This is a new concept for me. In the Philippines, there is a "No Return, No Exchange" policy wherein goods may not be returned unless defective, and proving they were defective in the first place would really be a hassle. A mark of "good" stores were if they "test" the merchandise before handing it off to you to make sure it works or at least powers up.

Here in the UK, I've been hearing things about "this does not affect your statutory rights" and all that, and the general idea is if you don't like it, you can return it. I'm seeing a lot of "pre-owned" stuff, games, consoles, and so on.

Now I just bought a desk and chair from Argos, and I'm not too happy with my purchase. For one, the desk's edges are really 90degree-sharp, and it's annoying to my palms and forearms. The chair's all out of whack, with the lower back support actually digging into my mid-back. I really want to return these, but the box for the table is all torn up while the box for the chair is still good, but both boxes have been out of the house all night and it snowed last night.

Will I still be able to return it? The Argos website says I have to return stuff in their original packaging in a re-saleable condition... yeah right.

Argos are one of the very best at taking returns. Pretty much all they sell (apart from games and similar) is returnable for a refund.

Trouble is, they want the original packaging (I think that's fair enough) and you have basically destroyed it so if the item is not faulty I think you may have a problem.

Saying that, it's gotta be worth a phone call as they are pretty good, maybe you'll just get store credit which is not so bad.

Stores are under no obligation to accept returns unless something is faulty or mis-sold. That being said, a lot of places do have a very accommodating returns policy, Maplins is one place that springs to mind, which can be useful for electrical/electronics etc.

Stuff ordered over the internet or by phone however is covered by 'distance selling regulations', and you are allowed to return anything, at your own expense, within 14 days of receiving it.

Argos are generally very good at refunding stuff.

You don't even need to give a reason. Not liking something is good enough - within their (16 day?) time limit.

Their policy goes way beyond the govt 'sale of goods' act that covers this area.

I have personally returned items to Argos with out any packaging (car radio + speakers and fittings in a plastic bag). That item was faulty, though.

I think you should pack it all up as best you can and talk to the shop people. Don't worry too much about the packaging, just tidy as you can.

BTW, I'm assuming you bought the stuff from a shop, not the online home delivery side.

Good Luck.

Thanks guys. Fortunately, one of my pals was interested in it and I was able to sell it to him.

The table was really annoying with the sharp edges, but the chair I can live with, if only for the time being. Went to Staples today to order a table that is GBP50 more expensive, but is EXACTLY what I want, only to find out that it is not available and will have to wait until Thursday to "check back" to see if they've got it in stock. Damn.

Anyway, this is the last time I'm ordering from a catalog. Or if I really must, I will have them open the box for me while I inspect the goods before leaving the store. At least I can save myself the hassle.


I do want to say thanks for the support for Argos though. The time I ordered was my first experience with the store, and it was generally a very good place. The staff were friendly and helpful --- I even forgot my cap and by the time I came back for it, they had already stashed it. I was looking around and an employee actually approached me and asked me if I was missing my cap, and promptly returned it. Nice.

I just have to be really careful with what I order.

If you don't like it, just make up an excuse (don't do this all the time though...). Then buy something from them that you do want.

I've returned Battlestations Midway (DVD copy) because it did not install on my PC. Despite the store having a no return policy on opened software, I still got my exact cash back. NO fuss at all. But it only was $10.

Sounds their policy works in the long run... that's a lot of praise for this company in this thread; people will go there again and again.

Ice, Argos are better than they once were for DIY furniture, but you might want to check out IKEA once you get a car, about the cheapest way to furnish a house from scratch with some half-decent stuff... http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/store/gateshead

Buy stuff online and you get extra protection by the distance selling regulations too.

I've just bought two very nice glass cabinets for my modest die-cast collection from IKEA. Only £40 each (and always have a hot dog or three on the way out, only 45p each!!!!!!!!!!)

Thanks guys. Yeah, I will be shopping at Argos again, but like I said, I'll be really careful. This would depend on what I'm buying though --- since the table was going to play an important part in my day-to-day experience (study and play, which translates to "anytime I'm home and not eating or sleeping"), I was really picky.

I can see this won't be important for some other stuff though, like side tables or cabinets or games.

I would buy from Ikea but I don't know where the nearest one is. Googling for it now.

Oooohhhh... the Gateshead one is close! If I can find one that is cheaper and would justify the taxi and bus expense, why not...

Is the Ikea stuff in the UK any good?

Ikea stuff is usually self assembly & it's OK for what it is (it's not what you would class as fine furniture but it's serviceable).
Ikea stores do have good displays though so you can check stuff out before you buy it.

also, don't forget trains as alternative public transport in the UK.

Hmmm... Thornaby railway station is just a walk from where I live. I gotta go investigate that option. I've re-visited the IKEA website, and looking at their Desks and their Workstations selection and nothing really jumps out at me. For a price of a table, I can get one from the local Staples that is wider, and has drawers besides.

However, even at Staples, I cannot understand the price differences between the displays. Sometimes I find a fancy table (drawers and dividers) and goes for cheap, then I come across a simple table that sells for more. Confusing!

I have to admit, IKEA office stuff isn't great at the low end of things, but it's a great place to pick up cheap crockery, cutlery, decor and the like. And they have nice meatballs in the restaurant

Certainly in my experience, their self assembly stuff is better engineered than most, and they are unique in having a complete design philosphy which means that they also sell a load of extras that will all fit.

True... but I neither have the budget nor the space for the awesome IKEA stuff. Pity, I would've liked to get some though.

And from the UK houses I've seen, most would be hard-pressed to provide me enough room for my "ideal" PC gaming area (space for a full HOTAS setup and triple monitors), not without me taking over what is supposed to be the living room space