UKC

Hi Guys

Just returned home after purchasing a new helmet, and have realised I have made the wrong choice!
I thought I was buying a smaller lighter lid, just compared it with the one I've been using for years and the new one is bigger.
Problem is the guy in the shop said I ought to try it on with a beanie and hoodie, so it would fit for winter stuff, but in actual fact I think I've made the wrong choice. I've just measured my head at 22.5 inches, at the one I've bought is 23-25. BLack diamond vector.
I didn't measure my head in the shop.
Anyway, reason I'm posting is I'm pretty sure the shop won't accept a return as its a helmet.
So is it worth putting it up for sale on these forums?!
Not sure with it being safety kit.

In reply to GStone:

Phone the shop, You might get lucky and they'll change it.

In reply to GStone:

I'd have absolutely no problem taking it back to the shop and simply stating that you bought it and its turned out too small and please can you buy one the right size (cash adjustment either way).

Unless you've covered it in filth and have been using it I can';t see a problem. I've done it over the years for different items as I'm sure most of us have.

In reply to GStone:

Most shops won't accept the return of PPE on a goodwill basis because they can't (in theory) resell the product. You may be able to use the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to reject the helmet on the grounds that it is not fit for purpose, this argument hinges on the fact that you were being advised by the salesperson and he didn't check that it actually fitted you - if you had bought it without taking advice I doubt you would have any grounds at all. It is quite possible the shop would not be terribly cooperative however, so it depends how far you would be willing to pursue the matter.

In reply to EddInaBox:

I kind of thought it would end up being a hassle to return. The shop is in North Wales and I live in the a Midlands. I was there with the family and thought I'd Pop in.

So to send it back is going to cost me, or to actually go back to the shop is going to cost me, I thought to sell it as new would be a reasonable option.

In reply to Dave Perry:

I have returned stuff before, but thought as its a helmet they wouldn't accept.

It is totally unmarked and band new.

I live too far away to go back.

In reply to GStone:

Because it's PPE they take the view that once it's out of their control there are factors such as UV and temperature exposure, oil or acid contamination that could occur accidentally or maliciously and weaken the item without leaving an external mark. Cotswolds actually give you a print out with your receipt basically saying once it leaves the shop it's yours and non-returnable (unless faulty etc) and other shops take a similar line.

Interestingly, I think if the same item is sold by the same shop online they have to abide by the distance selling regulations and allow return and refund without reason.

To answer your real question though, Yes, there will probably be interest in it if you put it up for sale (in an appropriate post), especially with packaging and a dated sales receipt, though don't expect to get the full price. Alternatively you could consider the 'Outdoor Gear Exchange' group on Facebook.

In reply to GStone:

Sell on here 'as new' with your story. At the right price someone will buy it, guaranteed. I've done so on behalf of a friend.

In reply to Ron Rees Davies:


I might well be wrong but I thought items were only classified as 'PPE' if you are a professional and require the kit for work use. In which case, that excuse from a retailer shouldn't really wash.

In reply to Fraser:

I'm afraid you're wrong, PPE is 'any device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health and safety hazards' (Article 1: Directive 89/686/EEC) and there is no differentiation between equipment used for professional or work related activities and equipment used for leisure activities.

In reply to EddInaBox:

Okay, thanks for clarifying. I stand corrected.

In reply to GStone:

I may know a potential buyer. What price will you let it go for?

In reply to GStone:

Hi Guys

So I phoned the shop today, and they said I could return it, providing there were no signs of use!

As soon as I have the refund, I will post who the shop was, as I think that is good service.

TomTom;

If I get any issues I'll let you know a price!

Thanks

Simon

In reply to GStone:

Some of the smaller specialist climbing shops are quite good with returns. I once returned a cam to one such place after having placed it. I ordered a lot of stuff while out of the country, they sent the wrong thing, I immediately returned and headed to Cornwall. It was only a while later I had the 'hold on a minute...' thought. I emailed the explaining my stupidity, and without hesitation they asked me to return it so they could send me what I'd ordered!

There's a lot to be said for buying from the smaller climbing-oriented retailers over bigger places such as Cotswold and Go Outdoors - genuine expert advice and flexible customer service are just two of them.

In reply to GStone:

Refund successful.

Many thanks to V12 Outdoors.