Returning an Amazon purchase from a private seller - wants £40 contribution

sparkiemalarkie

Hi I have just bought a computer monitor from a seller on Amazon. I really couldn't get on with the curved screen as it seemed to distort what I was seeing and made me feel sick.
The t&c stated at the time of purchase says returns accepted with £2.99 contribution to p+p.

I have now received an email from the seller wanting a £40 contribution for the return as it has been opened and can now only be sold on  as a used.

Is this right? Does this comply with the distance selling regulations?
It was returned in pristine condition except that the leads were removed from their shrink wrapped packaging.

Any help would be appreciated

tia

sx

prettyandfluffy

Contact Amazon and tell them.  They do not allow sellers to penalise customers for returning items.

DE_612183

when the T&Cs state "returns accepted" - what does the full statement say? Does it say anything about being unused for instance?

sparkiemalarkie

DE_612183 said:

when the T&Cs state "returns accepted" - what does the full statement say? Does it say anything about being unused for instance?

Yes you're right  simply hadn't clicked through far enough
:- it states  Returnable within 30 days of receipt (this is where I stopped clicking)

Then when you click on the link the following appears

Returnable within 30 days of receipt 
You will be eligible for a full refund on items returned in original condition within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used or damaged returns

Having said that, how on earth can you see if something is suitable without trying it

sx

DE_612183

sparkiemalarkie said:

DE_612183 said:

when the T&Cs state "returns accepted" - what does the full statement say? Does it say anything about being unused for instance?

Yes you're right  simply hadn't clicked through far enough
:- it states  Returnable within 30 days of receipt (this is where I stopped clicking)

Then when you click on the link the following appears

Returnable within 30 days of receipt 
You will be eligible for a full refund on items returned in original condition within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used or damaged returns

Having said that, how on earth can you see if something is suitable without trying it

sx

I guess sometimes you open the box and make the decision then - before you plug it in...

Alderbank

Having said that, how on earth can you see if something is suitable without trying it?

Dunno, but consumer rights act does not actually give you that right.
You are allowed to examine the goods 'as you would in a shop'. Could you expect to go into a shop with your computer, unbox the monitor, plug in, sit down and see if you liked it? Perhaps you could. You would need to argue that case.
They are allowed to deduct for reduction in value. Items at Amazon which have been opened and repackaged are routinely sold at a discount to items 'new and sealed in box' but £40 sounds a bit steep. Again you would have to argue your case. Note that this reduction is not a penalty, it is allowed by law.

They refer to return postage because again this is referenced in consumer legislation. Quite legal.

You call them a 'private seller'. As far as I know Amazon refers to all sellers as 'merchants'. I do not know but I suspect it considers all merchants to be 'traders' as far as UK legislation goes. Note that you have more rights buying from a trader than buying from someone who is genuinely a private seller.

ETA: How can you see if something is suitable without trying it?
Some people would go into a shop where that particular style of display is set up and just try looking at it for a time, then if it was OK they would go home and search online for the best price.
We did just that when curved screens were trending a few years ago and decided we didn't like them.

PHK

Just to add, I don't think we know how long the OP had the monitor.  They could be outside the period they have a right to notify a return under CRA but inside the 30 days the seller offers.

sparkiemalarkie

Thanks for the info...

We paid £246 for it

and after it was bought it, the  merchant reduced his online prices by £35

He says that he will lose £80 by selling as 'used' and we should pay half of that.

I was very naïve not realising that merchants had different t&c's to Amazon

What would be a fair counter offer?

sx

DE_612183

sparkiemalarkie said:

Thanks for the info...

We paid £246 for it

and after it was bought it, the  merchant reduced his online prices by £35

He says that he will lose £80 by selling as 'used' and we should pay half of that.

I was very naïve not realising that merchants had different t&c's to Amazon

What would be a fair counter offer?

sx

No harm is asking - who's paying the return postage?

sparkiemalarkie

The t&c's stated that we had to contribute £2.99 towards p&p

DE_612183

so you have a return "sticker" for the return? - I only ask the question as they may be expecting you to pay p&p as well - I'd offer £25 off and perhaps accept £30