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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think this is stealing?

54 replies

LoosingBattle · 05/09/2012 22:23

We moved house a couple of weeks ago, I dropped something and when we switched it on it didn't work. Doesn't look damaged but must be broken inside. :(

Today looking for a replacement see that Argos still sell item (at least 5 years old) and it costs £90, expensive mistake!

DH thinks we should buy the new one and take back the old one (with new receipt) saying we have changed our minds and obviously keep the new item.

I am Shock that he would even think about it! Would you do it?

OP posts:
chocoluvva · 05/09/2012 22:24

No. I'd feel horribly guilty.

NoToastWithoutKnickers · 05/09/2012 22:25

That's very naughty. I couldn't do it.

TellyBug · 05/09/2012 22:25

Theft!!

picnicbasketcase · 05/09/2012 22:25

A lot of people would, I don't think I could though.

TequilaMockinBird · 05/09/2012 22:26

Nope, that's really bad karma

TeamEdward · 05/09/2012 22:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Softlysoftly · 05/09/2012 22:27

A friend of mine said she did this with baby bottles!

lurkedtoolong · 05/09/2012 22:27

I couldn't do it. I know lots could, but I'd be waiting for the police to come and get me. I agree that it's stealing.

BlackberryIce · 05/09/2012 22:28

They would know. So no point.

It's an often used trick and the tell tale signs are.... Well, I'm not going to say!

puds11 · 05/09/2012 22:28

I hate people who do stuff like this. Its wrong and it makes me feel sick. I woul be ashamed of him.

CommunistLegoBloc · 05/09/2012 22:28

Hell no. Also, they will probably have systems in place which prevent this - for one thing, the broken one is 5 years old! The new model will be different, however subtly.

StuntGirl · 05/09/2012 22:28

You probably wouldn't get away with it anyway. Items are often sealed in shops and if the seal has been broken you can't return it.

Thedoctrineofennis · 05/09/2012 22:28

No! And also they might test it there and then in the shop or afterwards and they could compare serial numbers or something.

They probably wouldn't but if the moral argument isn't enough...

Can you get a cheaper one on eBay?

Mabelface · 05/09/2012 22:28

I work for argos, and it is company policy to open the box and inspect the contents. Your husband risks prosecution if he tries this.

Floggingmolly · 05/09/2012 22:28

Of course it's stealing, you really can't think otherwise?

You'd never get away with it anyway; they'll check the item before giving you a refund. Unless you want to stand in front of the entire shop and be exposed as a cheating chancer, suck it up and forget about it.

Maybe think about taking out some contents insurance?

FriedEggsAndHam · 05/09/2012 22:28

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SavoyCabbage · 05/09/2012 22:29

If its five years old, they will know surely! Regardless of the moral issue.

getrealandgetalife · 05/09/2012 22:29

iknow that people do it but i wouldnt. my mum once bought a bra in a box, and when she got home it had someone elses manky bra in.

they had obvioulsy tried it on and put thier manky one in the box instead. i was about 8 at the time and it was one of those Triumph 'costabombs' and she sat on the bed crying for ages.

McHappyPants2012 · 05/09/2012 22:30

do they check stock before putting back on the racking.

because i would be majorly pissed off it i then got the lamp and it didn't work.

to me it is theft

imonthefone · 05/09/2012 22:32

getreal why didnt she just return it to the shop and get it replaced? Confused

OP NNOOOOOOO...dont do it! Imagine the embarrassment if they sussed you Blush

EnglishGirlApproximately · 05/09/2012 22:34

If they take your word that you had changed your mind and the broken bit isn't easily noticeable it could get sold to another customer. Then we would see a.thread from someone saying how crap Argos are and how they had to drive 50 miles to return some rubbish they were sold.
And yes, it is theft.

NCForNow · 05/09/2012 22:34

no. An old lady may buy your busted one...and then get very stressed when dealing with them telling her "You've dropped it...it's broken inside..we're not refunding"

numbertaker · 05/09/2012 22:34

that is stealing.

numbertaker · 05/09/2012 22:34

and the laws of 'reaping and sowing' will come back and bite you on the bum.

GoldPicnminx · 05/09/2012 22:35

What it is that you've dropped?