return of goods

[shivvy]

I bought some items from a store however the items were not suitable. When I returned them to the store it was after the 30 day return policy so I was offered exchange only ie I could only exchange the unsuitable items for something else to the value of the returned goods (�33) but the money couldn't be put back onto my card.
I looked around the store but didn't see anything that I liked. The staff advised me that buying something to the value of the returned goods was my only option so I bought �33 of random goods from the store - which I did.
Can I now return to the store tomorrow (with my new receipt which is of course in date) and get my money back or a credit note?

[gina32]

they usually put exchanged on the receipt so check that first

[sienna rose]

It appears Australia and the UK have the same return policies. If it was past the 'return date' then you can really only expect a voucher or credit note. It depends what their policy is on credit notes and how long they are valid for. If you bought the goods and now are not happy with them, you still should be able to return them to the store and still get a credit note, which should be valid for as long as a new one. In other words, if the policy is that you must spend the credit note within 3 months, then you should have 3 months to spend it from the time you are given it when you return the items. Another thing you can do is go shopping with someone who really needs something from the store and then pay for it with your credit note and get them to give you the cash. I've done this and it is ok by the store owner. Also, check your docket and see if it says anything about it being paid with a credit note or cash. When they look at the docket they'll know. But in any case you should be able to get a new credit note which will be valid for as long as a new one. Check with the store and see how long you have to spend it.

[buildersmate]

You will probably get away with it unless they make the link to the previous exchange, as Gina points out. Worth a try.

[Twenty20]

Why do you think its ok to purchase something, try it out for over a month then return it because its 'unsuitable'? Now you want to do the same thing again?

You were lucky to be offered an exchange the first time to be honest. Shops aren't like libraries, theyre not lending you the goods.

[Ethel]

The law requires stores to offer refunds / exchange only in very limited circumstances - the goods are faulty or not as described.

If a store has a return / exchange policy for 'buyer remorse' it is simply a goodwill gesture. You are outside of their policy and should be grateful the store was as accommodating as they were, without trying to rip them off.

[Hammer]

You have no automatic right to return anything, even on the day you bought it, simply because you have changed your mind.

Many shops will let you exchange or give you a refund within a specified time, but they don't have to and they can impose any conditions they want to.

So no, technically you can't demand a refund, but you might get lucky if you try.

[Markandshez]

With customers like you, no wonder Retail is in such a mess.

[shivvy]

Gina and Buildersmate - I have checked the receipt and they have put 'exchange only' on it so thanks for the advice - now I know what I can do.
Sienna Rose - thanks for all the info however I don't think I was entitled to a credit note.
Twenty20 - there was a very good reason why I was unable to return the goods within the period so your assumption that I was 'trying it out' for a month is not accurate. I am also aware that shops are not like libraries.
Ethel - thankyou for the advice about the legal aspect and store policy. The shop assistant was not very experienced and said that she wasn't sure so that is why I posted a question on here ie to receive some legal advice. I don't intend to rip anyone off, I just wanted some clarity about whether I had any options.
Hammer - thanks for the clear and useful info.
Markandshez - are you serious?! I haven't done anything wrong. The shop staff were not able to tell me what the rights and wrongs of the situation were so I have put a question onto answerbank to find out what the correct position is for me and the store. To blame me for the decline of the retail industry is just a bit dramatic.