Advice Please! How Do I Return Baby Formula to Woolworths?

ozgameboy on 17/05/2024 - 17:19
Last edited 18/05/2024 - 11:28 by 3 other users
  • Updated - Problem solved - Thanks for you all empathised responses (Except few are not). I decide to send these formular tins for charity.

Hi guys, I recently bought 11 tins of baby formula from Woolworths (on 14 April 2024). They are cow milk based.

Last week my kid was diagnosed that she is lactose intolerant, and she should not use them.

I contact Woolworths and they said they would not accept return due to the order was over 30 days.

Is that right that even if the product is not suitable for use, they have right to not refund?

Food & Grocery Baby Formula

Related Stores

Woolworths
Woolworths

closed Comments

  • Hybroid on 17/05/2024 - 17:24
    +71

    No company in Australia is obliged to offer you a change of mind refund. They can choose to, but don’t have to at all.

    Expecting to return multiple tins of baby formula after 30 days is not reasonable.

      • Hybroid on 17/05/2024 - 18:51
        +30

        Not sure why you thought that was relevant to Woolworths.

        Priceline have a 30-day change of mind returns policy (365-days with OnePass) but their policy explicitly excludes Baby/Infant Formula, so you got lucky by someone or the system making a mistake. Technically, should have been rejected too.

        https://www.priceline.com.au/priceline-policies/returns-and-…

        I expect/hope they would throw them away. I would not want to buy baby formula that has been returned by someone weeks later than purchased. No idea if it's still safe, what temperatures or conditions it's been stored at, any potential air leaks etc.

          • DoctorCalculon on 17/05/2024 - 20:08
            +11

            @ozgameboy:

            Someone can go to Woolworth/Cole, buy a pack of chip or anything, do something with it and return it.

            Please do NOT spread misinformation.

            https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/about-us/returns…

            "Until further notice, we will not provide a refund where you have changed your mind about products purchased from Woolworths."

              • mskeggs on 17/05/2024 - 20:42
                +2

                @ozgameboy: Doesn’t seem to cover tampered food items, though. So I don’t think you can tamper with chips then return them.

              • DoctorCalculon on 18/05/2024 - 01:52
                +6

                @ozgameboy:

                Exchanges

                Why would you even bother quoting this part of the policy???

                You are not after an exchange of the baby formula.
                You just want your money back after 30 days.
                Even within 30 days, you cannot obtain a refund from Woolies as a change of mind.

            • Ultimate Gattai on 20/05/2024 - 00:31

              @DoctorCalculon: As far as I'm aware, I thought they weren't accepting change of mind returns since the toilet paper incident.

              • bamzero on 20/05/2024 - 11:21

                @Ultimate Gattai: Not for refund, but eventually they allowed exchanges (within 30 days)

      • DingoBilly on 18/05/2024 - 08:50
        +3

        Sounds like one of those "Easier to just refund this entitled customer than to deal with their complaining and making staff's lives hell because they won't leave" type situations.

    • IgorPrev on 19/05/2024 - 11:44

      Is this a change of mind or a change of circumstances ?

  • bohn on 17/05/2024 - 17:26
    +15

    You have no right to refund at all - unless there is some issue with the product.

    In the past, Woolies and Coles have been pretty good at allowing returns - without a receipt for <$10 they would give you $, >$10 without a receipt they'd give you a store credit, and with a receipt you get a refund.

    But I think they've cracked down on that a bit now. So basically, if they want to give you a refund, they can. If they don't want to, they don't have to.

    Also, the product was 'suit for use' when you bought it, it's not up to woolies to do a medical assessment upon purchase.

    Sell it on FB to some plebs.

    • ozgameboy on 17/05/2024 - 18:48
      -6

      Right, thanks. I did post on Facebook Marketplace not the ads is taken down in second due to market policy ( prohibited product ). I did see other sell milk tins on it as well but not sure why I can't list it. Any idea?

      • bohn on 17/05/2024 - 18:49
        +1

        Try gumtree perhaps?

        • ozgameboy on 17/05/2024 - 18:53

          Good idea. I never use Gumtree before. Will try out

          • bohn on 17/05/2024 - 19:01
            +4

            @ozgameboy: Could offer to friends with babies?

            • CyberMurning on 17/05/2024 - 20:37
              +2

              @bohn: Too bad i only have friends with benefit

              • bohn on 17/05/2024 - 21:55
                +3

                @CyberMurning: they're only friends with benefits if they take your leftover baby formula

      • suzley on 18/05/2024 - 12:55
        +2

        Chinese might buy it cheap and send it to China.

  • Muzeeb on 17/05/2024 - 17:26
    +4

    Marketplace - someone will buy them at a discount

    • oz-dave on 17/05/2024 - 17:28
      +7

      Or sell overseas for bigger profit 😉

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/05/2024 - 18:05

        Is that still a thing? I haven’t seen any rage bait articles about it in some time…

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 17/05/2024 - 18:17
      +3

      someone will buy them at a discount

      That makes cents. Cheers.

