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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU - John Lewis Return

71 replies

chouchoutan · 14/08/2019 09:46

I bought two king size fitted sheets from John Lewis - online order. Put one on the bed and threw away the packaging but, after just a couple of nights use, it's really badly fitting and way too big and baggy.

Called John Lewis to request to return both but they will only accept the unused one as I don't have the packaging for the second one. I explained that the item is just not fit for purpose as a 'fitted' sheet but they then said I had to take that up with the supplier directly as it's not a JL own brand product.

AIBU to expect JL to accept both items and refund me?

OP posts:
seven201 · 14/08/2019 09:51

Put it on a hot wash and see if it shrinks down a little.

SeriouslyEnoughAlreadyRantOver · 14/08/2019 09:54

You used it for 2 nights! It can't be that bad Hmm

Do you HAVE to ask if you are BU? THAT is exactly why they won't accept the item back.

Envy obviously

nooddsocksforme · 14/08/2019 09:59

Did you notice that it fitted badly as soon as you put it on the bed ? That’s when you should have asked for a refund, not after sleeping on it for 2 nights.

SweetAsSpice · 14/08/2019 10:01

YABU. You can’t return a used sheet you have slept on. Their returns policy is explicitly clear.

Italia2005 · 14/08/2019 10:05

Yes, in answer to your question.

EskewedBeef · 14/08/2019 10:10

It's up to you to check it's the right size before using it and throwing away the packaging. Like when you buy shoes, you can't wear them for a couple of days then return them because they're too big.

It will shrink up a bit with washing.

DoIjusthavetoputupwithit · 14/08/2019 10:10

JL are getting strict with their returns policy. Absolutely NO refund, credit note or exchange without a receipt.
I know this isn't the case here but just another example.
I think the best you can do is wash at 90 and tumble dry HOT for as long as possible to tighten it up a bit.

DoIjusthavetoputupwithit · 14/08/2019 10:12

Also, did you buy the 'deep mattress' version?
They are significantly bigger and accommodate the plush mattresses of the rich! GrinGrin

Wingedharpy · 14/08/2019 10:16

Invest in some fitted bed sheet clips and/or a chunky mattress topper.

BoswellsBollocks · 14/08/2019 10:17

Like when you buy shoes, you can't wear them for a couple of days then return them because they're too big.

^^ you’d think so wouldn’t you? I work in a shoe shop and we have people coming in every day trying to return worn shoes that ‘just aren’t right’. Including people who’ve put them in the wardrobe for over a year and discovered that they don’t fit after dusting them off and expecting a full refund. When you (politely) refuse they look at you like you’re the crazy one.

MeanMrMustardSeed · 14/08/2019 10:19

You bought the wrong fitted sheets for your mattress. I’m pleased you couldn’t return the used one as it’s that sort of thing that pushes prices up for the rest of us.

Billben · 14/08/2019 10:19

I see where JL is coming from. Surely you noticed the size the first time you put it on the bed. I buy the deep mattress version for our bed but that would be huge on the bed in our spare room. It doesn’t mean the sheet is not fit for the purpose. 🙄

DoIjusthavetoputupwithit · 14/08/2019 10:21

Like when you buy shoes, you can't wear them for a couple of days then return them because they're too big.

Unless they are children's shoes 'fitted' by the shops expert fitters.
DC have had a couple of pairs over the years worn that went back.

Nellamelia · 14/08/2019 10:21

You should have gone into store, I've worked in JL and I'm pretty certain a refund would have been processed for you as a goodwill. The call centre is a harder nut to crack.

Billben · 14/08/2019 10:23

I’m pleased you couldn’t return the used one as it’s that sort of thing that pushes prices up for the rest of us

^This. Some shops are too soft on accepting returns because they are worried about losing custom. But somebody always ends up paying for other people’s mistakes, wrong choices etc.

Teddybear45 · 14/08/2019 10:25

This is why you buy in store and not online. The whole point of JL is the customer service you get in-store. You don’t get that service when you go through the online / telephone channels.

SuperSara · 14/08/2019 10:25

Of course YABU!

You do realise that fitted sheets aren't all one size, don't you?

They're different to fit different depths of mattress. It's no good assuming it's king size, for example, therefore it must fit my king size bed. They can be very different in size.

I'm another one who's pleased to hear they've refused to take them back, secondhand.

SunshineCake · 14/08/2019 10:28

Your contract is with JL not the manufacturer.

MediocreOmens · 14/08/2019 10:43

I sent back a pair of jeans that I had worn and washed in line with the label's instructions and the stitching disintegrated in the wash and the waist band detached. I got a full refund. If the sheet fitted fine when OP put it on the bed then it was the right size and it shouldn't stretch that much.

OP I would go in store and ask although I often find washing the sheet will shrink it a little. On a more general note John Lewis' customer service has really gone downhill in the last few years. I had a large appliance break recently at only a month old with light but regular use. Despite having a two year warranty with John Lewis, they fobbed me off to the supplier and I had to deal with the supplier directly. John Lewis used to not be the cheapest but the trade off was good customer service. I now only buy from John Lewis if they are markedly cheaper on an item than elsewhere. No idea how they justify some of their prices anymore.

bloodywhitecat · 14/08/2019 10:49

Your contract is with JL, not the supplier. Give Trading Standards a call/email see what they say.

Rumours0fAHurricane · 14/08/2019 11:05

Some of these responses are just plain wrong

The sheet isn't fit for purpose. You used it, it is faulty. A fitted sheet is not supposed to go baggy and ill fitting within a day or two. Therefore you are able to return it. I'd pop into store with your proof of purchase and ask to speak to the department manager

NoBaggyPants · 14/08/2019 11:07

Can you clarify OP, has the sheet in some way stretched after you put it on, or was it too large in the first place and you'd not realised?

If you can link to the item it would be helpful.

gearandloathing · 14/08/2019 11:07

Buy off amazon in future is my advice. Their returns policy is ridiculously lenient and you don't even have to talk to a real human being.

nowayhose · 14/08/2019 11:15

Erm..............yuk !

There's nothing wrong with the sheet, it's just the wrong size. You've bought a sheet for the wrong depth of mattress.

YABVU to expect JL to let you return it just cos you found out you bought the wrong size when it was loose and baggy !

Rumours0fAHurricane · 14/08/2019 11:25

@nowayhose why 'yuk?' Genuine question. So, if I buy say, a duvet, and two days later notice a fault, is it 'yuk' because it's a product designed for people to sleep under?

Don't be so silly