Can you return an electrical item just because it’s a bit sh*t?
Posted by Johnny_975@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 240 comments
Bought a sandwich toaster from Asda on Sunday, mostly because one of the lads at work brought one in and made cheese toasties last week, they were banging and I fancied a bit of cheese toastie action so when I did my shop on Sunday I threw caution to the wind and put one of the ‘George 3 in 1’ sandwich toasters in the trolley, it’s worth bearing in mind the boggo one was like eight quid, and if I’d bought that and it was as bad as this thing I’d have just cut my losses and binned it but I bought the twenty two quid one thinking it would be better, I was so very wrong! The instructions claim this device can make a toasted sandwich in 2-4 minutes, I can confirm that after fifteen minutes this device can spew warm cheese all over your bench top and provide you with lightly crisped warm bread, I’ve tried it three times now and it just doesn’t work, well it sorta works if you put a minimal amount of cheese into it and wait forever for it crisp up the bread but it’s just a bit… shit, can I use ‘it’s just a bit shit’ as a valid reason to return it?
CommercialTry6858@reddit
As long as you have a receipt just say it’s not working properly as they have no way of checking at the customer service desk
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
You don't need a receipt to return a faulty product.
CommercialTry6858@reddit
if its a product that can be purchased in many different stores (IN UK) then you would usually need proof of purchase even if faulty
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
But you don't need a receipt.
Jeggasyn@reddit
... proceed to plug it in, "Sorry sir, but you're full of shit."
CommercialTry6858@reddit
But they won’t plug it in . They really don’t care as they will charge the manufacturers
User-1967@reddit
What did you expect for £8?
Johnny_975@reddit (OP)
I’d have expected it to be a bit shit but meet my expectations, if you read the post properly however you’ll see that I bought the £22 one…
mayfairtop@reddit
ASDA will take anything back especially anything thats there own brand. But yeah exchange it for the cheapo and get a refund for the rest
copypastespecialist@reddit
Yeah, just say it didn’t get hot enough to toast it and must be either faulty or crap
Johnny_975@reddit (OP)
I think that it’s definitely more crap than faulty
-Gadaffi-Duck-@reddit
Op if you have a receipt you should be a me to get a full refund, if not you may be able to get store credit at their discretion without a receipt.
Also get the £8 I own it, I can make 2 at a time and it's awesome. 5mins for perfectly crisp toasties, just don't overfill like I do.
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
This is incorrect.
You are entitled to a full refund if the product is fault, regardless of whether you have a receipt. It's not at their discretion; it's the law.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/consumer-rights-refunds-exchange/#faultyrefund
-Gadaffi-Duck-@reddit
Without a receipt it can't be proven it came from that store or how long ago it was bought, so they'd usually offer store credit as a goodwill gesture.
I didn't say anything about the law just quoted general store policy.
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
General store policy is irrelevant.
-Gadaffi-Duck-@reddit
Not at all, law states proof of purchase is necessary and if proof of purchase can not be shown it is solely at the stores discretion how to handle it according to their policy.
It would not be in breach of consumer rights or the law if proof of purchase can not be provided.
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
A bank statement or credit card statement is proof of purchase.
-Gadaffi-Duck-@reddit
Not entirely. It's proof of A purchase but not necessarily proof of that particular purchase.
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
It is enough information for them to identify the purchase.
If they don't want to do that, that's up to them, but they still have to give a refund.
-Gadaffi-Duck-@reddit
Again, it's enough to identify A PURCHASE not necessary THE purchase as the amounts will differ greatly.
OP purchased this with his food shopping, it's going to show a transaction for x amount but the product cost y amount. It doesn't prove THE purchase, only A purchase.
If it was a single transaction purely for the machine and showed the cost of only the machine that would be more evidentuary.
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
Shops keep records of purchases. If you show them that you spent £89.43 at 11:07, it's very easy for them to find out which items you purchased.
HeavenDraven@reddit
It might be the law, but Asda staff are either incredibly ignorant of the law, or are trained that Asda policy is above it.
I overheard a guy trying to return something small and electrical (may have been a mouse, but not sure) because it didn't work. Staff member was practically jumping up and down that he couldn't bring it back because he'd opened the packaging.
It took a full five minutes, and several repetitions to get through to this woman that it wasn't that he'd changed his mind, it just didn't work. This is with a receipt!
-Gadaffi-Duck-@reddit
This could just be that either she was very dense or ignorant, or very new in the job.
It really ought to be common sense tho I have to say, which is sadly less and less common these days.
clareako1978@reddit
Can confirm the cheap one does amazing toasties.
VerbingNoun413@reddit
Say faulty.
danmingothemandingo@reddit
This. No chain stores in the modern day trust their staff to test returned items. They just abrupt anything returned faulty as being so and sell them off by the pallet load for others to take their chances with a pallet of store returns
NeilJonesOnline@reddit
I don't think it's a matter of not "trusting" their staff, more the practical issue of trying to make a test cheese toastie in store
Signor_RedDog@reddit
I'd sign up for that job! 'Nom nom nom!!' 🥪 🧀 😜 😂
NefariousnessEarly42@reddit
Easier done in Asda than if they'd bought one at Currys though
phyco22@reddit
Reminds me of the time that a fishmonger refused to accept that the lobster I had bought that morning was off and wouldn't swap it for another.
