Changed mind about product.

[antony-ryan]

Someone I know recently bought a microphone but later decided that she didn't want it. So she took it back to the shop (a local sole trader) and was told she can't have a refund. She's been offered an alternative, but the microphone she wants isn't available from this shop. So is she entitled to a refund even though she just changed her mind?

[blitz]

If you change your mind you are not entitled to a refund. Some companys do offer a certain period to return products for no reason, (i.e argos' 16 day money back guarentee) however this is in addition to your rights and is not required by law.

 

Q9. Must I accept a credit note instead of a refund?

It depends on why you want to return the goods.

• If you have changed your mind, then the shop doesn't have to do anything.

• But if the goods are faulty, incorrectly described or not fit for purpose, then you are entitled to your money back (provided you act quickly), and you certainly don't have to take a credit note

• If you do accept a credit note in these circumstances, watch out, as there may be restrictions on their use.

• If the shop displays a sign stating they only give credit notes instead of refunds, they might be breaking the law and you could report them to your local Trading Standards Department.

http://www.dti.gov.uk/consumers/fact-sheets/page24700.html

[buzby]

No - she should have bought the correct product she wanted at the time. If the dealer is prepared to offera credit note for goods of sililar value, that's a good compromise. She might not get the mike, but there will be something else - a stand, windshield, XLR extension cable? That will save her losing out.

[sibijose]

i am also in the same situvation and contacted the Trading Standards and they said the shop must refund after deducting the charge for the time i have spend on the shop floor. Then i was following there advice for last 4 months and in the end they said i dont have any rights for a refund at all-case still going on.........

[Bookworm]

Sibijose, I am surprised TS would have advised you of such a thing if it was simply a case of having changed your mind, unless items were purchased from a company offering that kind of refund on top of your statutory rights (such as Argos), as the law is quite clear in the matter. Could you give more information? :-?

[gyzmo]

i am also in the same situvation and contacted the Trading Standards and they said the shop must refund after deducting the charge for the time i have spend on the shop floor.

 

Sorry but this is utter nonsense and whoever said it (if it was actually said (maybe a possible miscommunication - I am not calling anyone a liar)) deserves to be sacked or at the least re-trained. But that statement has absolutely no basis in English law and I fail to see any logic or relevance as to time spent on the shop floor having a monetary value that should be deducted from a refund.

[lawbunny]

Hey,

 

Nope, if your friend has simply decided she does not want the product but it is not faulty etc, then the shop does not have to give her a refund. In fact, they do not even have to offer a credit note so she can exchange for something else, so she should consider herself lucky they are even doing that.

[Zamzara]

However, if the shop offers additional rights, such as the option to refund/exchange, as a contractual term (and it is properly incorporated before the sale) then this would be enforceable.