  • Drakesy on 17/05/2024 - 17:32
    +18

    Ya don't
    You on sell it.
    Your kid being diagnosed with lactose intolerance is not Woolworth's fault.

    • djones145 on 17/05/2024 - 18:51
      +4

      its your fault!
      go buy his powder

  • SBOB on 17/05/2024 - 17:39
    +10

    Is that right that even if the product is not suitable for use

    its perfectly suitable for use… just not your use.

    Facebook marketplace, knock 20% off each tin's cost and you'll likely have sold it before tomorrow morning.

    • ozgameboy on 17/05/2024 - 18:50

      I just tried but the listing is taken down due to policy violation ( Apparently health product is prohibited on marketplace ).

  • CyberMurning on 17/05/2024 - 17:39
    +10

    11……wow

    • Muzeeb on 17/05/2024 - 18:02
      +14

      I don't normally believe in Karma but this and the entitled not suitable for use comment, has me thinking.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/05/2024 - 18:06
      +8

      Yeah wow… didn’t go a straight dozen. My ocd would be going off the charts.

      • Nugs on 17/05/2024 - 18:38

        Legs 11
        .

    • ozgameboy on 17/05/2024 - 18:57
      -7

      It was calculated as my kid will be oversea with the mum for few months. So I have to buy in advance and these are quite hard to get hand on. My kid had same brand for 0-6 months then this is follow on formular 6-12 month. I expected they should not be issue as the kid already had the same for several months until it not.

    • JimmyF on 17/05/2024 - 18:58
      +11

      11……wow

      Plus another 6 from Priceline…… So 17 tins, seems a bit odd.

      • DoctorCalculon on 17/05/2024 - 20:11
        +11

        So 17 tins, seems a bit odd.

        Daigou Alert!

        • MrThing on 18/05/2024 - 12:05
          +3

          Arse must have dropped out of the formula market to china

          Have to sell for price paid now in Australia on marketplace

  • JimJim on 17/05/2024 - 17:48
    +3

    Agree with the others, not Woolies problem. Just sell them on Marketplace, include your reason for selling in your description.

  • Ughhh on 17/05/2024 - 18:00
    +2

    Is that right that even if the product is not suitable for use, they have right to not refund?

    They are suitable for use as intended. It doesn't need to be suitable for your specific needs.

  • TEER3X on 17/05/2024 - 18:06
    +2

    Sell them on Facebook marketplace, cut your losses.

    I don't think I ever bought more than one tin at a time, especially when trying things out. Iirc babies babies are a little particular when it comes to formula.

  • PissLUR on 17/05/2024 - 18:22
    -4

    you shouldnt stop using them. your kid will get use to the cow's milk.

    • mooseca on 18/05/2024 - 11:35
      -1

      This is the right comment

  • jv on 17/05/2024 - 18:35

    Is that right that even if the product is not suitable for use,

    Yes, that is correct.

    The product is suitable, but you chose the wrong product…

  • dtc on 17/05/2024 - 18:41
    +6

    I recently bought a house in Sydney, but I live in Melbourne so its not suitable for use. Can I return it?

    • bdl on 17/05/2024 - 18:51
      +4

      depends whether you are intolerant towards Sydney :D

    • DoctorCalculon on 17/05/2024 - 20:17
      +2

      You could rent it out instead.

    • iminabrons on 18/05/2024 - 13:36
      +2

      Can I return it? If you're allergic to Sydney, then yes, you should most definitely get a refund.
      Isn't that common sense?

  • Nugs on 17/05/2024 - 18:43
    +1

    "They are cow milk based.
    my kid should not use them."
    Why give cow's milk to a goat?
    .

    • TEER3X on 17/05/2024 - 18:48
      +1

      Because goats eat, and probably drink, everything.

    • WhyAmICommenting on 18/05/2024 - 16:32
      +1

      Haha this was good

  • bdl on 17/05/2024 - 18:50

    if you can't sell it, ask doc if you can add lactase to mixed formula to break down lactose prior to giving to bub https://www.lacteeze.com.au/product/lacteeze-drops/

    • ozgameboy on 17/05/2024 - 18:52
      +1

      Great, thanks mate. I never heard of this. I will talk to my GP next day. Cheers.

  • screensaver on 17/05/2024 - 18:55

    Try Nest Door to sell, explain that your child cant drink cows milk in the ad, and offer a discount

  • Ghost47 on 17/05/2024 - 18:57
    -1

    Did you at least explain to Woolworths what happened? That you bought them before you found out your infant is lactose intolerant?

    Sometimes companies will go above and beyond for a customer as a gesture of goodwill if you ask nicely.

      • Ghost47 on 17/05/2024 - 19:01

        Yeah fair enough then.

      • JimmyF on 17/05/2024 - 19:03
        +10

        are not showing any empathy

        To be fair, you bought 11 tins over a month ago and now want to return them.

        Would you be happy if the new baby food tins you got had been a return from someone who had them at home for over a month?