He INSISTED on tasting it, so I opened the plastic bag, and the madman grabbed a fork!.. He dashed off to vomit immediately LOL
BeagleMadness@reddit
Had a similar experience with some monkfish at my local fishmongers, about 20 years ago. Returned it as it stank when I opened the bag, an hour after I'd bought it. The guy insisted on opening up the bag and deeply inhaling it - I tried to keep a straight face while he retched and almost threw up...
parmenion85@reddit
Mandy, grab me a ploughman’s, need to see if this fuckers lying!
GodOfThunder888@reddit
Just say it's faulty. If you say it's crap, they can deny the return. However, if it's faulty they need to accept your return. Asda staff couldn't care less about the details, they are not going to check whether the toaster works
volster@reddit
The consumer rights act should still have you covered
A. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/9
B. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/10
C. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/20
D. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/22
Also, ASDA's returns policy - https://support.asda.com/help/faq/returns-and-exchanges-policy
So, even without brandishing the consumer rights act in their face, if you only bought it on Sunday then per their own returns policy you're good for no other reason than "I changed my mind".
If you don't have the receipt you'll need a paper version of the bank statement per their policy, but i'd be surprised if the store was that anal about it in practice if you can show it on your phone 🤷♂️
Oh, just as a silly question to finish with
You were putting butter (or if you're a godless heathen, mayo) on the outside of the slices, right?
Spare_Tyre1212@reddit
This is the correct answer!
BeatificBanana@reddit
Even if you don't butter the outside, it still shouldn't take 15 minutes to toast the bread
darthcaedus81@reddit
Did this with a “smart” TV from Sainsbury’s once. The interface was so slow it was borderline unusable, so returned it in that basis.
whosUtred@reddit
Do what I do & just tell them your wife didn’t like it,… nobody with any sense argues with this reason
JustAnotherFEDev@reddit
It can't be mate, they're so good, George put his name on them...
tracyg76@reddit
George lies.
ChocoOsmi@reddit
That the one from Thomas the Tank Engine?
ChocoOsmi@reddit
That the one from Thomas the Tank Engine?
Only_Quote_Simpsons@reddit
volster@reddit
The consumer rights act should still have you covered
A. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/9
B. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/10
C. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/20
D. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/22
Also, ASDA's returns policy - https://support.asda.com/help/faq/returns-and-exchanges-policy
So, even without brandishing the consumer rights act in their face, if you only bought it on Sunday then per their own returns policy you're good for no other reason than "I changed my mind".
If you don't have the receipt you'll need a paper version of the bank statement per their policy, but i'd be surprised if the store was that anal about it in practice if you can show it on your phone 🤷♂️
Oh, just as a silly question to finish with
You were putting butter (or if you're a godless heathen, mayo) on the outside of the slices, right?
volster@reddit
The consumer rights act should still have you covered
A. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/9
B. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/10
C. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/20
D. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/22
Also, ASDA's returns policy - https://support.asda.com/help/faq/returns-and-exchanges-policy
So, even without brandishing the consumer rights act in their face, if you only bought it on Sunday then per their own returns policy you're good for no other reason than "I changed my mind".
If you don't have the receipt you'll need a paper version of the bank statement per their policy, but i'd be surprised if the store was that anal about it in practice if you can show it on your phone 🤷♂️
Oh, just as a silly question to finish with
You were putting butter (or if you're a godless heathen, mayo) on the outside of the slices, right?
BobKickflip@reddit
Been reading the reviews on asda, a lot of good ones but a few saying the same as you. Can't be sure if it's an occasional problem or they're all like that but most people don't mind! Could see if they'll let you exchange with a view to seeing if another one works better
Responsible-Tree-875@reddit
If your not in the returns window you can also buy the same one again and return the old one keep the new one. Not a lawyer but that might be kinda fraudy.
BobKickflip@reddit
Yeah, have wondered that one in the past. Doubt there will be a serial number on a sandwich toaster receipt. Just got to hope the replacement works better, but if it doesn't you were stuck with a broken one anyway
Responsible-Tree-875@reddit
The 20 quid one at asda is banging. Yours is faulty, source: also bought the 20 quid one last week. Its spews moten lava cheese all over whatever top you may be wearing, scalds your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
Dazz316@reddit
It didn't do what it said it would, it's faulty. That's train enough to return either way.
It says it does X, I bought it to do x and it doesn't do x.
