Are shops Allowed to sell returned goods as new?

BringTheRain · 12 Jun 2011 at 12:47

Bought an item from Argos. And the item is not new.

There is about 10 scuffs on the plastic, seal tape broken on the inside and the plug has been used in a wall socket.

So are they allowed to sell returned items as new.

Or should I take it back and ask for an exchange.

The scuffs bother me a bit, but it's not the end if the world I guess.

More annoying than anything

Jono · 12 Jun 2011 at 12:49

What is it, a fleshlight?

I wouldn't accept that, in that case.

MallowPhoto · 12 Jun 2011 at 12:55

Not sure where you stand regarding the law, but Argos are usually pretty good at accepting returns. I'd personally take it back and make them give you a completely sealed new one, and don't accept it until you've checked the contents.

J4K3 M · 12 Jun 2011 at 12:57

BringTheRain said:
Bought an item from Argos. And the item is not new.

There is about 10 scuffs on the plastic, seal tape broken on the inside and the plug has been used in a wall socket.

So are they allowed to sell returned items as new.

Or should I take it back and ask for an exchange.

The scuffs bother me a bit, but it's not the end if the world I guess.

More annoying than anything

I used to work at argos. They usually wouldnt sell them as new if it had been returned unless they said it hadnt been used and didnt look like it had been opened.

If you take it back im and explain it was damaged when you bought it im pretty sure they will be more than happy to exchange it.

Dolph · 12 Jun 2011 at 12:58

Perhaps not in this particular case, but the distance selling act makes it pretty much compulsory for companies to have to do this if they want to continue existing, as does the constant pressure from customers for 'any reason' returns in the retail market.

BringTheRain · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:00

I only bought in 40mins ago, so I hope they don't think I have damaged it lol!

It was sold as new, was not on special offer or anything.

J4K3 M · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:05

BringTheRain said:
I only bought in 40mins ago, so I hope they don't think I have damaged it lol!

It was sold as new, was not on special offer or anything.

Just take it in and say Ive only just bought this and its damaged. Explain how its damaged and say that all your wanting is an exchange for a new one.

Im sure they will be more than likely happy to comply. Where I worked they would have done it for you so sure it would be the same at others. Just check and see if the new one you get has the same problems or not. Sometimes we used to get a lot of stuff in that manufactures had damaged so we would be selling it new but it looked like it had been used. Got a lot of things returned because of this

BringTheRain · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:08

I am not scared of taking it back, i just wanted to know if they can sell returned items as new

Cleeecooo · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:13

BringTheRain said:
I am not scared of taking it back, i just wanted to know if they can sell returned items as new

They can't describe something Differently to what it is. Granted, they didn't describe it as new but a reasonable person would expect it to be new.

BringTheRain · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:21

Coolio, i know they wont even bat and eye lid. So will take it back and ask for £10,000 compensation or a packet of rizlas

winds0r · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:23

Jono said:
What is it, a fleshlight?

I wouldn't accept that, in that case.

I laughed so loud I woke the dogs up.

Cleeecooo · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:23

BringTheRain said:
Coolio, i know they wont even bat and eye lid. So will take it back and ask for £10,000 compensation or a packet of rizlas

You really need to quit

Was it a fleshlight though?

BringTheRain · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:24

Cleeecooo said:
You really need to quite

quite?

Cleeecooo · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:25

BringTheRain said:
quite?

Auto correct fails

Corrected it

BringTheRain · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:26

HAHA i see ya ninja edit

No it was not, it was a desk lamp

Rroff · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:41

I think its more down to the individuals involved rather than an Argos policy as such, generally Argos only put stuff back to stock if its in "as new" condition and unopened - but some staff will be lazy and just throw things into back to stock rather than process them as damages or clearance. They are generally fairly good at accepting returns tho so you shouldn't have any hassle getting a replacement.

Nikias · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:41

BringTheRain said:
I am not scared of taking it back, i just wanted to know if they can sell returned items as new

Yes, they can, but s.14(2) of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 makes it tricky for businesses selling to consumers to do. Even superficial damage will make consumer goods defective usually, whereas businesses buying from other businesses cannot expect that same level of protection (s.15A).

The only way around it is for shops to point out defects to the consumer before he buys, and which consumer is going to pay full retail price for a damaged item?

arc@css · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:44

Although I have had blunders when it comes to Argos delivering all the required parts / faulty equipment ect, I have nevertheless always had excellent CS when using their no quibble / no fuss guarantee when returning things.

Glaucus · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:45

Adopt Argos have a great 30 day returns policy.

Redz · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:46

Do Argos still have their "16 day no quibble returns" policy? If so it should be no issue getting a replacement whether it has previously been used or not.