Are Argos legally allowed to do this

dreamypuma

Thanks for the reply Mrsmarie.

For clarity I didn't get a replacement because they didn't have any stock.

I'm sorry for digging up a story from February, I wasn't aware that this wasn't allowed, but thankfully you're here to police such situations, and for this, I feel eternally grateful.

I'd hate to think I'd dug up an old post, with parallels to my situation, to ask if anyone one had reached a conclusion with their issue. ��

JJ_Egan

You are well within your rights to join this thread .
Little Miss Angry has complained about a number of posters today .

dreamypuma

Thanks JJ. Just one of the reasons I've not regularly participated in these forums for a few years.

The key issue issue here is not one of betterment, but Argos offering refunds in a method which restricts purchase with alternate retailers. Precisely what the love2shop vouchers do not do. As such this leaves the consumer in an inferior situation almost immediately after a sale.

What would be good to hear, is how Argos addressed this with other consumers when challenged.

I'm keen to hear about past experiences, in anticipation of addressing my own circumstances. I would be happy to receive a refund in the form of Love2shop vouchers, thus putting me back in the same situation as before this incident.

DoaM

dreamypuma wrote: »

Hi, I'm in a similar situation with Argos. Bought goods yesterday, discovered item was faulty. Returned item within 24hrs. After a firm but polite exchange instore I was given Argos vouchers and the contact details for Head Office.

You've missed a key piece of information ... how did you pay initially? By Argos vouchers? Another method?

dreamypuma

Sorry, the item was paid for with Love2shop vouchers, but refunded with Argos, the same as OP.

So the key issue here is L2S vouchers are not restricted in use with one retailer ( can be used at over 90 highstreet stores), but the refund is for exclusive use at Argos. Whilst the Monetary value of the refund is the same, the restrictions on use are significantly reduced. Effectively rendering the refund to an instore credit for Argos stores.

On reflection, I wish I had just paid by credit card.

Missmarie

That is the conditions of the L2S voucher. You will be refunded in the form of the stores own voucher in event of refund.

A non story.

shaun_from_Africa

Missmarie wrote: »

That is the conditions of the L2S voucher. You will be refunded in the form of the stores own voucher in event of refund.

A non story.

Whatever the terms and conditions given by L2S are, they can't override a consumers statutory rights.
If Argos cannot return the payment in the same form as originally provided then the consumer has the right to claim damages from them so no, it's not a "non story".

dreamypuma

Missmarie wrote: »

That is the conditions of the L2S voucher. You will be refunded in the form of the stores own voucher in event of refund.

A non story.

Missmarie, can I politely suggest that maybe you take read and try to digest the Consumer Rights Act, particularly Section 20. It might help some of your misguided advise.

The statutory position is clear, what I'm trying to establish, is compliance and the retailers historic approach in anticipation to a response to my now written complaint.

dreamypuma

shaun_from_Africa wrote: »

Whatever the terms and conditions given by L2S are, they can't override a consumers statutory rights.
If Argos cannot return the payment in the same form as originally provided then the consumer has the right to claim damages from them so no, it's not a "non story".

Thanks Shaun. I've sent a letter to Argos Customer Relations as the store staff and online advisors are clearly not equipped to differentiate between company policy, T&C and statutory rights. Whilst the sums involved are not great (under £100) I hate to see companies take advantage of consumers. As such it's become a matter of principle now.

waamo

dreamypuma wrote: »

Thanks Shaun. I've sent a letter to Argos Customer Relations as the store staff and online advisors are clearly not equipped to differentiate between company policy, T&C and statutory rights. Whilst the sums involved are not great (under £100) I hate to see companies take advantage of consumers. As such it's become a matter of principle now.

Assuming Argos refuse to refund as per your consumer rights the low value isn't helpful. At under £100 it isn't worth going to court.

I'm saying that, if they won't play ball, I would still send a formal Letter Before Claim stating what you want just to shake them up a bit.

Companies really should learn to abide by consumer legislation.