To be annoyed at this store. Opinions as to what to do appreciated.

[Answersonapostbox]

I live in a house converted into two flats which share a letter box and I wanted a bit of security from identity theft.

A relative reserved me an exterior post box for this reason and we collected the item today. We got the box home and you can literally stick your hand in the bit the Postman is meant to post through and retrieve any larger letters or A4 type letters (tax credits style) or any letters that haven't been shoved to the bottom by the postman properly, absolutely no need for the lock part to open it. It's not long enough. The flap is also ridiculously flimsy.

The A4 leaflet that was inside, my teen reached in and pulled it out despite it being partly folded.

Having spoken to the store and asked for advice online they have said they won't take it back at its been opened and is now not fit for resale (despite being just in a clear plastic bag with no writing and in a brown box with clear tape 🙄 and me feeling it isn't fit for the purpose I need it for.) So I've lost £25 today.

Unfortunately for me I wasn't the one to reserve it and had bought in an emergency and so hadn't seen the many reviews saying the same thing on the stores website and that it was a risk of identity theft. I am unable to leave a review as I didn't buy it online which in itself is crazy.

Customer service have been awful.
I stated my problem and asked for advice (I didn't mention returning it at that point and got a one line reply back that I couldn't return it as I had opened the box.
I replied asking for a complaint email as I can't leave a review and I'm not happy with the products and was told there is no email to complain to and I couldn't bring it back anyway.
I asked for an address to write to instead and was told nope you can only complain to the very same person on social media and again told but you can't return it.

Just because I can't return it doesn't mean I can't complain surely?
And surely the buck doesn't stop with a social media assistant?

Is it me? Is it them?

And I agree Argos are super lax about returns.

@Answersonapostbox

If it is that link that's been posted upthread, then you can return it as not fit for purpose.

The description says "lockable for ADDED security" - meaning there is an assumed level of security with post being put into a box, and they add to it by providing a lock. That assumed level of security is removed by how large the flap is. The measurements are there but really, until you've tried pulling something out of it, you can't tell if they're too big or not.

Don't deal with them over the phone or online. Just go into the store and stand your ground. Argos usually take stuff back without issue.

If they're being arseholes over it I'd just break it and take it back. No way I'd end up out of pocket though.

Thanks all. This is partly my fault for not doing the research myself but you know outside postbox, key for added security led me to believe if it was for the exterior of your house then it was suitable to put post in, not just suitable for post in if you are physically watching no one is taking the post out of the box or live somewhere where there is no risk of anyone coming in your garden.
Loads of people reviewing have put it on their gates so the Postman doesn't have to walk up.

Going to pop back in store I think.

NewPapaGuinea not sure it would apply as I paid in store.

I bought a room divider thing from Argos and had it delivered same day. I unpacked it, the wall attachment screws were missing. I got on the live chat and they asked me if I wanted a replacement or a refund. I asked for a refund, they collected it same day.

Opening something doesn’t mean it can’t be returned! Take it back in to store - their own policy states you can return it for any reason within 30 days www.argos.co.uk/help/returns-and-refunds/

“You just need these 3 things:
Your proof of purchase
The item should be unused, in its original packaging and in a re-sellable condition
Any free items that came with your product unused and in a re-sellable condition”

Do you still have the original box?

Just take it back. I used to work for a company who supplied Argos and they used to accept returns in all sorts of condition. Don't say you have already been in touch with the company. Just say, it is not what you wanted and you want your money back.

I have bought from argos and they have asked me if I want to open and check it there and then before and when it wasn't right have processed it back there and then. Because they don't have shop displays and deliver in a box and sealed you have extra rights to return that would be taken into account in any small claims court judgement.

Just pack it up and take it back where you got it from and ask for a refund

Argos usually refund anything! Just take it back.

Complain, with explanation and photographs, on their twitter and facebook pages.

You do not need the original packaging, never mind the unopened original packaging, in order to get a refund. Whoever you've dealt with needs training.

Just take it into store and try to return it.

Tweet a link to this thread to Argos

Just return it to store and don't mention you've already emailed HO.

The reviews for this product are mixed but one says they did return it in store as it wasn't fit for securing mail from theft.

Argos has a very good refund/exchange policy but in some instances a poor staff training issue.

If something is excluded from being returned like earrings then it will be clearly stated in catalogue or on website. If it's not excluded you are eligible for refund etc.

We had same issue over an electric shaver which hadn't even been removed from packaging! Literally hubby bought it home and I pointed out it wasn't the right one. 1st person refused to exchange or even discuss, I chatted to them on the on,I ended chat thing they have went back to store, exchanged for correct model AND because they didn't have the correct model at that store they had it delivered to me, free of charge, that afternoon.

It really does depend on the person you're dealing with. Go back and request refund.

Good luck 👍

You do not need the original packaging, never mind the unopened original packaging, in order to get a refund. Whoever you've dealt with needs training.

You do if you are changing because you are unhappy/changed mind rather than it being faulty.

I've never had a problem returning anything to Argos, don't bother with any unnecessary complicated explanations, just say it's not going to fit where you wanted it to go and ask for a refund. Unless you get a particularly arsey assistant I wouldn't think you'd have a problem if you approach it nicely

You might want to get the thread deleted though in case someone from your local branch reads it

Just take it back to store,I took back a dog gate as I hadn't realised I'd bought the one that you have to screw to the wall. I'd opened it, but I just taped it back closed, and was exchanged no problem