Argos Returns
Why I Like BT
I bought two identical items from Argos. The were inflatable camping
mattresses, �12 apiece. On getting them home I realised they needed a
bespoke pump, �10. I decided I could make do with one mattress (long story)
so I thought I'd return the second one in exchange for a pump. The one I
wanted to return had not had its packaging interfered with in any way, it
was as it was when purchased.
On attempting to return it I was made aware that this item was exempt from
the 30 day return policy. Fair enough, but I thought I'd e-mail Argos and
ask why this item was exempt. I got a reply which more or less just said
"because it says so in the catalogue" which is hardly a reason. I'm still
waiting on a reply to a second attempt at getting a reason out of them but
I'm not too hopeful of getting one.
Can anyone here explain? It could be that a mattress is classed as a
"personal" item but since it so obviously hadn't been opened I thought the
exemption wouldn't apply.
Just to reiterate, I accept that the item is exempt and that I can't have a
refund, I'd just like to know the reason for exemption.
dpyd...@hotmail.com
They're not within their return policy because otherwise people with
visitors staying for the weekend would buy an air mattress, use it for
two days, then put it back in the box on Monday and take it back to
Argos for a refund.
Max Demian
wrote:
>Slightly off topic I know but I'd be interested in some opinions on this.
Not a legal issue.
Maybe if you write a letter to their head office they will give more
details of their policy - there's no reason why it should be secret.
It appears that sometimes it's hygiene, sometimes it's that the item
will get messed about with - such as an MP3 player being loaded with
music, sometimes it appears to be purely commercial - for example
Freeview boxes have always been exempt, presumably as they are afraid
people will just buy one to see whether digital reception is possible
where they live.
The Argos staff should have informed you that the mattress was exempt
when you bought it - but they might have forgotten or you might have
not been paying attention in your excitement at the purchase <g>.
--
Max Demian
Why I Like BT
news:bca77a48-5207-4d55...@f10g2000vbf.googlegroups.com...
>
>
> They're not within their return policy because otherwise people with
> visitors staying for the weekend would buy an air mattress, use it for
> two days, then put it back in the box on Monday and take it back to
> Argos for a refund.
>
Pretty much as I suspected, thanks for the response.
I have two observations. Having unpacked the first one and inflated it, the
chances of anyone getting all of the air out of it and repackaging it such
that it looked unopened would be just about zero and would be far more
trouble than the value of the item. Also, as previously stated, the item I
was wanting to return was pristine and still in the original box and factory
shrink wrap.
I would say that their returns policy should be amended so that return of
such items is at manager's discretion.
Peter Parry
wrote:
>Also, as previously stated, the item I
>was wanting to return was pristine and still in the original box and factory
>shrink wrap.
>
>I would say that their returns policy should be amended so that return of
>such items is at manager's discretion.
Basically it is to stop arguments. You might be surprised at some of
the items brought back as "Never even opened it mate, never mind worn
it" (A shirt with curry stains all over the front for example).
Appearing not to give any of the staff any discretion in the matter
helps them avoid situations where they would in effect have to call
the customer a liar. It is usually applied to goods where there is a
record (or potential) for misuse of any exchange scheme.
Why I Like BT
news:7t2hb5l9en10mqvm1...@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:15:47 +0100, "Why I Like BT" <w...@bs.com>
> wrote:
>
>>Slightly off topic I know but I'd be interested in some opinions on this.
>>
>
>
I know, see above <g>
> Maybe if you write a letter to their head office they will give more
> details of their policy - there's no reason why it should be secret.
>
<snip>
I think you're right about it being a hygiene issue. I have had a further
response from the online customer services who have stated that I should
attempt the return again and invoke manager's discretion, which seems
sensible.
>
> The Argos staff should have informed you that the mattress was exempt
> when you bought it - but they might have forgotten or you might have
> not been paying attention in your excitement at the purchase <g>.
>
>
They didn't but then it is stated in black and white on their web site and I
should have seen it. I'll be more wary next time, thanks for the response
:)
Bob Ferguson
"Why I Like BT" <w...@bs.com> wrote in message
news:4ab887a2$1...@glkas0286.greenlnk.net...
Argos had a very high return rate from people who bought an item with the
intention of only using it for a couple of days or so and then returning it
for refund. There are many items that fall into this category, but the main
culprit was cameras where people bought a decent camera for photographing
(say) a wedding and then returning the camera for a full refund having done
so.
That Argos took the action they did, hardly comes as a surprise given the
above.
