Argos returns policy: Everything you need to know

Let’s face it: buying the perfect gift is not an exact science. If things go wrong, and the recipient reacts a little half-heartedly, it’s always useful to know where you stand with returns policies. But this presents a fresh problem, because said policies make it seemingly intentionally hard to work out where you stand with them; in an ideal world, you’d be handed all the facts, in a concise and easily digestible manner. This is where we come in.

This article will cover Argos’ returns policy: how it works, what to watch out for, and how it is affected by the Christmas period. If you’re worried about making a risky purchase because you’re not certain you’ll be able to return it (or you’ve received something in dire need of returning), then read on for our guide to the Argos returns policy.

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Argos returns policy: How does it work?

How long do I have to return an item?

Ordinarily, the Argos returns policy is reasonably straightforward. You have 30 days to return an item purchased either online or in-store at Argos; once those 30 days have expired, you’re out of luck.

What do I need to bring?

You’ll need proof of purchase, obviously: if you had your item delivered, and don’t therefore have a receipt, you can use the order number found on your order acknowledgement email as proof instead.

You’ll also need to ensure the following conditions are met. First, the item that you want to return must be in its original packaging, unused, and in a re-sellable condition. In addition, any free items that came with your purchase must also be in their original packaging, unused, and in a re-sellable condition. Tick these boxes, and you’ll be ready to refund.

If you have no form or receipt/order number to hand, but can provide proof of purchase in another way, Argos will offer an exchange for an identical item or a refund paid in Argos vouchers for use in-store. Proof of purchase for a full refund includes:

• Till/kiosk receipt
• E-receipt
• Order number
• Confirmation email

If you have either a card statement or the email address used during the transaction, then the voucher or exchange refund applies.

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How long will the refund take?

This depends upon how you made the purchase. If you return an item in store, and you paid by cash, you will receive your refund there and then; if you return an item in-store, but you paid by card, then the transaction will be processed immediately but up to five to seven working days should be allowed for your bank to process it.

Things are a little different if you return an item via post. The refund process will begin once an Argos warehouse receives your item: again, the transaction will be processed immediately, but five to seven days should be allowed for your bank to do its thing. Argos states that all refunds will be processed within 14 days.

How do I return an item?

Rather than explain each and every method, here’s a table that details the whole lot. It’s important to note, as an aside, that there is no need to return an item to the store you bought it from.

Argos returns policy: What to watch out for

As is the case with any returns policy, there are a few things to be wary of. First of all, there are items that are non-refundable: these include consumable products such as food and drink, as well as items that might be considered a hygiene risk such as jewellery. All of these items will be marked as non-refundable in the Argos catalogue or online.

Weirdly, Argos does not include games consoles in its 30-day refund guarantee policy, nor will it accept video games if the plastic wrapping has been removed. Argos urges its customers to be certain they know what they’re buying before they make a purchase of either of these two items.

We’ve actually already covered the only other things to watch out for. Obviously, keeping track of that 30-day period is crucial; in addition, it is worth keeping as many forms of receipt as you possibly can, just in case you lose physical proof of purchase. Take a photo, make a copy, staple it to your wall. Whatever need be done.

Argos returns policy: What happens during the Christmas period?

So you’ve bought/received a duff Christmas present from Argos. What do you do? Fortunately for you, Argos has a nice Christmas treat for indecisive or unhappy shoppers. Items purchased after 11 October 2018 can be returned at any point up until 25 January 2019; that gives you a full three-month grace period within which to return any purchases that might have gone down poorly.

The only thing worth noting about this change to the rules (other than how handy it is) is that the 30-day period technically still applies – items opened on 25 December and hastily set aside for a refund still only have a month before they can no longer be returned.