SL1590@reddit
To be fair for £21 I’m not sure what OP is expecting.
abw@reddit
Fair point, but it's missing the important one. The Consumer Rights Act says that goods sold have to be fit for purpose. If a sandwich toaster doesn't toast sandwiches then it's not. It doesn't matter if it cost £21 or £210.
abw@reddit
Fair point, but it's missing the important one. The Consumer Rights Act says that goods sold have to be fit for purpose. If a sandwich toaster doesn't toast sandwiches then it's not. It doesn't matter if it cost £21 or £210.
redrabbit1984@reddit
Cook a toastie in it - and maybe even make it extra shitty. Then take the toastie down to Asda and offer it to the customer service person as a taster. They'll obviously refuse, and you can say "ah! even you won't eat it" - and they'll say "oh god, you're right. let me sort out a refund now"
After you can celebrate by eating the bad toastie as a free gift
grimm_the_opiner@reddit
I've never known a sandwich toaster that did as advertised. They stick the bread to the plates so that you open the sandwich as you open the toaster, get melted cheese everywhere, there's no way to see inside to know if your bread is merely warm or has progressed to basically charcoal, and even if they did provide what they promise there then follows 40 minutes of cleaning the bloody thing...
reapes93@reddit
Try a Breville, never had an issue with that brand, the OG of toasters :)
Gazelle-Unfair@reddit
Came here to say the same thing. Breville with removable plates that go in the dishwasher for the win!
popsy13@reddit
Have you read the instructions? I know it sounds odd, but we bought one recently and it states to ‘toast’ the bread before putting it in the sandwich toaster, it’s a pain in the arse, cos I have to toast the bread using the toaster, wait for the toaster to cool down then I can put it away to make room for the sodding sandwich toaster!
GeggingIn@reddit
Did you butter the outside of the bread?
Sometimes forgotten and it does the same thing.
If it’s been buttered, have a go at returning it, suppose you could say it has a faulty heating element.
Namiweso@reddit
Not necessary. Done plenty with and without butter. Get a nice toast either way.
No_Dot_7136@reddit
Nah man. Toastie is dry as anything unless you butter both sides imo.
spaceshipcommander@reddit
Or mayonnaise. Never dry.
No_Dot_7136@reddit
Mayo on both sides? Or just inside? I've never tried that, but then I only have cheese toasties and I can't imagine that cheese goes with mayo. .. or am I wrong and I'm missing out on something good? I usually have a good amount of mayo on stuff it goes with.
IcedWarlock@reddit
Your wrong. Mayo that bread
No_Dot_7136@reddit
okie dokie. will definitely try it out.
dexter279@reddit
I concur. Can even add pepper to the mayo if you’re feeling adventurous. Tastes similar to the kfc mayo if you’re a fan.
audigex@reddit
It might be dry but it’ll still be toasted, is the point. It’ll just be dry and toasted instead of moist and toasted
No_Dot_7136@reddit
I find with my Foreman grill that it doesn't tho if it's dry. I do have the thick sliced bread tho and if it's dry you end up with it being barely toasted on the outside and just volcano hot cheese in the middle, and the bread hasn't stuck together properly because it's not been buttered on the inside, which sounded exactly like OPs problem. It's not like those pocket toasters you get that fuse the bread together into edges that are harder than wood dowels.
turntupytgirl@reddit
hidden tip use mayonaise for better browning (no it wont taste like mayonaise trust me)
Mediocre_Sprinkles@reddit
I'm thinking of making a toastie for lunch. I'll have to try this.
NeilJonesOnline@reddit
\^ this guy advance toasties.
NeilJonesOnline@reddit
\^ this guy toasties.
Johnny_975@reddit (OP)
I’m not a total idiot lol, yeah I buttered the outside of the bread
ICanEditPostTitles@reddit
You created this post because you either:
It's arguable that you do meet some of the criteria...
ICanEditPostTitles@reddit
You created this post because you either:
It's arguable that you do meet some of the criteria...
GeggingIn@reddit
I said I’d forgotten to do it too.
Last time I try and help a complete stranger with a shite sandwich maker.
Johnny_975@reddit (OP)
🤣 ok I am sorry that my light hearted dilemma has upset you
snarfalicious420@reddit
They are in fact upset because you were slightly rude
GeggingIn@reddit
Don’t worry, genuinely only pissing about.
eselex@reddit
Brand new sentence.
disasterly213@reddit
Don’t be put off. Sandwich makers the world over need people like you.
OldBoyShenanigans@reddit
I don't actually butter the outsides (nor the insides) and both mine do toast pretty well- which is similar to the toaster.
Kinitawowi64@reddit
Did 11 years on the returns counter at Currys.
If it's a £22 sandwich toaster you've had for less than a week and you've still got the receipt, just tell them it's faulty and they'll almost certainly just accept it - it's in the "way too much effort to argue about" bracket.
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
You don't need a receipt for a full refund on a faulty product.
Kinitawowi64@reddit
You need proof of purchase to show when you got it and how much you paid for it.
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
You can show them your bank/credit card statement if they ask.
Kinitawowi64@reddit
Which proves neither date of purchase (weekend transactions often misdate) or amount paid (if there were multiple items in the transaction).
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
Neither of which are required.
Kinitawowi64@reddit
So how much are you going to get refunded? £1? How do staff know if you're in the returns period?
There's a reason why our receipts at Currys said you need to bring proof of purchase for refunds, and it wasn't just because we were awkward gits.
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
It literally is because you were awkward gits. If you enforced that policy, you were breaking the law.
Kinitawowi64@reddit
Found the person who ranted and moaned like we asked for their first born every time we asked for proof of purchase.
Without a receipt we had no way of uniquely identifying your transaction, which means we can't work out whether you're in the returns period, how much you're owed, or the correct method of refund (which has legal implications for things like credit card returns).
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
That's a you problem.
Your policy is not the law.
