Refund method

mariposita.verde

Hi, I bought a watch recently (online order from a high street retailer), paid for it partly credit card, partly gift voucher. The gift voucher was purchased to fund the watch (it saved me a few extra pounds with topcashback), and I would have not gotten it otherwise. The watch has been already replaced due to mechanical fault, now the replacement has turned out to be faulty too (although in different way). As I obviously don't trust the brand anymore, I want my money back this time (I'm still within 30 days of receiving the replacement).
The shop is only willing to refund money to the original method of payment. However, I would prefer to not be stuck with their own gift voucher, I would rather have the freedom to spend my money elsewhere. Where do I stand? Can I request the whole amount to be returned to e.g. credit card?
When I spoke to customer service over the phone, I asked for a postal address to send a complain to and they just kept changing subject - I am hoping for more luck in store..

marliepanda

You can ask, you cannot insist legally.

Les79

They can insist that the refund goes back onto the same methods used for payment. By all means complain (but not too much, as a business will be MORE LIKELY to show you goodwill if you don't get their backs up) but be prepared for the prospect of having gift vouchers back.

You could always approach topcashback and see if they can amend your voucher (they may be able to cancel it and re-issue for another company?). Alternatively, maybe sell the voucher privately for slightly under market value and get most of your money back that way.

MB69

As said above, unfortunately the retailers will only refund the original method of payment. So if paid half cash and half voucher, then it is what they will offer.