Wrong dress choice

[Moonrocket1]

Got a new job. Bought a dress from Hobbs yesterday to wear to work. Tried it on in shop. Wasn’t sure but partner said it was nice. But at home, tried it on again. I don’t feel comfortable wearing it. It was a big spend - more than I’d ever pay and I don’t feel good in it and not sure if I’d actually wear it. Will I be able to take it back and get a refund?

Did you take the tags off? Do you have the receipt?

Yes. Tags still on and receipt in bag. I think I wanted to feel a million dollars wearing such a pricey dress but I don’t. I feel awkward and uncomfortable.

Why would you think you couldn’t return it then?

Take it back and get a refund.

Take it back then. Why do you think you can't?

Unless you’ve rendered it unwearable you can of course take it back for a full refund - as long as you have the receipt and tags (which you’ve confirmed) and it wasn’t a ‘final sale, no return’ purchase. (Which generally only operates with some online stores.)

If you give your height, dress size, budget and work context posters will happily make alternative suggestions.

Wasn’t sure if I could take it back because I’ve changed my mind but I know it will end up hanging in my wardrobe not worn. Thank you everyone. I’ll take it back.

You don't need to give any reason for returning it. I sometimes return things when I change my mind about them.

Because shops don't have to accept returns and offer refunds for items bought in store unless they are faulty. Hobbs does, as do many retailers , but there's no legal obligation to do so in the way that applies to online sales.

Retailers are in the right to either refuse refunds or only offer exchanges or store credits. I've never taken things back but 2 shops I buy from regularly only offer store credit.

Hobbs allows returns within 30 days for items ‘in perfect condition’. Tags attached and a receipt will make this easy.

Hobbs return policy is here: https://www.hobbs.com/shopping-with-us/return-policy.html

In general when you’ve bought something in a shop, in person, you need to check the shops return policy.

Legally you don’t have an automatic right to return for change of mind, if you’ve bought in person, but most well known shops have a policy that allows it. Some won’t allow sale items to be returned. Some shops won’t refund but will allow you to exchange or give you a voucher to spend later. Some shops won’t allow any refunds at all, for in person sales, especially small independents.

You are legally entitled to a ‘change of mind’ return for goods bought online within 14 days - because you haven’t been able to inspect the goods before purchasing.

you are also entitled to a refund if goods are faulty or not fit for purpose.

This ^

cross posted - as my post above, their policy is what matters here

and it wasn’t a ‘final sale, no return’ purchase. (Which generally only operates with some online stores.)

any online shops doing this are breaching the Consumer Rights Act. It’s surprisingly common though, for online shops to try and do this. I wouldn’t buy from an online shop that was trying to flout the 14 day right of return. Legally you can make them refund but who needs the hassle.

final sale no return is only legal if you are buying in person, so can see what you are buying.

Take it back, as long as you have the receipt or card transaction you will be fine. I did the same this week spent a lot on a down jacket that my partner liked but then got home and realised I wasn't buying it for me and I didn't actually like it. I plan on taking it back today

@Moonrocket1 You have no legal right to a refund because it’s not faulty. However shop can be kind and give you one. N&S do but they don’t have to! They are within their rights to offer an exchange. However just ask them!

I feel the same about Hobbs’s clothes generally these days. Somehow they make sense in the store but once home they just seem wrong. Hope you get your refund.

If they have a published returns policy, they are required to uphold that policy, as that’s the basis on which you bought it.

Most well-known shops have policies that go beyond the legal requirements, but you should check. Many won’t give refunds for sale items for example.

Thank you ever. I’m taking it back tomorrow

@GentlyDoesItt Hobbs probably do publish returns policy. However it’s always worth noting the law isn’t overly generous!

They take returns. It is on their website. Just go in and do it. Have you never returned anything you have bought before? It is an entirely normal thing to do.

I’m aware of the Consumer Rights Act.

But legally where there is a published policy, this is more relevant, as it forms the basis of the contract between you and the shop.

so she does have a legal right to a refund, because Hobbs do have a published policy. It states she can have a refund within 30 days as long the goods are in perfect condition

@sonjadog Yes of course where there’s a published policy but legally it’s not required a shop does it. They could offer goods in lieu or a credit note. It’s always worth reading the terms of sale. Often a deadline date too!