Can I return a damaged item if I broke it because it was poorly made?

Question

I ordered some shoes from a catalogue and when I tried them on the strap snapped. I have never actually worn them and was only trying them on for the first time. I think they must have been faulty or just poorly made.

Answer 1

Yeah. Return them. Your catalogue company won't bat an eyelid over a pair of shoes. If you can't wear them, they aren't any use to you.

Answer 2

If you haven't worn them then that will be visable from the sole of the shoe- ie: not marks or scuffs, therefore, if they broke when you tried them on because of being badly made as opposed to becoming damaged if you tried to force them on, then you are fully entitled to an exchange or refund. Most catalogues have a clear refund/replacement policy explained in the catalogue or their website if they have one. Check this first then contact the company in the way that is most convinient for you (phone, email, letter etc.) and explain that the shoes are faulty, broke before you could even wear them and what the actual damage is to the shoes (ie: faulty stitching, broken buckle, snapped heel etc). Make it clear whether you want a refund or replacement and make sure you understand the company's requirements in order to get what you want. Most prefer that you fill in a returns form and send back the faulty goods before they will send out a replacement or refund. Legally you are within your rights to request a refund for faulty goods- your statutory rights require that goods sold are fit for purpose, many companies have additional policies in place on top of these though so you should have no problem getting this sorted out, just make sure you do everything you are asked for, keep records of paperwork and send them back recorded delivery in case any thing goes wrong. Good luck!

Answer 3

Yes you can. It depends on where you got them and their return policy, but even if they are from ebay they usually do not want you to be disapointed, so go ahead and try. Usually on line stores do have return policies. You may be able to return them and get a refund or to just get your money back. If you think they are just plain junk I would try to get your money back and your shipping refunded. Sometimes you can even get refunded for shipping them back. You can usually contact customer service by an 800 number and sometimes they will even send you a pre paid shipping label. Since they are not open now probably try looking on the web site now. If it is an ebay item try emailing the selller now. Some places do not require a return and just trust you on some things. Just find out the policy for the place. Do not waste your money it is there fault and they will not purchase from that vendor if it is a piece of junk. I return all the time for damaged goods since I almost always mail order everything except groceries.

It is okay to say that they broke when you were putting them on. You should be able to put the shoes on. That is not a form of abuse. You do not have to lie. You are not in the wrong. Just tell them what happened. It is not your fault. Do not lie. There is no need to lie when you did nothing wrong. It is a defective product you are not an abusive product user. It is stupid to lie and it just might cancel out a refund. They know they were fine because people inspect orders prior to going out and they have lists of the employees who handled the orders. That will just make you look like an idiot instead of the good customer you already are.

If they give any trouble to you ask to talk to their supervisor or manager. Tell them you are a good customer and to make this right for you so you will want to purchase from them again. No need to be rude, just be pollite and firm. It works wonders. I get whatever I want by doing that. No one ever shafts me with anything.

Answer 4

If the company who owns the website is registered in Britain then the Sale of Goods Act applies - You should be able to send them back for replacement/refund with no problem. If you tried them on in the shop and the strap snapped they wouldn't make you buy them so the same should apply.

Answer 5

You are well within your rights to return them and request either a replacement pair, or a FULL refund, including any P&P costs you have incurred. (It may be worth you enclosing a copy of your purchase receipt)
The fact that the soles of the shoes will not be dirty, proves that you havent worn them outside and should be all the evidence they need to realise that they are indeed a crappy pair of badly made shoes ! Faulty or badly made, why should you have to pay for something that is useless to you - fight for your right for lovely shoes !!!

Answer 6

You can return an item if it was not fit for purpose. They will probably try and argue that 'shoes are not made for walking in!!' in the same way that they say that shoes shouldn't be worn in the rain! However, if you can prove that you haven't worn them (i.e. the soles are completely untouched) they haven't got a leg to stand on (he! he!). Good luck!

Answer 7

only take some baking soda, mix it with a really small quantity of vinegar to make a paste, and then placed it on the carpet with an previous toothbrush. enable it to dry, then vacuum. If the stain is extremely bumped off or lightened up, repeat again. Or small quantity of Swarfega or WD-40. worth sorting out a really small quantity of those products to be certain what works perfect. Have also heard of the brown paper and iron approach.

Answer 8

Yes, you can you are allowed 6 months wear and tear on a product, if it gets damaged before then you are entitled for a replacement, be pushy though or they will try to fob you off.

Answer 9

Yes under the sales of goods act 1976. If you have any hassle contact your local Trading Standards Office, look under your local council listings in the phone book.

Answer 10

Trading standards will help you, but basically goods must always be fit for purpose and hence these were not!! Take them back and get a full refund or replacement! You're entitled to it!!