Returning a computer monitor

[768]

I bought a computer monitor, in a bit of a rush as I was going away and wanted an external display I could then use as a second monitor for work.

Ended up buying from somewhere I'd not heard of. Eek.

It didn't work with my setup - I suspect my MacBook (13" 2019) just can't drive it in addition to the 5k monitor I already use, it's probably fine otherwise but I have no use for it.

The company, who wouldn't let me return it without a stated reason, who I was honest with, require me to return it via insured courier within 7 days. Lots of noises about no refunds if it arrives broken. I have 3 of those days left and it seems monitors are not only an item any courier I can find won't insure, but they're prohibited?!

Any suggestions? Feels like I'm not getting my money back and I'm better off letting a £350 monitor go for £20 on Facebook marketplace at this rate. Back to Amazon next time.

[Monty Python]

When you say "prohibited", what do you mean? I've not come across a company that won't ship a monitor (otherwise how would it get to you in the first place?).

[768]

For example, this is from the courier who delivered it.

https://www.dpdlocal-online.co.uk/prohibited-items

[deckster]

Under distance selling regs you are entitled to a full refund, as they've offered.

Also under distance selling regs as there is no fault with the monitor, it is your responsibility to ship it back to the seller. They aren't so far as I am aware entitled to insist that you ship it insured, but of course the monitor remains yours until the seller has received it and checked it to make sure it's in the same condition it was sent out. So up to you if you want to shell out for insurance will which pay in the event that the monitor is lost/damaged in transit.

To the specific question, as with the previous poster I've never come across a monitor as being 'prohibited', there is nothing in there that is dangerous under any definition I've heard of. That said, I also haven't come across any courier service that will insure technology items for anything remotely approaching a reasonable amount of money so on the odd occasion I've had to send something it's always been a case of pack it well and cross my fingers.

ETA: just read the DPD list which is...extensive! A quick google brings up other services which do ship monitors e.g. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/prohibited-re... or https://www.parcel2go.com/prohibited-items - although I do note that neither of those will insure against damage to the item.

The phrase rock & a hard place does spring to mind, unfortunately.

Edited by deckster on Sunday 16th August 11:48

[Monty Python]

https://www.parcelmonkey.co.uk/computer-parts

I did notice this: "This list states that we cannot ship Apple goods such as the Mac range including Macbooks, iPhones and Mac Desktops.",

[vaud]

768 said:

For example, this is from the courier who delivered it.

https://www.dpdlocal-online.co.uk/prohibited-items

It is odd that DPD will deliver it but not do a return shipment.

That is a very long list of prohibitions!

[mmm-five]

vaud said:

It is odd that DPD will deliver it but not do a return shipment.

Probably because with the bigger contracts the sender takes the risk of it arriving damaged.

---

OP...what are the dimensions/weight/value?

Have you tried Parcelforce?

Won't be the cheapest option...for example, a 20kg 100x100x30cm box is £47 with £100 insurance, but you can pay extra for additional insurance (about £3 per £100 extra cover).

[vaud]

mmm-five said:

Probably because with the bigger contracts the sender takes the risk of it arriving damaged.

True, but that is an odd list.

Clothing
Documents
Packaging/Media Packaging
Personal Belongings
Personal Items
Shoes

[bitchstewie]

Isn't the solution to use a "proper" but more expensive courier such as Fedex or UPS?

If you use the "man with a van" ones I'd expect that where the (bizarrely restrictive) massive list of stuff comes from.

[Mr Pointy]

bhstewie said:

Isn't the solution to use a "proper" but more expensive courier such as Fedex or UPS?

If you use the "man with a van" ones I'd expect that where the (bizarrely restrictive) massive list of stuff comes from.

DPD are hardly a "man with a van".

[NoAdverseDevelopments]

Companies can send more items than the general public can through most couriers as they are on a 'Trusted' list to package them correctly. Things like computer equipment, Lipo batteries and some pressurised containers.

There was a case a few years ago where one of the mountain bike suspension companies could send you a new air shock or fork through Royal Mail with no issues but if you sent it back for warranty or service then Royal Mail would refuse to deliver it if they found it, either to you or the manufacturer and they confiscated it while refusing to pay out on the insurance. This was only discovered when someone had a new shock fail to turn up at the service centre and did some investigation. It was later found out that Royal Mail were then selling these confiscated items on eBay and shipping them themselves!

Edit: all the details here if you're interested - https://singletrackworld.com/2013/12/thinking-of-p...

Basically aqs a member of the general public you risk sending a prohibited item not reaching it's destination or arriving broken with no comeback.

Edited by NoAdverseDevelopments on Sunday 16th August 12:43

[bitchstewie]

Mr Pointy said:

DPD are hardly a "man with a van".

The link was to DPD local and I don't think they're the same as "proper" DPD.

If you go on the main DPD website they refer you to section 4 of their standard T&Cs which are here.

https://www.dpd.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.jsp#4

They seem much less restrictive.

I'm not saying this to be a pedantic ahole I'm saying it because I think if the OP just calls "proper" DPD they'll take his monitor the same way they deliver them when you buy them.

[768]

bhstewie said:

The link was to DPD local and I don't think they're the same as "proper" DPD.

If you start on dpd.co.uk and fill in the quote section it takes you straight to that site. They should probably not do that and consider suing if it's an unrelated man with a van.

I suspect there's just an asymmetry between what they offer to consumers and businesses.

[bitchstewie]

768 said:

If you start on dpd.co.uk and fill in the quote section it takes you straight to that site. They should probably not do that and consider suing if it's an unrelated man with a van.

I suspect there's just an asymmetry between what they offer to consumers and businesses.

Yeah that's a weird one!

Honestly I'd still just phone DPD to be sure or try a "proper" courier.

I'm still not seeing anything similar at the likes of UPS though you'll likely pay more.