So I returned a spotlight to an online lighting shop.
Received an email from the company today refusing a refund as they claim:
'the main body of the item you returned had been crushed into an oval shape and the outer rim no longer sits snug against the body therefore could not be refunded. There is no damage to the inner box or outer carton so unlikely this happened in transit back to us.'
It was in perfect condition when I returned it, and if there was no damage in transit, the damage either a) didn't happen or b) occurred at their end.
I have contacted my credit card company for a disputed transaction form.
But I'm completely baffled. It was a sturdy metal spotlight, aside from the fact that I'm 100% sure it was in mint condition, I don't see how it could have been damaged the way they claim. Unless it was crushed under something heavy in their warehouse.
In 10 years of online shopping, I have never had a company refuse a return before.
I'd be grateful for your views.