Argos refund or not.

MsStarlight

Hi,
I had a really bad experience with Argos when it came to returning a smart tv. I too thought that you could return just about anything (bar jewellery and a few other exceptions) - so long as it was within their 30 day period.
I'm loathe to go into details here - mainly because after reading a few other negative posts about Argos - I see some posters are quick to defend them. My reason for posting is just too add my voice to those that have been unhappy with Argos' customer service. I agree that the wording of the returns policy is somewhat misleading. For instance, when they use the word 'Absolutely' it gives the impression that things will be straightforward and quite simple - after all 'absolutely' is all-encompassing. However, if there are narrow conditions that a customer has to adhere to - then it's not so spiffingly absolute, after all.
So, referring to the original poster - it doesn't seem unreasonable to me for someone to switch a television on once they get home. Only then will they know if they are happy with the picture quality, etc - which may be an individual taste thing. Also I'm not very tech-savvy, but from I have read online, some people will suggest tweaking the factory settings to get a certain picture quality etc. So it's only once you go through these steps, will you know whether you're actually happy with the tv - or not. I don't think it's unreasonable to then possibly change your mind and want to go for a different model. If the tv is then carefully repackaged, it should be able to be resold.
I think it's great that some people are trying to draw attention to Argos' return policy, so that it can be factored when people are making buying decisions. MSE has a good reputation, and I imagine many people, like me - do look to this website to gain consumer knowledge from the blogs and forums.

custardy

MsStarlight wrote: »

Hi,
I had a really bad experience with Argos when it came to returning a smart tv. I too thought that you could return just about anything (bar jewellery and a few other exceptions) - so long as it was within their 30 day period.
I'm loathe to go into details here - mainly because after reading a few other negative posts about Argos - I see some posters are quick to defend them. My reason for posting is just too add my voice to those that have been unhappy with Argos' customer service. I agree that the wording of the returns policy is somewhat misleading. For instance, when they use the word 'Absolutely' it gives the impression that things will be straightforward and quite simple - after all 'absolutely' is all-encompassing. However, if there are narrow conditions that a customer has to adhere to - then it's not so spiffingly absolute, after all.
So, referring to the original poster - it doesn't seem unreasonable to me for someone to switch a television on once they get home. Only then will they know if they are happy with the picture quality, etc - which may be an individual taste thing. Also I'm not very tech-savvy, but from I have read online, some people will suggest tweaking the factory settings to get a certain picture quality etc. So it's only once you go through these steps, will you know whether you're actually happy with the tv - or not. I don't think it's unreasonable to then possibly change your mind and want to go for a different model. If the tv is then carefully repackaged, it should be able to be resold.
I think it's great that some people are trying to draw attention to Argos' return policy, so that it can be factored when people are making buying decisions. MSE has a good reputation, and I imagine many people, like me - do look to this website to gain consumer knowledge from the blogs and forums.

Leave it in the box?

Simply put,would you want a 'carefully repackaged' TV or a new one for the same price?
you have internet,so pre purchase research is the key.

POPPYOSCAR

Brexit_Fan wrote: »

Post 5 of this thread in reply to the OP, POPPYOSCAR said "I thought Argos have a 30 day money back guarantee?"

That is the problem. That is what people beleive. And that's from a poster who has been on here for years and has posted over 10,000 times!

Years ago you could return just about any item to Argos for just about any reason, it used to be within 16 days.

People are simply not aware that their now so called 30 day guarantee is completely different, and basically means you can't return anything once it's been used unless it's faulty.

Yes I agree, we should look beyond the headline, we should read the small print, we should do our research etc but in the real world people live busy lives and still think, "I know, I'll buy it from Argos, I can always return it if it's not what I want."

In reply to your point above, how about a great big message in every store, on the website and in the catalogue stating "NO USED ITEMS CAN BE RETURNED UNDER OUR 30 DAY RULE UNLESS FAULTY"

Whenever we buy anything from anywhere we open the packaging very carefully.

It is very easy then if the item proves not suitable to return item repackaged as it was and simply say it was not suitable.

Never had a problem yet.

IMO it is no different to trying on clothes etc. and then returning them.

LABMAN

Brexit_Fan wrote: »

I don't know what you are drinking but can I have a pint?

...from what you've already said you are already way over the limit...stick to soft drinks for the foreseeable.

unholyangel

Brexit_Fan wrote: »

Post 5 of this thread in reply to the OP, POPPYOSCAR said "I thought Argos have a 30 day money back guarantee?"

That is the problem. That is what people beleive. And that's from a poster who has been on here for years and has posted over 10,000 times!

Years ago you could return just about any item to Argos for just about any reason, it used to be within 16 days.

People are simply not aware that their now so called 30 day guarantee is completely different, and basically means you can't return anything once it's been used unless it's faulty.

