Refunds: questions and Band 8 answers

Yes, a few times. Just last month, I ordered a winter jumper online, but when it arrived, the stitching along the sleeve was completely coming apart. I popped into the high street branch with my digital receipt, and the shop assistant sorted out a full refund straight onto my debit card without any fuss.

Generally speaking, yes, especially with large retail chains or major online platforms. As long as you have proof of purchase and the item is in its original packaging, they are happy to help. Smaller independent shops can be a bit more hesitant, though, and might only offer store credit.

Perishable goods like fresh food are definitely tricky, for obvious hygiene reasons. I suppose digital products, like downloadable software or audiobooks, are almost impossible to return as well once you have accessed them, because there is no real way to prove you have not already used them.

I would usually rather get a full refund, to be honest. If a product turns out to be faulty right away, it kind of puts me off the brand entirely. I would prefer to take my money back and look for a more reliable alternative elsewhere rather than risk getting another dud.

Definitely, mostly because online shopping has made the whole returns process so straightforward. In the past, you had to queue up in person and justify yourself to a cashier, which felt a bit awkward. Nowadays, you just print a postage label, drop the parcel off, and get your money back.