Return used item amazon within 14 days 22 February at 10:13AM in Consumer rights 21 replies 789 views

savvy_shopper

Hi everyone, first post so apologies if I do it wrong!
I purchase a robot vacuum from Amazon a few days ago, I charged it last night and upon using it this morning decided it bumps into too many things so went online to look at the next model up. I noticed the next model up is now on sale at the same price for which I bought the first one. I would like to purchase the next model up, and return the initial model I purchased. 

My question is, where I have used it, will Amazon reject the return? Their policy says an item has to be unused within 30 days, however I believe the statutory return rights say you can return used items within 14 days? Is this true? 

I was planning on cleaning the robot vacuum (I only used it for about 15 minutes before deciding it wasn’t fit for purpose) and repackaging it so it looks as new as possible, but it is fully charged (it arrived uncharged) so Amazon may be able to detect that it’s used. Does this matter if they know it’s used if it’s within 14 days? And if they reject the return will they send the item back? In that case I will not open the better model incase I need to return as new. Thanks in advance!

ch3shirecat4

I would get in touch with the amazon online chat I always think that they are very helpful usually

powerful_Rogue

savvy_shopper said:

Hi everyone, first post so apologies if I do it wrong!
I purchase a robot vacuum from Amazon a few days ago, I charged it last night and upon using it this morning decided it bumps into too many things so went online to look at the next model up. I noticed the next model up is now on sale at the same price for which I bought the first one. I would like to purchase the next model up, and return the initial model I purchased. 

My question is, where I have used it, will Amazon reject the return? Their policy says an item has to be unused within 30 days, however I believe the statutory return rights say you can return used items within 14 days? Is this true? 

I was planning on cleaning the robot vacuum (I only used it for about 15 minutes before deciding it wasn’t fit for purpose) and repackaging it so it looks as new as possible, but it is fully charged (it arrived uncharged) so Amazon may be able to detect that it’s used. Does this matter if they know it’s used if it’s within 14 days? And if they reject the return will they send the item back? In that case I will not open the better model incase I need to return as new. Thanks in advance!

Not strictly true. Otherwise everyone would purchase and use something and return it within 14 days. Would you be happy if you purchased this and it had someones hair in it?

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

Hello OP

You can cancel your contract within 14 days of delivery, the condition of the goods isn't linked to the right to cancel (with some exceptions but they don't cover vacuums) so yes you can return used goods when cancelling your contract but the retailer may reduce the refund to account for the handling of the product, whether Amazon will do this or not is probably random depending upon whether the person who sorts the return checks the goods and marks it as used. 

I think Amazon's cancellation period a day too short and so they can't reduce the refund but convincing them of that should they reduce the refund will be hard task.

You should make it clear to Amazon you are cancelling your contract under the The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. 

MattMattMattUK

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head said:

Hello OP

You can cancel your contract within 14 days of delivery, the condition of the goods isn't linked to the right to cancel (with some exceptions but they don't cover vacuums) so yes you can return used goods when cancelling your contract but the retailer may reduce the refund to account for the handling of the product, whether Amazon will do this or not is probably random depending upon whether the person who sorts the return checks the goods and marks it as used. 

I think Amazon's cancellation period a day too short and so they can't reduce the refund but convincing them of that should they reduce the refund will be hard task.

You should make it clear to Amazon you are cancelling your contract under the The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. 

From the experience of other people (I have not done it myself) if you return a used item and confirm that it was used Amazon will reduce the refund depending on the amount, anywhere from 25% to 100%, however it is normally reflective of the value of a used item, if you return the item as unused but it has been used they will reduce the refund by 100%.

cmthephoenix

You can return online purchases within 14 days but if they are used the retailer is entitled to make a deduction for the usage, which may be up to 100% of the purchase price - after all would you want to purchase an item at full price and receive a used item?

Amazon are very good with their returns (although I've recently had some poor experience with customer service for a fresh store purchase and it surprised me based on previous experience) until they decide they no longer want to do business with you for whatever reason (be it high return rate, aggressive behaviour etc) and then they will just close down your account as is their right.

savvy_shopper

Thanks for all your replies everyone, if they decide to reduce the refund by 100%, are you able to request the item to be sent back to you?

HillStreetBlues

savvy_shopper said:

(I only used it for about 15 minutes before deciding it wasn’t fit for purpose)

If you believe it's not fit for purpose then return it as such in the drop down selection box,

I've never had an issue with a returning under "performance  or quality not satisfactory"

Slinky

If this one bumps into too many things, what makes you think the next model up won't do the same? Are you going to be wanting to send that one back after 15 minutes use as well? You may get them looking kindly on you with one return, but maybe not so much on the second one.

savvy_shopper

Slinky said:

If this one bumps into too many things, what makes you think the next model up won't do the same? Are you going to be wanting to send that one back after 15 minutes use as well? You may get them looking kindly on you with one return, but maybe not so much on the second one.

The next model up claims to have better technology to miss objects and you can set up a path for where you want it to go  

HillStreetBlues

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head said:

so yes you can return used goods when cancelling your contract but the retailer may reduce the refund to account for the handling of the product, whether Amazon will do this or not is probably random depending upon whether the person who sorts the return checks the goods and marks it as used.

They can only charge for handling if it's over and above what's needed for a full inspection.
An example is shoes,  it's OK to try them on,  but not go out for a night with them on.

So to fully inspect the vac  the only way to do so it to see what happens when you use it.
Would 15 minutes be too much time, rather than say 5 minutes or 2?

The fact the return might not be able to be sold as new isn't the consumers problem, it's a cost that retails have to bear  for selling at distance.