Yes I agree, we should look beyond the headline, we should read the small print, we should do our research etc but in the real world people live busy lives and still think, "I know, I'll buy it from Argos, I can always return it if it's not what I want."

In reply to your point above, how about a great big message in every store, on the website and in the catalogue stating "NO USED ITEMS CAN BE RETURNED UNDER OUR 30 DAY RULE UNLESS FAULTY"

Even back in 2005 when argos offered a 16 day returns period, the goods still had to be in their original packaging & unused and certain items were excluded. As proven by this 2005 thread on MSE

As for your last part, disclaimers/signs saying "no refund unless faulty" are illegal and can amount to a criminal offence.

Brexit_Fan

MsStarlight wrote: »

Hi,
I had a really bad experience with Argos when it came to returning a smart tv. I too thought that you could return just about anything (bar jewellery and a few other exceptions) - so long as it was within their 30 day period.
I'm loathe to go into details here - mainly because after reading a few other negative posts about Argos - I see some posters are quick to defend them. My reason for posting is just too add my voice to those that have been unhappy with Argos' customer service. I agree that the wording of the returns policy is somewhat misleading. For instance, when they use the word 'Absolutely' it gives the impression that things will be straightforward and quite simple - after all 'absolutely' is all-encompassing. However, if there are narrow conditions that a customer has to adhere to - then it's not so spiffingly absolute, after all.
So, referring to the original poster - it doesn't seem unreasonable to me for someone to switch a television on once they get home. Only then will they know if they are happy with the picture quality, etc - which may be an individual taste thing. Also I'm not very tech-savvy, but from I have read online, some people will suggest tweaking the factory settings to get a certain picture quality etc. So it's only once you go through these steps, will you know whether you're actually happy with the tv - or not. I don't think it's unreasonable to then possibly change your mind and want to go for a different model. If the tv is then carefully repackaged, it should be able to be resold.
I think it's great that some people are trying to draw attention to Argos' return policy, so that it can be factored when people are making buying decisions. MSE has a good reputation, and I imagine many people, like me - do look to this website to gain consumer knowledge from the blogs and forums.

Sorry to hear about your bad experience MsStarlight. I know it's too late for you and many others, but the good news is thanks to this thread which now has over 2000 views, people are beginning to find out the truth about Argos when items are returned.

You don't have to go too far on this particular section of the forum to find other Argos horror related threads. There are at least 4 new threads I found from unhappy Argos customers in the last week. There may well be more, I only looked quickly at titles that had Argos in them. There are probably hundreds if you go back far enough.

I agree that it's strange on a consumer site like MSE, why certain Argos apologists can't wait to jump in and defend them. You would think they would be on the side of the consumer.

custardy

Lol @ 2000 views being a benchmark moment.

pmduk

Brexit_Fan wrote: »

I agree that it's strange on a consumer site like MSE, why certain Argos apologists can't wait to jump in and defend them. You would think they would be on the side of the consumer.

Actually, I'm a consumer as well, but I'm certainly no Argos apologist (there's no need to be). I've used them since the days they took over a few Green Shield shops. I've never had an issue returning an item.

RichardD1970

Brexit_Fan wrote: »

I agree that it's strange on a consumer site like MSE, why certain Argos apologists can't wait to jump in and defend them. You would think they would be on the side of the consumer.

It's not about "taking sides" it's about educating consumers of their legal rights. Hence the title "Consumer Rights".

Anything that is offered over and above your statutory rights should be researched by the consumer so they know exactly where they stand. Which is something I have learnt from this site.

I had no idea that Argos offered a 30 day money back offer, but on looking on the website the conditions of this offer are quite clearly defined and not at all difficult to find.

MsStarlight

I reiterate, it doesn't seem unreasonable to want to switch on a tv set once you've brought it home. I mean why would you lug such a heavy item home - only to stare at the box??? If you don't switch it on - how would you know if you actually like it? Another poster said - it's a bit like trying on clothes and then returning them if you're not happy with the item. Well if it's okay to buy an item that's been tried on by someone else - and I daresay that I may well have - why not a tv? Also, someone trying on clothing is potentially a much more of hygiene issue - but if I, and countless others 'survive' the risk - and in fact, are absolutely fine - then buying a tv that's still in good working order, but just not to someone else's liking - has got to be even more okay. So, I don't know why some posters on here - keep saying that it's such a big deal bcos someone tried the tv before me. I don't wish to be overly vulgar - but if I buy bras or swimsuits in the knowledge that another lady (hopefully :-D) may well have tried them on - what qualms am I going to have with a tv???
Lastly, I'd like to recommend a store like John Lewis - they're prices are often the same as Argos - and they have a nicer manner (oh yeah, and a free 5 year extended guarantee throw in). So everyone ( that would be the 2000+ posters :-) ) - do check JL's prices before buying at Argos.