How long do I get to return something?

ferry

I have an unsuitable item from Christmas that I would like to return for either a refund or vouchers - bought around mid December.
I have the receipt and the packaging but is too late to return?

Thanks

Syman

take it back and try. What have you got to lose?

powerful_Rogue

Where did you buy it?

Worth a try, but I very much doubt you'll succeed.

jenniewb

Normally they give you 28 days to return, however at Christmas owing to it being a gift given on Xmas day, that there are more people in the shops with there being a sale and that people are generally busier at work, some stores will allow a return up to the end of January. But we're in February now and near the end of February so it's likely they will say it's too late which gives you two options;


If the item is still being sold, you could try taking it back without proof of purchase (if it's still full price) you may be able to exchange if it's obvious you bought it from the store in question (or a branch of it's chain and it's not a franchise). This would be a good will guesture and is likely to be as an exchange (eg rarely a credit voucher though you can try asking). Note that it will be at the price of the item currently so if it's gone down to a sale price, this is what you will be able to exchange for even if you know more was paid for it, if you don't show proof because you are trying to avoid showing the date you purchased; you wont get this price back.


The only other option is to speak nicely to the manager and ask if they can do anything for you. It's likely to be an exchange if anything. Try to understand things from the managers point of view; will they lose money by doing this and if they will lose money, is losing you as a customer more important. If the item is in re-sellable condition, if it's pristine and will cause the store no financial loss, then you are less likely to have trouble. However, if you are taking back a seasonal item which no longer blends in with the current stock and they know no one will want to purchase it, then they may need more of a reason to take it back if you catch my drift.


Just be very calm, don't go in when they are very busy or very very quiet (stores take an end of day report and if takings are down it's going to look bad if they made the reverse of a sale- unless you are looking to exchange for a more expensive item and pay the difference...).


Make it clear when discussing with them what they could offer you that if they do this for you (exchange, credit note, whatever you/they decide) they will be doing you a massive favour, make it clear you are grateful for them doing this for you and you respect that it's not something they are supposed to do (eg it's a good will gesture and they are trying to help you by offering it).


And if they refuse and turn you down, don't get irate, they are just sticking to the rules of their management and it's likely to be above their heads.


If the item is faulty, you are due a refund or if you want to exchange, an exchange. But not if you changed your mind. But it doesn't hurt to ask.