as they arrive.

RAP_2

da_rule wrote: »

Under the Distance Selling Regulations (which come into play should you order online) you can cancel the order at any point up to 7 days after you have received the goods. High street shops don't have to accept returns for non-faulty goods.

However, they can insist that the item is returned to them in a condition that makes it possible to re-sale the item. Also, most companies draft their terms and conditions in such a way so as to make you liable for any cost of return. Also, the regulations will not apply if the wardrobe is customised/made to measure in any way.

Thank you for your reply. , You have been kind and informative. Thank you.

frugal_mike

RAP wrote: »

Thank you for your reply. , You have been kind and informative. Thank you.

So my response was neither kind nor informative?

rustyboy21

Just don't expect the delivery driver to take them upstairs to your room for you, they will usually drop them of inside your door, or on your path.


A shop will take them up for you.

neilmcl

RAP wrote: »

Thank you for your reply. , You have been kind and informative. Thank you.

And somewhat incorrect. The DSRs are quite clear that the right to cancel is NOT linked to the ability for the seller to resell the items as new. You have a duty to take reasonable care of the goods, that is all.

PlymouthMaid

I think if you are unsure that you will like them then you should make sure to see them in person. Maybe if you want to order online to get them cheaper or something, you could still see them somewhere before ordering. I think it would be a lot of aggro to send wardrobes back.

RAP_2

Thank you all for your help, it is greatly appreciated.