Are we allowed to return a computer chair?

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

Does nature, characteristics and function not go beyond simply determining that it's actually a chair and not a desk?

Seems a lot of words to cover simply that the goods are what they should be. 

Nature - what type of goods they are
Functioning - what purpose they have
Characteristics - traits

It doesn't expand into "try before you buy" territory. But if the measurements were out by more than a reasonable tolerance, it looks like OP has return rights under CRA - in which case the retailer would be responsible for collecting the goods, unless the OP has agreed to return them (although it would still be at retailer's cost). 

I was unsure whether something being effectively flat packed would give more scope for being able handle the goods. 

Manxman_in_exile

unholyangel said:

3. Disagree. Establishing it's nature, characteristics and function doesn't mean trying it out. It means establishing that it's a (for example) black office chair.

Really?  And how is the purchaser meant to establish if it "functions" as a chair without trying it - and therefore assembling it?  Surely establishing its nature, characteristics and function goes beyond simply recognising it is something that is meant to be sat upon.

unholyangel said:

But the purpose of the regulations aren't for you to check if it's suitable. The purpose of the regulations is so you get the same opportunity when purchasing online, that you would get in a physical store...

If you are saying that "The purpose of the regulations is so you get the same opportunity when purchasing online, that you would get in a physical store", then I don't see how you can argue against allowing the purchaser to assemble the chair in order to  "try it out" to see if it is suitable - because that is exactly the opportunity you would get instore.

unholyangel said:

...

Nature - what type of goods they are
Functioning - what purpose they have
Characteristics - traits
...

If I'm buying an office chair with various "functions" (eg adjustable seat height and depth forwards and backwards; adjustable lumbar support; adjustable back rake; adjustable seat tilt; adjustable arm height etc etc) and I'm buying it online, I don't see how it is possible to assess the nature, functioning and characteristics of the chair without assembling it so I can try it out just as I would in a shop.  One of my several requirements when buying an office chair would be to ensure that the arms can be lowered sufficiently to go under the desktop (not all office chairs can do that).  I would do that instore by adjusting the seat height to a comfortable height for me, then adjusting the arms and measuring their height to ensure they'll go under my desk.  If I buy online I can only do that by assembling the chair.  And if my online purchase doesn't meet this requirement it's not because it is faulty or misdescribed in some way, it's just that after determining its characteristics and function, it's not what I want to buy.

If you are saying the legislation doesn't allow you to do that (ie does not allow you to assess the suitability of a product) then I do not understand its purpose as you seem to be arguing that it's merely a redundant way of determining whether or not it is as described (eg is it a chair or isn't it?).

[EDIT:  Having re-read page 3 properly I see it's a moot point anyway as the OP's already got their money back.  I still think all these returns caveats about original packaging, unused, unassembled etc are just scams by unscrupulous online retailers to discourage disappointed buyers from exercising their statutory rights, and that when challenged many of them back down immediately.]

Manxman_in_exile

julie777 said:

I agree.
GOOD NEWS friends - Wayfair have responded to the emailed letter and  have said they are making a full refund and have asked
UPS to collect. My husband just spent an hour creating a box the right size and taping everything securely as we didn't have much notice - it could be collected tomorrow.
THANKS to everyone. XXXXX

I'll give you the best piece of advice you'll get from this thread - NEVER buy an office chair online unless it's one you have already tried for size etc and you know EXACTLY what you are buying.  I suffered from a bad back for all my working life and I've tried out more office chairs with multiple functions and supports etc then I care to remember. 

Never buy an office chair without trying it out first