Why I Like BT
news:4ab89f64$1...@glkas0286.greenlnk.net...
>
>
> Argos had a very high return rate from people who bought an item with the
> intention of only using it for a couple of days or so and then returning
> it for refund. There are many items that fall into this category, but the
> main culprit was cameras where people bought a decent camera for
> photographing (say) a wedding and then returning the camera for a full
> refund having done so.
>
> That Argos took the action they did, hardly comes as a surprise given the
> above.
>
>
The policy is too rigid IMO. If a package quite obviously has not been
opened then the return should be accepted. Perhaps if the policy stated
something like "may only be returned if unopened and with the outer
packaging intact" it might be more flexible, a bit like if you want to
return a DVD to Asda, they will only accept it back if the shrink wrap is
intact, which to me is fair.
Maria
But we get that with people buying jewellery from us...they buy
expensive items on thursday and then send it back on monday saying they
don't want it (they don't have to give any reason by law).
It's really annoying...
Cynic
wrote:
>> Argos had a very high return rate from people who bought an item with the
>> intention of only using it for a couple of days or so and then returning
>> it for refund. There are many items that fall into this category, but the
>> main culprit was cameras where people bought a decent camera for
>> photographing (say) a wedding and then returning the camera for a full
>> refund having done so.
>> That Argos took the action they did, hardly comes as a surprise given the
>> above.
>The policy is too rigid IMO. If a package quite obviously has not been
>opened then the return should be accepted. Perhaps if the policy stated
>something like "may only be returned if unopened and with the outer
>packaging intact" it might be more flexible, a bit like if you want to
>return a DVD to Asda, they will only accept it back if the shrink wrap is
>intact, which to me is fair.
You do not seem to appreciate that having *any* policy of allowing
returns due only to a customer changing their mind is already far more
than you have any right to expect.
Incidentally, I use such matresses fairly frequently, and it is not as
difficult as you believe it is to completely deflate it and put it
back in the box. You simply connect the suction side of the pump to
the inflation point.
If you are using the mattress at home, the hose of many vacuum
cleaners can be connected to the "blow" side of the cleaner, and if
the pipe is pressed firmly over the filling point on the mattress, it
will do a better and quicker job than the typical purpose-built pump.
The mattress's filler has a built-in non-return valve, so it will not
deflate between removing the pipe and fitting the cap to the mattress.
--
Cynic
Bob Ferguson
Some of us are quite adept at replacing packaging seals and in particular
those 'Warranty Void if Removed' stickers. Also Argos are not the only
people who can apply shrink wrap.
Why I Like BT
news:ofihb5hapgnoc01od...@4ax.com...
>
> You do not seem to appreciate that having *any* policy of allowing
> returns due only to a customer changing their mind is already far more
> than you have any right to expect.
>
You are wrong there because I do appreciate that but if you're going to have
a policy at all then let's have a sensible one, if not then get rid.
> Incidentally, I use such matresses fairly frequently, and it is not as
> difficult as you believe it is to completely deflate it and put it
> back in the box. You simply connect the suction side of the pump to
> the inflation point.
>
You'd have to be pretty stupid to go to all of that trouble for a 12 quid
item. I certainly couldn't be arsed for the sake of 12 quid.
> If you are using the mattress at home, the hose of many vacuum
> cleaners can be connected to the "blow" side of the cleaner, and if
> the pipe is pressed firmly over the filling point on the mattress, it
> will do a better and quicker job than the typical purpose-built pump.
> The mattress's filler has a built-in non-return valve, so it will not
> deflate between removing the pipe and fitting the cap to the mattress.
>
>
Again, couldn't be arsed.
Why I Like BT
>
>
> Some of us are quite adept at replacing packaging seals and in particular
> those 'Warranty Void if Removed' stickers. Also Argos are not the only
> people who can apply shrink wrap.
>
I can only direct you to my reply to Cynic on that issue. CBA.
Cynic
wrote:
>> Incidentally, I use such matresses fairly frequently, and it is not as
>> difficult as you believe it is to completely deflate it and put it
>> back in the box. You simply connect the suction side of the pump to
>> the inflation point.
>>
>
>You'd have to be pretty stupid to go to all of that trouble for a 12 quid
>item. I certainly couldn't be arsed for the sake of 12 quid.
The shop's policy is not built around what *you* may and may not do
>> If you are using the mattress at home, the hose of many vacuum
>> cleaners can be connected to the "blow" side of the cleaner, and if
>> the pipe is pressed firmly over the filling point on the mattress, it
>> will do a better and quicker job than the typical purpose-built pump.
