what are my rights when buying furniture from charity shop?

eldaniel

Hi,
I bought a leather sofa from charity shop (RSPCA to be specific) few days ago (still under a week) and when it got delivered I can smell cigarettes smoke from it. I did not smell it in the shop but now I am worried that smoke will go into the walls and the other furniture I have. I spoke with a manager from the shop and he told me he can't give me refund but can offer credit note for value of the sofa (£50). I can't imagine spending £50 in a charity shop on small items... It would take me years plus I would be buying something which I do not really need.
He apologised that they did not check it before selling it and I kind of accepted it but only because I was not sure what are my rights.
Should he not offer full refund? Or am I in the wrong because I could start sniffing the sofa before the purchase?
Thanks for your help

marliepanda

You're in the wrong. The sofa must have had some smoke smell whether you could smell it or not. You had ample opportunity to inspect your purchase. The credit note is over and above.

Zinger549

Have you tired using Febreze to try and remove the smell.

wealdroam

Your rights are exactly the same when buying from a charity shop as when buying from any other shop.

To put it another way, all sales in a shop should be considered final unless you are advised of any returns policy at the time of the sale.

Johnnytwostep

You are wrong.

unholyangel

I imagine if its genuine leather any smoke will be on the surface rather than throughout.

If you have a handheld steam cleaner, might be worth giving it a going over with that then a white vinegar/water solution.

maninthestreet

Get some leather cleaner/conditioner and use it on the sofa.

eldaniel

Many thanks to everyone for your advice. I guess thats a lesson for me to check for that when buying second hand furniture

NotRichAtAll

the ciggy smoke is probably the only remains of the poor soul who died while lying on it

in all seriousness i would be tempted to go down the car route and try something like autoglym

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/car-cleaning/interior-cleaning-vacuums/autoglym-car-leather-cleaner-500ml

HappyMJ

The smoke smell will eventually leave the sofa. It won't go into your walls. Just make sure the room is well ventilated and do the suggestions as posted.

pappa_golf

RSPCA = leather furniture , makes me laugh


I wonder how many beagles died to create the smell