Returning something already assembled

[DuvetCoverNightmare]

Just after some advice on the above.

We ordered a BBQ that came unassembled in a large box on a pallet.

Upon assembling (3 hours later!) it it became apparent that it was faulty.

Retailer has offered to replace but are saying it needs disassembling for collection. The box couldn’t be salvaged as it was the type that needing ripping to get into it in the first place. Can they insist on it being disassembled and repackaged? And if they do, what do I package it in?! It’s got lots of little or awkward shaped parts.

I’m also peeved because there’s no way of checking it worked until completely assembled so we could spend another 3 hours assembling the bloody replacement to find it’s faulty.

I’d push back on this… you’re not returning it because you’ve changed your mind. No idea how you’d push back though. Who did you buy it from?

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/legal_matters/1655555-Returning-faulty-goods-without-original-packaging

Some Martin Lewis advice quoted on this thread.

It will be for collection more than likely. I used to work for a retailer who needed items to be packaged and dismantled but it was because the courier wouldn't collect it if it wasn't. It doesn't really matter what it is packaged in just so long as its secure and safe for collection, put it in a bin liner and then get a couple of cardboard boxes from the supermarket and gaffer tape them together to fit round it if you have to as long as its all inside

Can you salvage the original box with tape, I would take the innards out of the box if you can (excess polystyrene and cardboard) to give more room and take it down the best you can, shove all the small bits in a plastic bag so they are not all over the place, it doesn't need to be packed as you bought it just complete in a box for the courier to handle safely as PP says.

Original box is completely non salvageable, in order to lift the thing out you needed it clear because it weighed a ton!

I’ll speak to them and see if I could just wrap it in cardboard and loads of tape or something.

Royally peed off though because it was bloody expensive and am skeptical about the new one also being faulty