What is Scan's return policy on a used item?

[adamsonm]

I want to buy a graphics card from scan. If I use it and find that there is a problem, will I be able to return it?

[jim]

By 'problem', do you mean 'faulty', or just that it's too loud/too big/not quick enough?

[adamsonm]

Faulty. So basically, if it doesn't run on my computer properly.

[jim]

Yeah if it's broken you can return it, each item has specific warranty info at the bottom of the page explaining how long you've got to return it to Scan and/or the manufacturer.

E.g. http://www.scan.co.uk/products/4gb-s...i-i-4x-mini-dp 24 months, return to base

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/4gb-a...ni-dp-dl-dvi-i 24 months, direct warranty

Typically Scan test it, and if it's faulty will replace it or send it off for repair. Direct manufacturer warranties are obviously different, depends on the manufacturer... I've only ever done one and it was to a defunct company so that's neither here nor there.

[Saracen]

Faulty. So basically, if it doesn't run on my computer properly.

I'd suggest being a bit careful about the difference between "faulty" and "doesn't run on my computer properly".

It might not run on your computer because of a problem with your computer. If so, you're likely to get limited sympathy from most retailers.

I can't tell you what Scan's policy is, mainly because I don't know. I'd suggest that if you want to rely on being able to return a card that simply doesn't work on your machine, you either check their terms and conditions to see if they cover that specific issue, or you get it from them in writing that they do before relying on that.

But consider .... Scan ship you a brand-new card. You try it and find, for whatever reason, it doesn't work. You send it back. Now they have a second-hand card that they can't legally sell as new. It has therefore degraded in value to then significantly because it's no longer new stock. If you were them, would you do it?

Some retailers, however, do do this. The tailor I buy most of my shirts from does. They offer a 3-month no-questions-asked guarantee, and it doesn't even matter if the items are worn .... or torn to bits. Their calculation seems to be that not many people abuse that (I've never sent anything back to them), and presumably, if someone did abuse it, they'd stop supplying that customer. Meantime, any losses are an acceptable price for the consumer confidence the policy creates with their customers.

But would a computer hardware supplier offer a policy like that? I've never seen anyone do it, and I assume it's for good reason.

In short, I think you'd be very lucky if Scan or anyone else would agree to that over a graphics card. But the only way to know is to ask them.

[Saracen]

Actually, from Scan's Terms and Conditions :-

In any case where it is established that there was no defect in the goods at the point of delivery to you

• we will nonetheless try to assist you in resolving the problem
  
  
• depending upon the age and condition of the goods, we may be prepared to accept the return of the goods subject to a restocking charge and refund or credit the balance of the costs of the goods.
  
  
• insofar as the age or condition of the goods is such that we are unable to accept their return, we will redeliver the goods to you. You agree to pay to us the reasonable cost of re-delivering the goods to you.

The emphasis is bold and red is mine.

That seems to cover it. They might take goods back, subject to condition, and subject to a restocking charge. Were it me, and I were doing what you want to do, I'd want "age and condition" clarified. Age could refer to less than a week, or less than a month. "Condition" could refer to boxed and still sealed. Or not.

[Blitzen]

The tailor I buy most of my shirts from does. They offer a 3-month no-questions-asked guarantee, and it doesn't even matter if the items are worn .... or torn to (I've never sent anything back to them)

Maybe you should return them sometimes........this one really isn't you

[peterb]

Not an area of my expertise, but if you tried the card and it didn't work in your system, you might be able to return it under the distance selling regulations, but there is a limited time to do that (5 days IIRC) and the notification must be in writing/email/fax. Not phone. The goods must be returned undamaged.

If you asked Scan specifically if the card would run on your system, detailing every aspect of its specification, and they say yes, and it subsequently doesn't, you could also return it as the conditions of supply were conditional on it working on that system, particularly if you bought it in person. Best to get something like that in writing.

[vinnyT]

"5 days IIRC" it's seven days, starting the day after receipt of the goods, the goods do not have to be returned within those seven days, you just have to inform the seller (in writing, email is good for most sellers) of your intention to invoke the DSR.