online purchase return - can retailer charge restocking fee and outbound postage?

pandaman888

a week ago i ordered from an online website some car parts. however, on receipt i decided they weren't for me and wish to return them, fully understanding the cost of returns postage will be borne by me. i contacted the retailer by phone about the return and they informed me that they will charge a 15% restocking fee and the outbound postage charge is non refundable.

i was under the impression that under distance selling regs (or is it consumer contract regs now?) that they have to refund the full amount including the outbound postage?

eskbanker

Yes, your impression is correct - the parts seller is perhaps set up primarily for B2B sales where the purchaser has less rights?

Anyway, refer them to section 34 of the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, where the requirement to refund in full is explained:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/3134/regulation/34