Guide - How To Return Your Unwanted Bathroom & Kitchen Purchases Safely

Returning My Unwanted Bathroom & Kitchen Purchases. What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Returning your items from an online retailer is more popular than ever, especially in certain retail sectors such as clothing and electronics. Many retailers generously extend their returns periods allowing customers more time to think about their purchases. The majority of online retailers have a dedicated returns page, clearly advertising their returns procedures and any special information or conditions surrounding returning an item. If the website does not have a dedicated page, then you will always find in depth information in the website's terms and conditions. It is always good practice to read and understand the companies return policies before placing an order, to ensure you are happy with these conditions and there are no misunderstandings with your order should you wish to make a return.

Step 1 - Request To Return In Writing

Packing your return is the most important part of the returns process, so make sure you pack it well! The retailer has accepted your return, but it is still your responsibility to ensure the goods are packaged suitably for transit. Ensure the corners are well protected, add to the original packaging and ensure the contents will not be damaged. Products that arrive damaged due to insufficient packaging may incur charges from the retailer.Remember, that if you are not using a comparative courier you may need to improve the original packaging further. For example, tapsuk.com would send a fragile ceramic sink with a 2 man white glove courier, so packaging is not as important because it is handled in a certain way. If you then returned it with a standard courier, the packaging would need to be improved significantly.Goods should be returned in their original condition. That means do not deface or mark the manufacturer's packaging. If you need to put an address or label on the item, place it inside of packaging first. Marking the product means it's not in its original packaging and you may be charged a reboxing fee.

STEP 2 - MAKE SURE YOU PACK IT WELL!

Packing your return is the most important part of the returns process, so make sure you pack it well! Just because the retailer has agreed to accept your unwanted purchase, that does not guarantee the retailer will process your return if you don't take appropriate steps to ensure the safe return of your goods.Never deface the original retail packaging by writing addresses and returns number directly on to the retail packaging box. The retailer will not be able to sell the item again, meaning if you printed "Returns Department" with their returns address directly on the retail box, it's deemed not in original condition or you may be charged a re-box fee!Make sure the product you are returning are securely packaged for the journey to the retailer, it is your responsibility to ensure the safe arrival of your return, ensuring the corners are well protected, add to the original packaging and ensure the contents will not be damaged in transit back to the retailer. Most parcels are double boxed so ensure you follow similar to ensure the retail box is not damaged.

STEP 3 - Label Your Return Why follow the instructions provided by the retailer?

The retailer will usually have their own unique returns process in place to process returns efficiently and promptly, so you receive your refund, credit on account or exchange in a timely manner. Returns are much easier to process when the necessary information is readily available, and without that it becomes incredibly difficult to process them effectively.Why should I always clearly mark my returns reference number on the parcel?The majority of the online retailers have their own bespoke operating system with returns process built within the system, with your unique returns reference number at hand, your returns reason will be quickly accessed, meaning the assistant processing your return will be happy to process it. By not clearly marking your reference number or including any documentation will delay the process. Remember most retailers are dealing with hundreds, thousands or even millions of customers and chasing a single return with no information can become incredibly difficult.

STEP 4 - Choose Your Courier Wisely

Choosing a courier to return your items may seem pretty easy nowadays, with online delivery comparison sites that allow you to compare various delivery services and prices. With the added convenience of dropping off your parcels in your own time at one of thousands of drop off points throughout the UK, choosing a courier has never been easier, but choose your courier wisely.Many customers are often drawn towards the cheapest price rather than the best service. With couriers you get what you pay for, so sometimes the cheaper couriers sacrifice basic services which you would expect to be included. We do not make profit from our delivery charges, so if the original delivery cost to your location was £19.99, don't expect to pay £5.00 to return it back to your retailer!Most retailers are well versed in the pitfalls of couriers, and how they treat your parcels and will only use couriers who they believe can deliver your parcel efficiently. For the best choice of couriers, always ask your retailer for recommendations.

STEP 5 - CHECK YOUR COURIER CAN HANDLE THE GOODS

Before you commit to a courier, you need to find out if they cover damage in transit. For example, if you are returning a ceramic kitchen sink, ensure they cover ceramics for damage in transit and it's fully insured. If the courier insures the full value, it usually means they are confident they can handle the goods and deliver the item safely. If the courier does not cover your item, then it is advertising that the courier is not confident it can deliver that item successfully.It is always good practise to take a picture of your parcel before you hand it over to your courier. If the parcel then arrives back to the retailer damaged, you can ask the retailer for images, where you will be able to compare the condition and file a claim against the courier for damage in transit.We also recommend that the courier has adequate Proof of Delivery (POD) to ensure that the item is delivered to the right place.

Have You Ever Received A Damaged Parcel?

Have you ever received a parcel which has been damaged in transit and you thought the retailer sent it damaged? Well chances are that the retailer dispatched it to you in pristine condition but the parcel suffered damage in transit... But if the parcel is sent by the retailer, it is the retailer's responsibility to dispatch a replacement at their expense, or offer a refund but if your returning a parcel back to the retailer, the risk is all on you the customer!If you are returning a small non fragile item such as a tap, shower or bathroom accessories, chances are that using a standard overnight courier such as Yodel, DPD, Parcel Force or similar will be adequate. But if you are returning a Fragile item, such as ceramic, granite kitchen sink, shower enclosures, trays, bathroom pottery, furniture or anything fragile, you should seek advise from the retailer to ensure your goods will arrive in condition you will receive your refund or exchange.Will Your Parcel Survive It's Journey?There are over 17,000 couriers operating in the UK, with majority of the couriers treating your parcels with care, but with over 250,000 people working within the courier industry, its hard to ensure that everyone handles your parcel with care. The video below shows how your parcel may be handles during it's journey back to your retailer. This is one of thousands of videos available on YouTube which demonstrates how parcels may be treated.

IN SUMMARY: HOW TO RETURN YOUR UNWANTED BATHROOM & KITCHEN PURCHASES SAFELY

Returning a unwanted product to the retailer is pretty straightforward as long as you do your homework to ensure the safe arrival of your unwanted purchase arrives safe at your retailer. Ensure you follow the 5 simple steps when considering to return your purchase.

  • Request to return your item in writing so the retailer has your request in writing
  • Make sure you pack it well, use extra protection because damaged returns will not be refunded or exchanged!
  • Print your return reference number on the box so the retailer can process your return promptly
  • Choose your courier wisely and ensure you have chosen a suitable courier to deliver your return
  • Make sure your goods are insured for damage in transit and on delivery, a signature for proof of acceptance
  • Once your item arrives safely back to your retailer, they will usually process your returns within 7 days or a period advertised by the retailer in their returns policy.