Returning a Christmas Gift late!!!

[littlemissbossy]

I bought a relative an item of clothing for christmas. It didn't fit but she really like it and said she'd have the next size up. I offered to take it back as she has mobility problems and I only got it back last week as she doesn't live locally. I took it back to the shop, they didn't have the item in the size she wanted so they offered me the sale price. I said I'd look for the receipt - found it - so went back to the shop today. They now won't refund the item as it has been over 28 days. They do not offer credit vouchers, but they will exchange the item for a similar item i.e. a top. Can they do that?? actually specify what I spend the money on?? The item I'm returning is in perfect condition, still with the tag on. BTW in the meantime I've given my relative the cash instead - bloody hell!!

anyone?

Don't know the legalities I'm afraid but I took back some Xmas slippers to Next. They were bought over 28 days ago. I couldn't find any I liked so they gave me a voucher for the original price as I had the receipt.
I can't see why they won't give you vouchers?

Thanks for your response hornbag. I asked for a voucher "we don't do credit vouchers" so I asked if I could use the value against another purchase and they said only if it was another top! I've never heard of this kind of exchange policy TBH
Thanks anyway

Maybe you should go back and try again and if they say the same mutter something about phoning Trading Standards as you don't think they have the right to do that.....or in fact phone Trading Standards (they are the people I'm thinking of aren't they?) and ask them first.

Thanks again hornbag, I've just looked at their website actually and unfortunately it's up to the shop i.e. they all have there own policies. I'm going to try and email their customer services at HO and see what they say. I brought the top and receipt home with me and I gave the woman in the shop a look that would have killed as I was leaving

they can do it, as you say. but it is odd that they have specified that you have to buy a top... i fail to see what difference it makes to them if it's a top you get or any other item of clothing!

they're just losing a customer in the end! definitely worth talking to head office

which shop is it, out of interest?

If a multiple store, swap it for anything they'll give you as long as it's current stock and then use the new receipt to return it elsewhere.

Hornbag, it's Zara
Chai18 - that's a fab idea thanks

Yes they can. Exchange policies for anything other than faulty, damaged, unfit for purpose type scenarios, are purely discretionary, receipt or not, although most big stores offer one but now apply a time limit due to abuse in the past. Did you speak to the manager and explian the circumstance which caused the delay ? Unusual of them not to offer vouchers and to say they will only exchange it for like merchandise but again I'm not sure you have any legal redress, sorry.

Legally you have no leg to stand on TBH. They don't have to exchange, offer vouchers or anything. However most stores will offer exchanges as a matter of goodwill. I am very suprised they only offered a top however. I would either go to another branch if you can, or go in on another day and speak to someone else.

Good Luck