>> The mattress's filler has a built-in non-return valve, so it will not
>> deflate between removing the pipe and fitting the cap to the mattress.
>Again, couldn't be arsed.
Strange that you bought an inflatable matress in that case. Did you
not *realise* that it would need to be inflated? Using a vacuum
cleaner is, as I have said, an easier way to inflate the mattreess
than most other methods.
--
Cynic
Bob Ferguson
Not everything bought from Argos costs less than �20.
Why I Like BT
> On Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:31:27 +0100, "Why I Like BT" <w...@bs.com>
> wrote:
>
>>> Incidentally, I use such matresses fairly frequently, and it is not as
>>> difficult as you believe it is to completely deflate it and put it
>>> back in the box. You simply connect the suction side of the pump to
>>> the inflation point.
>>>
>>
>>You'd have to be pretty stupid to go to all of that trouble for a 12 quid
>>item. I certainly couldn't be arsed for the sake of 12 quid.
>
> The shop's policy is not built around what *you* may and may not do
>
I'm not sure how relevant that is to what I wrote but a shop that doesn't
serve the customer is one that I won't return to. I'm not asking anything
unreasonable. I'm not asking them to jump through hoops.
>>> If you are using the mattress at home, the hose of many vacuum
>>> cleaners can be connected to the "blow" side of the cleaner, and if
>>> the pipe is pressed firmly over the filling point on the mattress, it
>>> will do a better and quicker job than the typical purpose-built pump.
>>> The mattress's filler has a built-in non-return valve, so it will not
>>> deflate between removing the pipe and fitting the cap to the mattress.
>
>>Again, couldn't be arsed.
>
> Strange that you bought an inflatable matress in that case. Did you
> not *realise* that it would need to be inflated? Using a vacuum
> cleaner is, as I have said, an easier way to inflate the mattreess
> than most other methods.
>
>
I'm sorry, I misread your posting and thought you were still demonstrating
the ease of re-packaging. Sadly my VC doesn't blow, not even if I ask it
nicely ;)
Why I Like BT
>
>
I'm discussing a specific item at �12 and I'm suggesting that to re-package
it would be more trouble than worth and that the staff at Argos might
realise that.
Ste
>
> Using a vacuum
> cleaner is, as I have said, an easier way to inflate the mattreess
> than most other methods.
Using a hoover to *in*flate? Surely not?
Bob Ferguson
> "Bob Ferguson" <robert....@google.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:4ab8e181$1...@glkas0286.greenlnk.net...
>>
>> "Why I Like BT" <w...@bs.com> wrote in message
>> news:4ab8d209$1...@glkas0286.greenlnk.net...
>>> "Bob Ferguson" <robert....@google.co.uk> wrote in message
>>> news:4ab8cda8$1...@glkas0286.greenlnk.net...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Some of us are quite adept at replacing packaging seals and in
>>>> particular those 'Warranty Void if Removed' stickers. Also Argos are
>>>> not the only people who can apply shrink wrap.
>>>>
>>>
>>> I can only direct you to my reply to Cynic on that issue. CBA.
>>
>>
>>
>
> I'm discussing a specific item at �12 and I'm suggesting that to
> might realise that.
In true Usenet style, the discussion has wandered to Argos returns in
general, or didn't you notice?
Why I Like BT
>
>
> In true Usenet style, the discussion has wandered to Argos returns in
> general, or didn't you notice?
>
In that case I'm pleased to have brought it back on-topic.
Liz Bonn - I'm from Portugal
"Peter Parry" <pe...@wpp.ltd.uk> wrote in message
news:jq4hb5d15r9arrr2v...@4ax.com...
>
> Basically it is to stop arguments. You might be surprised at some of
> the items brought back as "Never even opened it mate, never mind worn
> it" (A shirt with curry stains all over the front for example).
>
It should be extended; it never ceases to amaze me how many young girls I
work with who think nothing of buying some expensive outfit for their
Friday/Saturday night out on the pull who then take it back on the Monday
after they've worn it.
Cynic
wrote:
>> Using a vacuum
>> cleaner is, as I have said, an easier way to inflate the mattreess
>> than most other methods.
>Using a hoover to *in*flate? Surely not?
I've done it many times. With my cylinder vacuum cleaner, you connect
the hose at the back to suck, or at the front to blow. Simples!
One of its optional accessories is a paint spray gun - which you
*definitely* wouldn't want to connect to the wrong end!