Kinitawowi64@reddit
You're the one who's not getting the refund. That's a you problem. Come in with a proof of purchase - which the store is allowed to request, see above link - and the store will be happy to help. Come in with an attitude and saying "I know the law" to minimum wage employees and you're going to get short shrift.
Despite what you might think, big companies like Currys define their returns policies in terms of what is and what isn't legal. It's not worth the expense for them to break the law. It doesn't necessarily have to be a receipt; it can be a bank statement (a card alone is not usually sufficient). But they're going to need something.
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
You were trained to break the law. That doesn't make you right.
Kinitawowi64@reddit
Okay, one final waste of breath before I go to bed - the law says we're allowed to ask for proof of purchase. I'll admit that I got my wires crossed at one point - a bank statement is considered sufficient information in most circumstances; I got it crossed with a bank card, which isn't (parly because the store doesn't store the full card number for obvious security reasons, and partly because a bank statement provides additional information - like an address - that helped us to confirm the person in front of us was the person who paid for the goods).
So, which law did we break? It's not the Consumer Rights Act of 2015, or the Consumer Credit Act amendments of 2006 (which have different provisions and are the reason why we refunded back onto the same method of payment as originally used - yes, we had people paying with a credit card and wanting cash refunds). We could legally ask for a proof of purchase, and if you paid by cash (as people often did and still do) that proof of purchase is almost certainly going to have to be a receipt.
If your argument is that you should be able to walk into a shop with a product and demand a refund with absolutely nothing to work with (like the customer who came in with a broken indoor aerial she said she received as a gift), I don't really think you're going to get very far.
DangerousDisplay7664@reddit
You do if you want your cash back. Otherwise they’re only obliged to give you a store credit.
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
This is literally just wrong.
jaycakes30@reddit
The £8 toastie maker slaps. You could try and take it back under the guise of it not heating properly, but I wouldn’t go straight in with “it’s shit”
Waste-Obligation-821@reddit
Did you butter the bread on the outside?
Apidium@reddit
It doesn't make a toasted sandwich in anywhere close to 2-4 minutes. Therfore it is defective. You can return something if it is not fit for purpose.
SixFiveOhTwo@reddit
Consider yourself lucky - I had a cheap Tesco one explode in front of me once. Went with a bang and jumped about a foot off the table.
SelTheDon@reddit
Give that wank toaster back to ASDA and get yourself a Breville, best toastie machines ever.
bennett346@reddit
Done it loads with electronics at Asda; they don’t even ask. And they seem to sell a lot of shit electronics.
DangerousDisplay7664@reddit
Yeah just take it back and say it doesn't get hot enough. They're not gonna test it, they'll just refund you.
When you look for a new one, make sure you check out how many watts it is. Decent ones are around 900w but I've seen ones in supermarkets around 250w (which is probably what you've got). They just don't get hot enough at that low power.
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
That's not how physics works at all.
Watts are a unit of power, not heat. Something running at 250W for 3 minutes will deliver the same amount of energy as something running at 750W for 1 minute. But the 250W one might have better insulation which results in a higher temperature.
DangerousDisplay7664@reddit
So you’re telling me that a 250w battery me that takes 30 minutes to cook a toastie is not faster than a 900w electric me that takes 5 minutes?
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
No.
LaCheindeBasset@reddit
ASDA have a 100 day satisfaction guarantee for most own-branded products- link
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
In this case, their policy is worse than OP's legal rights. The product is faulty, so they are entitled to a full cash refund, without having to provide a receipt.
LaCheindeBasset@reddit
Well no, the policy is not worse than op’s base position.
ASDA’s policy is in addition to a customers consumer rights, and in the case of own brand goods exceeds the statutory position by some distance.
Sure, in this case he’s entitled to a refund if it is faulty as a matter of law (and at this point the onus is on ASDA to establish it is not faulty, if they were to refuse to refund) but ASDA’s policy renders irrelevant whether the item is or is not faulty. That is a substantial improvement over the statutory position and makes his entitlement to a refund essentially inarguable.
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
elgrn1@reddit
I think you have to say that you no longer need it rather than admit you've used it as they can refuse to accept it back due to the risk of an electrical fault.
DangerousDisplay7664@reddit
That is not even in the realm of being true 😂
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
/r/confidentlyincorrect
Goatmanification@reddit
Not true at all. What you're saying is if I buy an item and it's faulty I can never return it as it's a risk. If this were true shops would sell you broken shit all the time knowing you can't return it (you can)
7148675309@reddit
Technically no (statutory rights are related to if it was faulty) bur no store is not going to take it back
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
If something doesn't fulfil its basic function, it is faulty.
MrRWhitworth@reddit
You get the chance to ‘change you mind’ so yes
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
This is not relevant. It's a faulty product, so OP is legally entitled to a full refund.
Spank86@reddit
At Asda? Yeah. Just take it back and say it doesnt work. At worst youll get a voucher. I did just this with a beard trimmer that was awful.
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
This is called being "fobbed off". The law is very clear that if the product is faulty, you are entitled to a full refund.
Spank86@reddit
Assuming they have the receipts.
Frankly with Asda Im always happy to get a voucher because what's the difference? I'm quite likely to need to eat next week, I have done every other week.
