We all regard receiving presents as a pleasant experience and yet it can be one of the most awkward situations. It is often difficult to look pleased when you receive a gift which is useless or the wrong size.
So you will have to tell your favourite aunt that the T-shirt does not fit. But an exchange is not always that simple because there has to be a good reason for it.
But if you are returning something, no matter what the reason is, you will be expected to have proof of purchase. If the receipt cannot be found, then it is possible to use another proof of purchase such as a credit card receipt. If all of these have been lost, you may have to rely on a witness.
Many big stores have a much more tolerant policy towards return and see it as a gesture of good will to exchange goods without question. Stores including Marks & Spencer are well-known for their “no argument” policy on returned goods.
So if a shop refuses to exchange the goods or to offer a refund, the seller is likely to be within his legal rights unless there is something wrong with the goods. In that case, the boot is on the other foot. You have every right to demand a cash refund or a replacement, but only if you have returned it within a “reasonable” time.
A.It is unlike anything you would buy for yourself. |
B.However, shoppers should remember this is a privilege, not a right. |
C.Unfortunately, the law does not explain what it meant by “reasonable”. |
D.All you can do is exchange it after your friend or relative has gone home. |
E.Either the thing has to be broken or unsuitable for the job it was intended to do. |
F.You should make clear what your legal position is before returning goods to the shop. |