--
Cynic
Cynic
wrote:
>I'm discussing a specific item at �12 and I'm suggesting that to re-package
>it would be more trouble than worth and that the staff at Argos might
>realise that.
What is "more trouble than it is worth" to *you* may be quite
worthwhile to other people. How do you propose that Argos staff tell
the difference?
A guy on JSA buys a double mattress on Friday in anticipation of
having a girl stay over the weekend. Come the following Monday he is
skint, and spending an hour or so to carefully re-package the mattress
so he can buy a couple of packets of fags is *well* worth his while.
Of course, if you end up being the person who buys a heavily stained
mattress that doesn't smell too nice, you would be quite understanding
I'm sure, and conclude that Argos was perfectly correct to take back
the product and sell it on, so you'd not complain at all ...
--
Cynic
Mentalguy2k8
"Why I Like BT" <w...@bs.com> wrote in message
news:4ab8e36e$1...@glkas0286.greenlnk.net...
> "Cynic" <cyni...@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:eknhb5t6fara5b4h5...@4ax.com...
>> On Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:31:27 +0100, "Why I Like BT" <w...@bs.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>>> Incidentally, I use such matresses fairly frequently, and it is not as
>>>> difficult as you believe it is to completely deflate it and put it
>>>> back in the box. You simply connect the suction side of the pump to
>>>> the inflation point.
>>>>
>>>
>>>You'd have to be pretty stupid to go to all of that trouble for a 12 quid
>>>item. I certainly couldn't be arsed for the sake of 12 quid.
>>
>> The shop's policy is not built around what *you* may and may not do
>>
>
> I'm not sure how relevant that is to what I wrote but a shop that doesn't
> serve the customer is one that I won't return to.
So go to a shop that puts mattresses back on the shelf after being used and
returned, then when you buy a "new" one from them, you can sleep away in
someone else's dribble, piss and spunk stains.
A lot of this kind of stuff from Argos is sold in a plastic bag that's tied
at the top. It's not difficult to untie it to use the item, then replace the
item and re-tie the bag before taking it back to the shop "unused".
Mentalguy2k8
Which illustrates perfectly why Argos have a policy of refusing to accept
certain items back for refunds even if they are still wrapped in what
appears to be the original packaging.
Bob Ferguson
"Mentalguy2k8" <Mental...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:Zd9um.216033$6W1....@newsfe05.ams2...
I'm sure every one else got the point without the sub titles.
Why I Like BT
>
>
> A lot of this kind of stuff from Argos is sold in a plastic bag that's
> tied at the top. It's not difficult to untie it to use the item, then
> replace the item and re-tie the bag before taking it back to the shop
> "unused".
But this item is shrink-wrapped. Your JSA chappie has a shrink wrap machine
does he? And a healthy supply of the accompanying stickers? Thought not.
Why I Like BT
> On Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:49:56 +0100, "Why I Like BT" <w...@bs.com>
> wrote:
>
>>I'm discussing a specific item at �12 and I'm suggesting that to
>>re-package
>>it would be more trouble than worth and that the staff at Argos might
>>realise that.
>
> What is "more trouble than it is worth" to *you* may be quite
> worthwhile to other people. How do you propose that Argos staff tell
> the difference?
>
> A guy on JSA buys a double mattress on Friday in anticipation of
> having a girl stay over the weekend. Come the following Monday he is
> skint, and spending an hour or so to carefully re-package the mattress
> so he can buy a couple of packets of fags is *well* worth his while.
>
>
How does he shrink wrap it and apply the original sickers? I also like to
think that I don't look like someone on JSA, I'm a bit old for that. A bit
of common sense and discretion is all that's needed.
Mr X
"Why I Like BT" <w...@bs.com> wrote in message
news:4ab9d492$1...@glkas0286.greenlnk.net...
get rid of you so they can clock off.
Paul C. Dickie
<w...@bs.com> writes
>Can anyone here explain? It could be that a mattress is classed as a
>the exemption wouldn't apply.
>
>Just to reiterate, I accept that the item is exempt and that I can't
>have a refund, I'd just like to know the reason for exemption.
Bed bugs, lice or scabies?
Why not sell it on eBay for more than you paid for it?
--
< Paul >
Why I Like BT
news:gIeTMOtB...@bozzie.demon.co.uk...
We've decided to keep it, it's just not worth the hassle. At least I've
established that it's a hygiene issue which is fair enough. Yeh it's amazing
how stupid people will pay more for a used item than it costs new.