Historical_Panda9701@reddit
So, someone I know (not me) bought an air cooling unit from Argos last summer for his (not my) elderly father. Total fucking waste of money. He (not I) tried to return it to Argos on the basis that it did not do what it claimed to do. Argos manager wasn't having it. My mate (definitely not me) was pretty pissed off.
Anyway, he (not I) took the fuse out and popped into the plug of his iron and switched it on, burning it out. Popped blown fuse back in and took the unit back to a different store. No problem returning it that time.
Yes, I'm aware this probably constitutes fraud. I'll let my mate know.
Nebulousdbc@reddit
Air coolers are always crap, they're glorified fans that spray humid air at you. Apparently you're supposed to fill the tank with cold water and add ice cubes/freeze blocks to it, doesn't make much difference tbh
Glittering-Sink9930@reddit
This would help if it's blowing directly at you, but assuming you made the ice in your freezer, all you're doing is moving heat around within your house.
Historical_Panda9701@reddit
Oh I know all this now. They're total fucking dog shit. This one blew air through a kind of plastic grill that had (briefly) cold water trickling through it. I never did the maths, but I imagine the change in temp of the air as a result of this process would be significantly less than 1 degree.
Buy a fan for less than a quarter of the price.
DinosaurInAPartyHat@reddit
100%
The staff don't give a shit.
Just tell them it doesn't heat up properly so they can tick a box and throw it out.
steelcity91@reddit
Sounds like it's faulty. Just take it back to the store with receipt. Politely explain the issue to the colleague at the desk and ask that you would like an exchange or a refund. Whichever their policy allows.
Playful_Ad9183@reddit
I shop at Asda online and there are reviews (not for everything) that may or may not help in future whether you get an online delivery or not, they’re the same products.
I remember (they’ve taken away the facility of asking for a refund based on various reasons), that it would come under “poor quality”.
creepinghippo@reddit
Reminds me of that joke about not being able to buy cat food and had to prove they had a cat then they went back for toilet roll.
Tom22174@reddit
I don't know if Asda are more strict, but I've taken power tools back to Lidl in the past and they didn't even ask for a reason
obolobolobo@reddit
I had a brilliant one, painted like a cow it went "moo" after 4 mins. Cooked toasted pockets of beans or cheese or ham or cheese and ham to perfection. It still went under the sink after six weeks.
Superspark76@reddit
But then in about 6 months it will come back out and you will live on toasties again for another week or so.
audigex@reddit
Toasties until you’re bored
6 months under the sink
Repeat ad infinitum
deusxm@reddit
https://youtu.be/pq0JZviQU9o?si=YBYjuqywiGzzl22k
BeardyGeoffles@reddit
I was hoping that YouTube link was going to be that one, and I was not disappointed! I reference this anytime someone mentions toasted sandwich makers!
joylessbrick@reddit
I AM NOT BUYING ANOTHER ONE AGAIN. NO. NO WAY.
Tsukidaisy@reddit
Just unlocked a core memory for me, got gifted one of those for my 10th birthday. She was called Daisy!
audigex@reddit
Just take it back and say it doesn’t work properly. You’re not a toaster engineer, you don’t need to have investigated why it’s not working properly… and the customer service representative on the desk isn’t going to whip out a loaf of bread to test your assertion
NoBees8008@reddit
I have the 8 quid one and it makes a decent toastie
c0mput3r_n3rd@reddit
What I do is say "I got an electric shock from it". No one in their right mind will plug it in to check. Works every time.
Feral-Sponge@reddit
Thought this was you lol
TheIncredibleBulge@reddit
The trick with the sandwich toasters is the cheaper the better the fancy more expensive ones never cut the mustard.
My wife igoes through phases of using out one for abour a week for every lunch and then nothing for months, it cost us £6 and has lasted us almost a decade it makes banger toasties
FigPsychological7324@reddit
You have to put the bread in the toaster first and then make the sandwich, it’s just how it works.
FumbleCrop@reddit
Sounds like it's faulty, but either way it's not for the purpose of toasting sandwiches. Take it back.
Public_Purchase7870@reddit
Yes, but please be sure to claim compo as well for the hunger / disappointment / wasted cheese etc.
TankFoster@reddit
Yeah you definitely can, I did it with a fan not too long ago. Can't remember exactly what was wrong with it but it was, as you say, a bit shit.
thesaharadesert@reddit
TBH a fan is a shit product to try and make a toastie with
DiegoJusticia@reddit
Cheese would get everywhere
DrEppendwarf@reddit
Yes, bring the receipt and you should be good.
moogera@reddit
I bought a £10 one at Morrisons, and with medium bread and a bit of cheese in ,the toastie wouldn't close eventually due to me forcing it down the handle broke off so I returned it,no problem
DutchOfBurdock@reddit
It could be you have a faulty unit. I'd take it back based on that, grab the cheapo one and refund the difference. FWIW, the cheaper ones are generally better. Cheap Russel Hobbs one I have, £11.99 from somewhere... Can even get eggs and beans with the cheese and beautiful crispy toast
WritesCrapForStrap@reddit
I've never had a problem with a George Foreman, so you've probably just got a faulty one.
jason1992uk@reddit
A george foreman is the way
SnooSquirrels8508@reddit
I think I have that one. Its rubbish and takes ages. Did you butter both sides of the bread, that will help it crisp up.
