Buying a Laptop Online and Returns Policy?

omron

Hi there,

I'm planning on buying a laptop from Curry's online but am slightly wary because without being able to try it out first I can't be certain it will be exactly what I'm after. From Curry's terms I can't find a clear answer to whether if I open and then use it briefly I won't be able to return it. I wouldn't be looking to load anything onto it or anything like that, but would want to turn it on just to see how the screen is, what the trackpad is like etc.

I was just hoping I might be able to get some clarity on this before going ahead and buying, so I would know where I stood if it came to it. I've seen things about the DSR (I think that's right) but don't know exactly what it is and whether it would be relevant to this situation. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks very much!

flashg67

Currys Policy - http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/returns-cancellations-1043-theme.html


and In accordance with your rights when you purchase goods online, unwanted products can be returned open so long as you let us know you want to return them within 14 calendar days from the day after delivery. They must include all original packaging, be in ‘as new’ condition and must not have been used, installed or had any data input on them.


So it seems you can return as new and still test enough to satisfy yourself that you want the item if it's just viewing the screen & testing the trackpad - you should be ok?
Can't you test in store fist to be on the safe side?

frugal_mike

The Distance Selling Regulations ceased to apply to any contracts formed on or after June 13th this year. It has been replaced by the Consumer Contracts Regulations. The DSR is largely contained within the CCR as a subset, but there are some differences.

The important difference relating to your question is that sellers are now allowed to deduct a portion of the refund if the customer causes any loss of value to the goods due to handling that goes beyond what is necessary to "establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods". The deduction can be up to the full price paid.

The new law specifically says that "handling is beyond what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods if, in particular, it goes beyond the sort of handling that might reasonably be allowed in a shop".

One thing that hasn't changed is that you are not allowed to break the seal on any software media that is supplied.

rustyboy21

Is it any cheaper buying from Currys online than in the shop?

If not, why not just go and buy it instore? At least you can try it and decide there and then if you like it. Sometimes it just causes more hassle than it is worth.

Yes legally you can return it, but reality kicks in. We have seen loads of posts over the years asking similar, but getting your money back, after you have registered the laptop ( you have to before you can even test it out ) then causes more aggro, as you have in effect ''unsealed'' the software ( that is what will be said by Currys). No one else would buy it, with your details all over it.

OP Do you really want the possible hassle of returning it? Your rights are now similar to in store purchase, so why not just go to currys tomorrow night and have a mess about with a display model?


OP, You will get loads of advice on here, stating what the laws are, what you are entitled to, how to go about it. But, if you want to possibly have a load of aggro returning the laptop, go ahead. If you want an easy life, buy from instore and enjoy your purchase

unholyangel

Regarding not being sure what you're after....theres a wealth of information online and plenty of forums where people will be able to tell you if the laptop will be able to run certain programs/games etc.

What I would say is buy one slightly better than you need - with a little luck it should last a decent amount of time and not need to be replaced because the specs arent good enough.

There are also a lot of good deals to be had so shop around and see what you can get for your money elsewhere. If you're unsure how graphics cards or processors rank against each other just do a google search for a gpu/cpu benchmark/passmark test.

SuperHan

As said above, you might come up against difficulty as the new laws are relatively unclear about laptops and their preinstalled software and where you are if you switch them on/put their details in.

You may be entitled to a refund, but it's not clear enough that Curry's have to give you one, so you may end up in court proceedings.

If you can get in to store, get in and try it. Or ring Curry's and see what they say, getting a name and time of the call if they say you can return it.

Curry's weren't particularly good at sticking to the DSR once a product was opened/switched on when they were clear and said there was an unconditional right to a refund, so you've probably got less chance now the law has shifted in their favour.

societys_child

It is possible to boot a new computer in "engineers mode"* which keeps the condition "as new". This allows (for example) extra memory or a different hard drive to be installed prior to dispatch/ sale.

However if it's booted normally and the system registers a date and time of "first boot" then requires you to enter a user name etc, it could be argued that the system is no longer "as new" as it's now been personalised.

*A sequence of key presses on boot, which at the moment I really can't remember . . .

omron

Thanks everyone for the replies!

Unfortunately I'm currently housebound due to illness, and so whilst I'd much prefer to try it in the store first, it's not an option for me.

As for the laptop itself - I spent a fair amount of time doing research and for the budget I have (originally £500 but I'd be going slightly over for the model I found) that one seemed to be the best/had good reviews/most suitable for what I'm after. It was less the actual specifications of the laptop I was worried about and more the general "feel" of it that can be more subjective, i.e. some people liking the keyboard, screen, trackpad etc. whereas others might not. Which is also a problem when it comes to getting someone else to go in and try it for me.

I realise I probably sound like I'm being very picky and precious about this but it's just currently my laptop is really important to me due to being ill as it helps to keep me connected to people/the world, plus it's a fair amount of cash that I'm worried is going to be wasted when it gets delivered and I find I don't get on with it.

I think my best bet may be to ring curry's and explain the situation to them, as SuperHan's suggested. Then go from there depending on what they say.

Thanks again to everyone who replied, really appreciate it.

frugal_mike

There is one other option. Various favours of Linux can be booted from a usb device or dvd (Ubuntu or knoppix etc). These will allow you to boot the operating system without installing anything to the hard drive. Booting one of these operating systems would let you try out the keyboard and mouse/trackpad to see if you like them.