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Returning an opened but unused Laptop to Argos that I bought online
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Even John Lewis isn't the be all and end all. I bought the laptop I'm using now from them in 2019, I'd always intended to buy it online to give me more right to return but I attempted to view it in store before ordering, but they didn't have one available in either of the two stores that I visited. So I had to order blindly, and before I did I got confirmation in writing from JL customer services that I could return it after delivery and inspection but before turning it on. Fortunately it did meet my needs, although it has had to go back to JL (and then to ASUS) for repair once and I've paid for a independent repair after the warranty ended.
Yes there are additional consumer rights / safeguards that come with an online / distance purchase. By and large that is a good thing. However all too often they are abused (although I am not suggesting that has happened in this thread) and ultimately we all end up paying.
Camera dealers are an example who suffer badly from this, especially with high end lenses costing, in many cases, thousands of pounds. They are frequently "bought", used for a few days and returned. All too often that is for commercial work when technically the consumer laws don't apply. However as most photographers are sole traders, operating in their own name, plus the fact that more high end gear is actually bought by enthusiasts than professionals it is almost unpoliceable.
Enthusiasts, who possibly are trying to break into being a Pro or occasionally do paid jobs then they are more likely to decide to do a one weekend upgrade of their non-L RF-800 when the local soccer team ask for some photos in the hope the £19k upgrade lens gets them more similar engagements (if they have a spare £20k to put down)
However, the link below makes it clear you have the right to return to store if you have purchase online.
Help & FAQs - Do I have to return my item to the store where I bought/ collected it? (argos.co.uk)
I would contact online where you purchased the item from, confirm in writing that you can return the opened and unused laptop to store and then take that to the store.
Many years ago, in the largely pre digital days, I knew the manager of professional photographic dealer quite well. He told me that he sold at least three Hasselblads to amateurs / enthusiasts for every one they sold to professionals. Even then they would refuse mail order "sales" on expensive gear from customers they didn't know because too much of it came back! They would hire out their s/h stock, sometimes at little or no charge to trusted customers to encourage goodwill.
Have followed up with Argos and they are still refusing to refund the product. They are claiming it isn't covered by the the Consumer Contract Regulations and 14-Day grace period because, while it was an online purchase, it was collected in-store via click and collect instead of home delivery.
So, in-store said no. Phone team said no. Social media team said no. Final option is via email. Wish me luck.
I struggle to see how a pro working circa 5 days a week can be ordering and returning their kit every 2 weeks. Most I know are into product, portraiture or weddings, they use 3-4 lenses and have 2 or 3 of each one in case one fails on a shoot... hard to buy a new RF85L even if you have the £3k when you are on a remote tropical island to get fashion shots for 2 days before flying off to the next gig. Plus a difficult discussion with the bride that you cannot get the full wedding party in the shot because Amazon didnt deliver your lens on time so can they reschedule for next month.
I can see, and have known, amatuers/trying to break into pro doing it for a holiday or their one in a few months gig in the hope the higher grade kit gets them the better shots which helps them move to full time.