I know it sounds fishy, but in fact I believe in various countries you are allowed to have a product unwrapped/unpackaged for you to get a feel for it,.. in my case I'm buying a computer mouse, and do not want to buy by sight alone as the feel of a mouse to me is vital; I need a thumb-grasp to HOLD the mouse as I am using it; if it has no thumb-grasp, or if it looks 50/50 if it'll be right for me or not, then I would want to actually HOLD the mouse itself to be sure.
So; I ask you,... what rights do I have to be allowed to have the product removed from its packaging for me to hold it?
For the judicially minded, I live in the UK, (London), so please ONLY answer if you are sure that the laws you say you know, actually apply in my situation. Thankyou. :)
If you don't know the actual laws about my rights, where is the right place for me to ask? The Law Society? Anywhere else?
Thanks! :)
2007-08-19 22:38:59 · 10 answers · asked by wildimagination2003 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I would imagine a big store like Currys.digital, Comet etc, would have let you have a go on their display computers with the type of mouse you are interested in.
Slightly different I know, but whe you buy a mobile phone, they take it all out of the box for you, and let you have a try before you part with any cash, so I don't see why this would be different?
2007-08-19 22:46:07 · answer #1 · answered by Little Bear 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answers given above are helpful and practical. Your question is directed to your specific legal rights.
The answer is you do not have the 'right' (in terms of a right enshrined in consumer legislation) to remove consumer goods from their packaging to try them out. Many stores will let you do that, but there's no right to do it and therefore youc an't demand they do.
Cars are the same, you test drive a similar model at the discretion of the sales outlet - it's not because you have the 'right' to do so.
Rights under consumer legislation such as the Sale of Goods Act give you the right to reject goods if they are unfit for purpose or defective. You don't have the legal right to reject goods you don't like, although some stores offer this facility (M&S, John Lewis etc).
That's why you see "does not affect your statutory rights" disclaimer next to the store guarantee.
I hope this helps.
2007-08-20 02:54:13 · answer #2 · answered by JZD 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most stores have display items which you can try before deciding which one suits you. If the mouse you think is suitable and its sealed in those plastic type wraps then the store has a problem. If they break open the wrapping then they could have difficulty selling it if you don't want it. You could ask if you can bring it back if its not suitable for you. If they say yes, then buy it, open it the shop and if its not suitable then hand it back.
2007-08-19 23:01:58 · answer #3 · answered by focus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most shops have a sample that you can feel for things like computers. But I seriously doubt if the law gives you the right to open packaging in a store.
2007-08-19 22:57:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are most certainly allowed by law to feel and hold the genuine article before you commit to buy. Imagine if one only looked at cars before test driving them. I would insist, if it were me buying the article to hold and look, if the store person does not agree to that I would take my custom elsewhere. Most big department and electrical stores will have a display model you can play with first..
2007-08-19 22:59:32 · answer #5 · answered by Dr Paul D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question, not sure on customers rights, though if the shop is awkward about it just go elsewhere. When buying a mobile both Woolworth's and tescos refused to open the box for me, so i refused to spend my money with them. The most powerful right a consumer has is the choice of where to spend their money.
2007-08-19 22:54:24 · answer #6 · answered by madge 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK, not sure about "rights" but many retailers have one "tester" model of each item thay carry on display for this very purpose.
I rarely buy anything without trying it out first & I am the same with my mouse. If it doesn't feel right then it can get really uncomfortable.
Ask. All they can do is say no & that's when you say, "Thanks for all your help" & walk out & to the next place....
2007-08-19 22:48:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you have no such "right".
Any reasonable seller will allow the customer to examine the goods, except where it involves hygiene issues.
(You wouldn't want to buy a sandwich which several customers had opened to inspect the contents.)
If they won't let you, go somewhere else!
2007-08-20 10:03:39 · answer #8 · answered by Do not trust low score answerers 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, your argument falls down on numerous instances.
If you you could what is to stop you from asking for a loaf of
bread to be opened so you could feel it and smell it ?
or pre packed meat,a packet of rice or any other food
stuff,no as i said we would all want packaging opened
then how long would the ques be ?,
2007-08-19 23:00:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's probably down to the shop's discretion. Most shops have "display" items for you to test.
2007-08-19 22:48:26 · answer #10 · answered by Araminta H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