Probably A Lost Cause...

[AVENGERS]

I fairly sure I have no rights on this one but thought I ask for advice anyway.
I've purchased a TV from Comet and quite simply need a larger one. As their returns policy wasn't explained to me at the time of purchase, I didn't think that there would be any problem trying to exchange.
Had I known that I would be charged 40 quid for simply opening the damn box, I would've have thought twice before buying...
On getting home, I read the insert given with my receipt stating that they charge 10% 'for restocking the item' unless the item is returned unopened. I can understand that it's an inconvenience and if they charged 5 or 10 quid it wouldn't be so bad but effectively they are charging ridiculous amounts of money for replacing a cardboard box. What about the poor gits that buy a TV for a thousand pounds?! they expect them to pay 100 quid if the product isn't suitable?! Needless to say, I got nowhere with head office.
I feel that they are exploiting their customers and they make plenty of profits to cover these charges and keep the goodwill of their customers.

[barracad]

You have no legal right to a refund if you have simply changed your mind about the product - it is down to the retailer's discretion.

[AVENGERS]

Yes, I just wondered if they can get away with these charges as 10% on an expensive item is excessive considering how much it would realistically cost to restock. I'm not sure yet whether their competitors have the same policy.

[barracad]

They don't have to accept the return at all. If they do accept it, it is at their discretion and on whatever terms they impose - whether they want to charge you 10%, 20% or 90%.

[AVENGERS]

Much as I thought... I know that most high street retailers only have the refund/exchange policies they do to keep the goodwill of their customers. Shame Comet don't do the same. They've lost my custom forever and that of everyone I've told.

[blitz]

There rivals PCworld (DSG group) don't event accept non-faulty refunds... leaves me with just the internet to buy all my electronics :/

[AVENGERS]

This will make you laugh.... How ironic... I've been so busy over the last couple of weeks, I have only just unpacked said tv (above) and spotted that it is actually the wrong model!! They gave me wrong bleedin telly anyway!!
So... can I request a refund as I was sold an incorrect item? or do I have to take a replacement?

[blitz]

If they have given you the wrong telly (if its their mistake) you can reject the goods and recieve a refund if its within a reasonable amount of time (say under a month). That would be to the amount you paid for the goods this time around. Just say you cba with all the mucking around and would rather go somewhere else.

[AVENGERS]

Of course I understand the reasons for their 'restocking' charge and their legal right to do so- this was not the issue. The issue is that 10% is excessive and most retailers swallow such costs to maintain goodwill.

Had I ordered online, I would've had no problems at all and that is exactly what I'm going to be doing from now on with all large purchases.

[paulgmb]

I've always found comet really helpful and very competitive but i agree that if they have given you the right telly then you should be able to change it for another one.