Distance selling consumer law and returns

[GroundZero]

Quick question hopefully,
Under UK consumer law there is a protection on the buyer under "distance selling" which gives the buyer 14-days to return (most) products for a full refund if they decide they do not like the product for example.

When it comes to returning the product, is there an onus on the buyer to have to pay for track/trace on the return postage?

For when it comes to the seller stating they did not receive the returned item, is the buyer then at a loss when no refund is given?

[dundarach]

Yes to both I think.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/changed...

[JustGREENI]

If I bought something and wanted to return, I'd be sure to do as much as possible to ensure the item arrived back with the seller.
The seller can't be expected to refund something they did not receive. 'Proof of postage' is not proof of it arriving at the destination. Royal Mail or (insert carrier) can lose stuff.

We get lots of parcels at work by Royal Mail and we can almost guarantee we get more than 2 items in our post that is not for us on a weekly basis.

Edited by JustGREENI on Monday 23 August 14:23

[GroundZero]

I always thought that simply proof of postage was enough in terms of onus on the buyer's perspective when returning an item? Otherwise if the item is of any sizable value then the seller protects the possibility of a return by pre-paid postage with tracking.
Guess that's incorrect.

[Dark Star]

It is the responsibility of the person returning the goods to make sure they reach the seller in the original condition.
Unless the seller stipulates a set method for return such as a free return label or courier at their expense but these are now few and far between.
The method of return needs to be of a standard where the goods are trackable and insured.
If there is an issue with the goods while in the return transit the onus is on the person returning the goods to rectify any issues.
The seller is not going to issue a refund for returned items “lost in transit” or damaged in transit.
There is no person in their right mind going to accept any other return policy.
You can just see it “yes I sent the Rolex in the post and the envelope must have split and the watch has fallen out but can you still refund my money”

Edited by Dark Star on Monday 23 August 18:39

[GroundZero]

Cheers for the replies.
Item in question was only worth £15 and seems to be "lost in post".
Guess the refund won't be coming my way but may be worth a claim with Royal Mail if nothing else.

[JustGREENI]

I've binned items of more value, anything beats standing in a post office :-)

[48k]

GroundZero said:

Cheers for the replies.
Item in question was only worth £15 and seems to be "lost in post".
Guess the refund won't be coming my way but may be worth a claim with Royal Mail if nothing else.

Best of luck with that one. You might get the cost of the stamps back if you're lucky.

[Camelot1971]

If it's signed for, the compensation is up to £50, otherwise max £20 I think.