Paulsowner@reddit
A bit shit and not fit for purpose are synonymous, but the latter is more formal for reporting to the shop
ShadowPanda987@reddit
How about you ask your coworker/friend what hmthey did to make the toasties come out the way they did?
Pliskkenn_D@reddit
I returned a toaster because it wouldn't fit bread
Stage_Party@reddit
Cheese toaster are all awful. I bought one of the fancier ones with removable plates for easier cleaning but under the plates is all the exposed wiring and the cheese was just getting through the gaps and it was even harder to clean.
I just use my air fryer now. Do everything the same then just stick it in the air fryer for a few minutes. Comes out even better.
WillingObscurity@reddit
I’m having a cheese toastie asap. It’s all I can think about now
Lewis19962010@reddit
The £8 single function one is superior, I had a 3 in 1 toaster thing and it was useless on all of the attachments and cleaning it was an SOB as it managed to leak cheese out the Toasties and under the plates
TedBurns-3@reddit
Don't even question it, if a purchase isn't up to the job it's designed for, return for refund
Wipedout89@reddit
Of course you can. It says on the packet "if you're not entirely satisfied with this product..."
In my experience Asda customer service is very good
IOnlyUpvoteBadPuns@reddit
Yeah I've found asda customer service pretty good too. Hangover from their Walmart days maybe..
ukslim@reddit
All the big supermarkets are pretty good for things like returns. Essentially unless you're seriously taking the piss, they'll side with the customer, because they'd rather deal with a returned sandwich toaster than lose a customer's loyalty.
In most cases, even if they don't legally have to refund for a return, they will anyway.
I've paid for a case of beer, dropped and smashed it in the car park, 100% my own clumsiness, and had it replaced for free.
FlashGen@reddit
Back in the day the term to use was that it “wasn’t of merchantable quality”
Which have a good breakdown of your consumer rights here
TobyChan@reddit
Yep, but rather than “it’s a bit shit”, use the term “not fit for purpose”
Easy_Rich_4085@reddit
We bought a cheapo e-scootet from Halfords a couple of years ago. It couldn't handle any form of incline. I had to argue the toss a bit but they did reluctantly accept a return in the end.
WildKey9307@reddit
All goods sold must be “fit for purpose” so yes.
It could also be that you just got unlucky and got a faulty one rather than it being a poor product
iamabigtree@reddit
It doesn't have to be faulty for you to have a right of return. It also needs to do what it claims it will do and be of sufficient quality.
Consibl@reddit
Tell them you thought you were buying a George Forman and they tricked you.
foraging_snout@reddit
I've always used a George forman grill and it works wonders. Problem with the toastie machines is they're too small. Can't fit the feckers in.
sunnydave88@reddit
Asda don't care. Just take it back with your receipt and say it's shit. Then buy the £8 one and enjoy.
LemmysCodPiece@reddit
As an aside, the best toasties are made in an airfryer.
Public_Ad_1411@reddit
Asda has guarantees. Take it back ask for a replacement or a refund. It's clearly not fit for purpose.
OldBoyShenanigans@reddit
Do you give it a minute to actually heat up?
Johnny_975@reddit (OP)
It has a red light that indicates it has power and a green light that suggests it is at optimal ‘toastiness’ I waited for the green light to come on before attempting to toast my sandwich
ElectronicHeat6139@reddit
Too many cyclists trying to make a toastie on red.
OldBoyShenanigans@reddit
Yeah, try and take it back, tell them it's not working properly.
Lopsided_Soup_3533@reddit
Asda generally do no quibble returns
dr_wtf@reddit
Depends. You actually have more rights under the distance selling regulations (now the CCR). If you buy something in-store it depends on their policy. Hence, always buy electrical goods online. It's usually cheaper and you can return for any reason at all as long as you notify the seller within 14 days and return it with a further 14 days (Amazon just gives you a month to decide & return, as do a lot of other sellers, but not all).
You have an absolute right to return if it's faulty, but they don't have to give you a refund. They can legally just exchange it. IIRC they have to give you at least a store credit if it still doesn't work after 1 exchange.
You can also return it as "unfit for purpose" if it works, but doesn't actually do the job it's supposed to do. Again IIRC you aren't necessarily entitled to a refund, but most places, especially large stores & supermarkets, will just issue a refund. Small shops might stick to the letter of the law though and just give you a store credit.
A toaster that doesn't get hot enough clearly falls into either "faulty" or "unfit for purpose" categories. If it's from Asda they'll most likely just refund it without too much hassle but I haven't checked their policies. They might be shit, in which case there's not a lot you can do other than take whatever they give you (exchange or a credit).
TraditionalBread_@reddit
Idk if you can but I want to offer a suggestion, buy one of the small George Forman grills for your toastie. Make sure you put the foot caps on to limit the tilt. I get the perfect toastie every time. Actually I get the person cheese and ham toastie every time, and it’s my favourite thing in the world. I eat them once a day minimum lol
SophieMayo@reddit
I have the same one and experienced the same issues. Now it just lives in the back of the cupboard till one day I finally bin it.
