So what is the deal with returning PC games - can we?

[RaMDOM]

Am thinking that I would like my money back for Operation Flashpoint DR and would like to return it.

I know that the consensus is that we cannot, however is that really the case? I mean I have to open the box before I view the terms and conditions and stuff; what about if I did not agree with them?

And then there is the fact that the product is basically broken. In most other product based industries does that not warrant a replacement? And if the replacement is bust (as it would be in this case) then a refund or at the very least, credit?

Does anyone know where I stand with this?

 

[Tummy]

Whenever I've returned a PC Game (not for a few years mind) I've always used the excuse "it won't run on my system" or "I got this for a friend and they already have it"

 

[RaMDOM]

They know me at Gamestation and neither would wash, Unfortuanately

 

[Tummy]

They know me at Gamestation and neither would wash, Unfortuanately

Can you not return goods within 28 days or something like that?

 

[RaMDOM]

I think that with games, if it remains in the sellophane then you can get a full refund, however if you unwrap it you are not given one - only part ex. mind you that would be quite a bit now anyway.

 

[Dark_Angel]

I know the major video game store won't accept them if they are opened, the few times I have bought a game from them they have told me so at the counter. I remember the first time I was told this was when I purchased CS Condition Zero on its release.

I guess it's because otherwise you could simply steal the serial number from the case if opened. I am not sure if they have a legal right to refuse though, especially for example if you claim the disk either missing or damaged.

 

[[TW]Taggart]

ill give u a 5er

 

[russ0r]

Does anyone know where I stand with this?

If the real reason you were returning it was because you didn't agree with the T&C's, then yes you are entitled to a refund. You'll have a hard time making it stick with the store though. Most stores have a policy of no refunds if it has been opened, because you could just take the serial number and copy the disc then take the game back.

If you just want a refund because you thought the game was crap, then no. You wouldn't return a movie because you thought it was rubbish, would you?

 

[RaMDOM]

I know the major video game store won't accept them if they are opened, the few times I have bought a game from them they have told me so at the counter. I remember the first time I was told this was when I purchased CS Condition Zero on its release.

I guess it's because otherwise you could simply steal the serial number from the case if opened. I am not sure if they have a legal right to refuse though, especially for example if you claim the disk either missing or damaged.

Fair enough, but OF-DR does not have any disc keys or any protection of any sort. haha, would like to see them use that one.

ill give u a 5er

May take you up on that in about a month when it is worth about £4

If the real reason you were returning it was because you didn't agree with the T&C's, then yes you are entitled to a refund. You'll have a hard time making it stick with the store though. Most stores have a policy of no refunds if it has been opened, because you could just take the serial number and copy the disc then take the game back.

refer to answer above.

If you just want a refund because you thought the game was crap, then no. You wouldn't return a movie because you thought it was rubbish, would you?

Good point. But did not some one sue Sony over 'A knights tale' saying that Sony were responsible for the loss of two hours of their life? lol. Good movie I thought.....

 

[Treebiter]

Now, there might be some rule I'm not aware of so this is partly assumption but I don't see any reason why this shouldn't be subject to the Sale of Goods Act like any other product.

http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/consumers/fact-sheets/page38311.html#

For instance:


• Wherever goods are bought they must "conform to contract". This means they must be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality (i.e. not inherently faulty at the time of sale).

• Aspects of quality include fitness for purpose, freedom from minor defects, appearance and finish, durability and safety.

If the game's bugged to hell I'd consider this to fall under the above.

• It is the seller, not the manufacturer, who is responsible if goods do not conform to contract.

This is the important one. If games do fall under this then they are legally obliged to take it back.


I would download the below letter (Disclaimer: I am not a fan of the One Show! ) and hand it over if they refuse to take it back... At the end of the day, what's the worst that could happen?

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/theoneshow/txt/soga_letter_1.doc

 

[RaMDOM]

Now, there might be some rule I'm not aware of so this is partly assumption but I don't see any reason why this shouldn't be subject to the Sale of Goods Act like any other product.

http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/consumers/fact-sheets/page38311.html#

For instance:


• Wherever goods are bought they must "conform to contract". This means they must be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality (i.e. not inherently faulty at the time of sale).

• Aspects of quality include fitness for purpose, freedom from minor defects, appearance and finish, durability and safety.

If the game's bugged to hell I'd consider this to fall under the above.

• It is the seller, not the manufacturer, who is responsible if goods do not conform to contract.

This is the important one. If games do fall under this then they are legally obliged to take it back.


I would download the below letter (Disclaimer: I am not a fan of the One Show! ) and hand it over if they refuse to take it back... At the end of the day, what's the worst that could happen?

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/theoneshow/txt/soga_letter_1.doc

Cool - cheers, will give this stuff the once over. Had a look at the letter and thought that this paragraph was interesting:

"This legislation also states that the seller, not the manufacturer, is legally obliged to sort out a problem if the goods do not meet these requirements."

Gamestation, patch this game now!! haha....... cough

 

[Treebiter]

NP. I wouldn't be suprised if they offered store credit just to avoid the hassle of taking this to the manager .

Be sure to tell us how you get on!

 

[Dark_Angel]

I would also recommend taking a copy (read print out) of the legal information, along with links so they can check it out. Also bright a copy of the problems that are within the games release.

Haven't played the game so don't know of the bugs in it... but I assume there are quite a few.

 

[RaMDOM]

NP. I wouldn't be suprised if they offered store credit just to avoid the hassle of taking this to the manager .

Be sure to tell us how you get on!

Will do if I can get around to it. I can't get there until next weekend - they may frown quite a bit after a week has gone by.

 

[Dark_Angel]

Will do if I can get around to it. I can't get there until next weekend - they may frown quite a bit after a week has gone by.

Tell them it took a week for you to try all the bug fixes, patches downloads and workarounds that were suggested over the different websites.

Then when you got another crash after reinstalling your entire OS on a seperate partition, installing all drivers, and talking to the creators technical support line that your system should play the game flawlessly, and then looping testing software for 24 hours you gave up and wanted to return the game for credit for a different game.

Or kill the people that sold you it.

 

[RaMDOM]

Tell them it took a week for you to try all the bug fixes, patches downloads and workarounds that were suggested over the different websites.

Then when you got another crash after reinstalling your entire OS on a seperate partition, installing all drivers, and talking to the creators technical support line that your system should play the game flawlessly, and then looping testing software for 24 hours you gave up and wanted to return the game for credit for a different game.

Or kill the people that sold you it.

haha. like it (apart from the last statement ). will see if I have to blast them with techo babble on the day.