Christmas Present

Vickyt14

Hi. My mum bought my daughter a laptop for Christmas. Unfortunately it’s not what she wanted as in doesn’t have enough memory etc for what she needs it for. My daughter hasn’t even turned it on it’s still in the box as it was when it was delivered to us. We have contacted the company and asked if we can return it and upgrade to one with more memory and pay the extra. They have come back with an offer of a refund of £30 and that’s it! Can they do this?? They’re saying that because it’s passed the 14 days since purchase there’s nothing more they can do. 

bris

Yes they can do this, although most reputable companies give a bit extra time at Christmas 

It's also unusual to offer a small refund like this so I am going to assume it's an Ebay, Amazon type purchase? .

Memory can be increased on most if not all laptops so that may be a solution.

TELLIT01

Only the person who purchased it has any entitlement to refund, not the recipient of a gift.  Assuming it is your mum who has asked, I'm afraid the vendor is correct.  There is no legal requirement to extend the return period due to Christmas.  It would seem the only practical solution will be to try to sell the computer privately, and obviously take quite a big loss, then purchase the required laptop.

The vendor is wrong in saying there is nothing more they can do, as they could exchange it if they wished.  The reality is that there is nothing more they are willing to do.  Just avoid using them in future.  there is also a section on the Forums called Praise, Vent and Warnings where you may wish to name the company.

Vickyt14

It wasn’t an eBay, or Amazon type purchase so assumed they would have an extended policy for Christmas. Thanks 

molerat

Make & model of laptop ?

Retailer name ?

I am sure someone will come up with some suggestions.

It can't be a very mainstream retailer if they only offered a £30 refund.

JJ_Egan

What memory and what needs ??

Or do they mean drive storage space ??

cx6

Yes, please let us know the make and model of the laptop.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

The cancellation period will depend upon whether the correct information was provided (and where the retailer is based), if the incorrect information was given and the retailer is in the UK/EU the OP (or purchaser) would still be with the cancellation period.

Which retailer was the laptop purchased from OP? 

mattyprice4004

Vickyt14 said:

It wasn’t an eBay, or Amazon type purchase so assumed they would have an extended policy for Christmas. Thanks 

Unfortunately not - a lot of retailers don’t have one so it’s best not to assume. 

You’re not entitled to a return, so I’d just sell it 2nd hand. 

Jenni_D

A refund of £30? How much did it cost in the first place? (To me they're taking the pee).

pinkshoes

Vickyt14 said:

Hi. My mum bought my daughter a laptop for Christmas. Unfortunately it’s not what she wanted as in doesn’t have enough memory etc for what she needs it for. My daughter hasn’t even turned it on it’s still in the box as it was when it was delivered to us. We have contacted the company and asked if we can return it and upgrade to one with more memory and pay the extra. They have come back with an offer of a refund of £30 and that’s it! Can they do this?? They’re saying that because it’s passed the 14 days since purchase there’s nothing more they can do. 

Did she buy it in a shop or online? If online, was any cancellation information provided?

£30 is ridiculous, as I'm assuming it was a LOT more than that?? It's not like you're asking for a refund, but to actually pay them even more money for a better one.

If they still won't play ball I think I'd be posting a rather factual review online making it clear how awkward they were about exchanging and upgrading an unopened Christmas present.