Snap_Ride_Strum@reddit
This is a reason why I often use Amazon.
Ok-Skirt-8142@reddit
Some places do get a bit awkward or want you only to exchange it for credit, but larger supermarkets generally will do it.
I got a fan heater that was too noisey and I just said to the woman in Tesco it’s too noisey and I don’t want it. She was kind of confused after asking me to clarify and asked the other woman behind the desk, can he just return it? The other lady confirmed I could.
People say there’s something wrong with it I think now most days just to skip the problem. I know my local b&m for example throw a stink. I walked out the store and realised the £5 plastic planter I just bought had a massive crack in it. The manager was trying to say I couldn’t even get a replacement, she would just offer a partial refund, blah blah, telling cashier to double check the receipt. Got a replacement in the end.
Shitty places may require you to argue your rights , Asda probably won’t.
ReputationKind4628@reddit
Whichever sandwich toaster you get, make sure the toasting plates inside come out and can be washed separately, ideally in a dishwasher.
I bought the wrong one so that you didn't have to...
Lopsided_Hunt2814@reddit
Ive never had an issue with a return, even if you just say it's crap you will get store credit at least. And it sounds like you already shop at Asda so store credit is as good as cash.
tygeorgiou@reddit
I have lived in England my whole life and somehow this feels like the most British thing I've ever read
but yeah you can return stuff to asda for pretty much any reason, they wouldn't even care if you opened it and just decided you didn't want it anymore
littlemissdizaster80@reddit
You’ve caught the toastie bug 🤣🤣. You have one, then it escalates for a few weeks. Put on 1 stone. You forget for a while, then the cycle begins again. Invest in a good one.
DrachenDad@reddit
Yes. I have. Last one was over ear headphones, that actually are too small so are on ear headphones.
Exact_Setting9562@reddit
I've got a microwave one that does toasties in about 4 minutes. Mmmm.
teeb46@reddit
Are you using toastie bags?
JSF--10@reddit
Just another basic question, does it require warming up before use, and is that why it’s not cooking quickly?
SillyDeersFloppyEars@reddit
I'd just say it's faulty, they're not going to plug it in and check it while you wait. Tell them it's faulty and doesn't heat up properly, nothing more is needed.
Pleasant-Pineapple72@reddit
If it's not fit for purpose, it can be returned. Martin Lewis explains the returns process on the moneysavingexpert.com
I'd drop that into the conversation when you go back.
sheslikebutter@reddit
I was gifted this exact Sandwich toaster, it is a giant pile of shit agreed.
Still_Wrap4910@reddit
Former customer services manager at ASDA here, you can return it no bother as long as you have the receipt, they only ask you why you are returning for inputting to the system, not to try to catch you out and deny the return. What you say is pretty irrelevant as you'll get the refund regardless, as the items going to e waste anyway as it's a food prep item that's been used so no way of getting it back into the sales chain.
No_Dot_7136@reddit
You are lightly buttering the bread on both sides before putting it in the toastie maker?
AutonInvasion@reddit
It’s not fit for purpose - so you’re within your rights to return it
Flash__PuP@reddit
I think the important think to remember while returning products like this is can they test if it works at the customer service desk? Unless you are concerned they will go get a loaf of bread and some cheese slices from the other side of the shop then “it’s not working” is all you have to say.
I have never returned open video games and when told “you can’t return open games” simply said, “it won’t install”. That would be immoral.
Thatweasel@reddit
You can try to return anything for any reason. Your actual legal rights to return things you bought in person are a lot more limited than online, but most retailers have pretty generous returns policies, usually within 30 days
OverlyAdorable@reddit
I work in a shop and we get stuff returned all the time because it's shit. The top reasons for returns are faulty, shit, duplicate, or wrong item in that order
PeterG92@reddit
Don't you normally get a returns period for items like that?
Razorwireboxers@reddit
https://support.asda.com/help/faq/returns-and-exchanges-policy
Jacktheforkie@reddit
I’ve done so before with electronics, mine was some WiFi extenders that just wouldn’t connect to my shit ass virgin router
MacSamildanach@reddit
Might I suggest you're using it wrong? 😁
I've had a decent toaster/Panini press for 20 years, and I know full well if you pile too much cheese inside, it melts and runs everywhere. You can only get so much in between two slices of bread in the first place, and melting it reduces the amount possible due to it going runny.
Even if you buy a Panini from a shop, it takes ten minutes at least to get it hot all the way through, unless you're happy with 'slightly warm'.
But having said that, Asda will take anything back and refund it. Just don't take the piss and take it back covered in cheese.
KitFan2020@reddit
Yes! Take it back and tell them it barely heats the sandwich after 15 mins let alone toasts it. Basically, it doesn’t work 👍🏻
Illustrious-Eye1673@reddit
I have this one as I have to make two bloomer size sliced bread, but not thick cut, ham & cheese toasties for the grandkids after school.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/George-Foreman-25820-Large-Grill/dp/B082FRV6F6/ref=sxin_32_pa_sp_phone_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.1b683bed-9939-4217-82e1-e6a4f41491a2%3Aamzn1.sym.1b683bed-9939-4217-82e1-e6a4f41491a2&crid=1C2XCQFCFKSSM&cv_ct_cx=george+foreman&keywords=george+foreman&pd_rd_i=B082FRV6F6&pd_rd_r=bf4a72c9-259d-491c-9c6c-c802395ddbad&pd_rd_w=bfOzT&pd_rd_wg=cY8jp&pf_rd_p=1b683bed-9939-4217-82e1-e6a4f41491a2&pf_rd_r=TQQMRSZX5FW2CZEJX94M&qid=1759184343&sprefix=george+forman%2Caps%2C596&sr=1-1-3782f7a6-d4ac-40c8-a1f8-f7207d43b19c-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1
I use a spritz of butter flavour spray oil. Crisps and melts every time. Trick is not too much cheese or it oozes out into the drip tray. But what I don't like is that there is no on/off switch. Plug it in with it in open position. Load sandwich, then close lid with pot mitt as there is no tab or handle. Done in a few mins, like 3-5 easily.
We do chicken and other skewered meats with it outside in summer as it is very fast vs a bbq for quick meals when too hot to cook inside.
wolfhelp@reddit
This is one for r/britishpromblems
SnooDonuts6494@reddit
Try? It's very likely Asda will simply refund it, because they usually can't be arsed arguing over petty things like that.
Jeggasyn@reddit
Unless you get Wayne. If you get Wayne, good luck, you're probably fucked.
AdThat328@reddit
You can take it back. It doesn't do what it says it does. 2-4 minutes is the claim.
Different_Counter113@reddit
Sounds like user error to me
a-hthy@reddit
My mums favourite line “intermittent fault” works every time
eleridragon@reddit
Ofc you can. I bought a three in one waffle/sandwich/panini thing a couple of years ago. Sat there waiting for waffles for thirty minutes, still liquid batter. Back it went, back to my stovetop waffle iron I went (even if it hurts my old wrists and is a bit messy at times).
If something's not working as it should, it's faulty. Take it back.
Smasher323292@reddit
Ur hard
Jeggasyn@reddit
He knows his batter. I bet he went and battered the customer service advisor
Wilbo67@reddit
Do you let it warm up closed first before sticking your butty in?
ClickerKnocker@reddit
Return it with the partially toasted sandwich still inside to assert dominance.
Johnny_975@reddit (OP)
I had considered this option but by the time the bread is at a point that you could consider it ‘toasted’ the contents are on the kitchen side, I would have to take them on separate plates
Jeggasyn@reddit
Are you high by any chance?
Raspberry_Rippled@reddit
Asda tend to be fine with returns.
Fickle_Hope2574@reddit
Just take it back and tell them it's faulty, certainly sounds like
jimmywhereareya@reddit
Sounds like it doesn't heat up enough, therefore it's faulty
geeered@reddit
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/11
But also, this is Asda, they'll generally be 'okay' bout it anyway I guess.
ilikeanime1234567890@reddit
Yeah with electricals you can return it if it's not functioning as described up to 30 day's protected.
smellycoat@reddit
Since you bought it from a shop just take it to customer services and say it doesn’t work and you want your money back (be nice tho, it’s not the customer service person’s fault). 99% of places will refund you no questions asked.
If they try to rob you off with a replacement just say no thanks you don’t trust the brand now, please give me a refund.
ProAtTresspass@reddit
Yeh I said "nah it's just crap" when returning a hair trimmer to B&m
pissfinger6@reddit
Yes, they won't even bother checking it, itl just go to landfill
Prestigious_Sand1978@reddit
Yes, it comes under the umbrella of doesn’t do what is expected (exact wording can’t remember-fit for purpose maybe?)
Flimsy-Detective7643@reddit
Yeah course you can if it's within the return window. I bought a tower fan from Lidl and returned it the week after. The cashier asked the reason and I said it was crap. He was like fair enough and gave me a full refund :)
OriginalReporter590@reddit
I reckon you can. Had a look at the reviews and they’re mostly good BUT there are several reviews where they have the same experience as you. Probably quality control is not great. Just say it’s not working as described.
Alternative-Bad-3752@reddit
Take the fuse out the plug and tell them it wouldn't turn on for a second time. They have to refund you and they probably dont even care
Sandy_Bananas@reddit
30 days. You’ve got more rights to return when buying online though.
champion1995@reddit
Yep. I returned a UV bug zapper to Yorkshire trading like 3 hours after buying. My reasoning?
' I'm pretty sure I give off more volts than that thing.'
What's the store person gonna say? " I have that exact toastie and it's ranked the best toastie in the world and you're wrong so I won't return it."
FunGuyUK83@reddit
The term 'not fit for purpose' is what you want to use.
BeatificBanana@reddit
Yes, if a product is faulty or not as described, you have a statutory right to return it.
If it is advertised as being able to make a toastie in 2-4 mins and it isn't even toasted after 15 mins, that's not as described.
RockyStoney@reddit
Could say "doesn't work as described"
But would probably get less hassle if you just say the thing is faulty and doesn't heat up enough to make a toastie after half an hour
scrotal-massage@reddit
You can certainly try so long as you're in the returns window. Just tell them at customer service it doesn't work as expected.
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