    • playerzer2 on 20/05/2024 - 11:11

      Sure thing: "I bought up big on powdered formula to sell overseas but now it's not worth it so can I return them please?

      • Ghost47 on 20/05/2024 - 11:29

        Yeah nah, not everyone out there is a dishonest person who looks to scam the system.

  • JimmyF on 17/05/2024 - 19:02
    +13

    I recently bought 11 tins of baby formula

    Plus the 6 from Priceline. So 17 tins all up? WOW.

    Seems a bit excessive. Are you really sure you got them for your 'kid' or did your buyer fall through?

    Is that right that even if the product is not suitable for use, they have right to not refund?

    It's a change of mind return, they don't need to accept. It was up to you to make sure the product was suitable when purchasing.

      • CyberMurning on 17/05/2024 - 19:46
        +9

        Oh boy trying to game the oz system

      • Ughhh on 18/05/2024 - 09:12
        +4

        That's the gamble you took, and you lost. Don't be so entitled to expect others to fund your gamble.

  • Godric on 17/05/2024 - 19:09
    +1

    Looks like the cow wasn't worth the squeeze or something

  • KaTst3R on 17/05/2024 - 20:18
    +5

    I dont think any parent will be comfortable buying a returned tin of baby formula. Even if there is a seal, you just dont want any risk for an infant. Baby formulas and uncooked/raw food should be excluded from all return policies.

    • megadeth on 17/05/2024 - 22:15
      +4

      Exactly, someone could've left the tins in the boot of their car for a month and then on selling you for a couple of bucks less, I'd just pass and get from a reliable place. Not all the money in the world can be more valuable than your kids.

  • joka on 17/05/2024 - 20:46
    +12

    So you’re the reason the stores are always out of milk formula. Learn your lesson.

  • MrThing on 18/05/2024 - 12:02
    +3

    Just reduce the price you wanted on eBay sell em in china like everyone else does on webo make formula cakes

  • bamzero on 18/05/2024 - 12:13
    +2

    Is that right that even if the product is not suitable for use, they have right to not refund?

    There's a difference between not suitable for your use and not fit for purpose.

    In this case it's the former. There's nothing wrong with the product so no obligation to refund.

    Also, while Woolies still doesn't give refunds any more thanks to the COVID profiteers, you can exchange items. However over 30 days is pretty unreasonable to expect them to do so your choice to donate these is the right one.

  • ribze1 on 18/05/2024 - 13:39
    +2

    I never had more than 4 in the house at any one time, and from memory a tin would last a week at least. No matter how you cut it you were very excessive in the amount you bought. Also since your kid is older than 6 months they can have cow's milk now (yes i know they can't but in terms of an original plan B when overseas).

  • DrRalph on 18/05/2024 - 13:40

    The product IS suitable for use and you have no right to return it for a refund.

  • ripesashimi on 18/05/2024 - 15:52
    +1

    Consumables should not be returned under any circumstances. The risk of the product being tampered with prevails over everything else.

    Imagine buying milk for your kid and finding out that someone has mixed something in it just because they hate their life.

  • dvsbastard on 18/05/2024 - 17:49
    +2

    You are the reason I feel bad for anyone who works in retail.

  • ricerocket on 18/05/2024 - 18:44

    Howd you manage to buy 11? I tried to buy 4 once, to make use of a "spend $100" offer. Was made to feel like a criminal because theres a 2 tin limit. Annoying af when your kid goes though more than a tin a week!

  • lachhelix on 18/05/2024 - 18:52
    +2

    You bought 11?
    That sounds exactly like what someone who wanted to resell them at a huge mark up but couldn't manage to and wants their money back

  • Poor Ass on 18/05/2024 - 20:58

    Daigou

  • BuddhaBoy on 18/05/2024 - 21:12

    Sharing something interesting. On High street Preston, there is a bubble tea shop (keeping the name confidential). Popular brand name. Next to bakery and all the Asian restaurants. If you enter this shop, there is door that is always open, you can see it’s like a ‘sub-shop’ inside a shop. This sub shop has hundreds of baby powder on the shelf and they specifically sells only baby formula in bulk to all the overseas buyers. You buy bulk from here and send it overseas. They do all the shipping and exporting.

    • Poor Ass on 18/05/2024 - 22:17

      When was the last time you went?

      Far as I know most of the formula companies have sold the manufacturing rights to Chinese companies that's why not many daigous around

      • Ughhh on 18/05/2024 - 22:34
        +1

        The country where it's manufactured is where the value is afaik. There's so many fakes/dodgy factories in China.

        • Poor Ass on 18/05/2024 - 23:27

          Yep I agree with you. There is always those would who would pay more for assurance. But what I'm saying is that now days there are less daigous meaning people cbf or it's not profitable anymore

      • BuddhaBoy on 19/05/2024 - 09:01

        Last saw around 2 months ago. I always drop into this bubble tea shop when going for a pho at one of the restaurants there. The baby power shop at the back was there as usual. They even had a flag-post style sign inside with baby power cans pics. I couldn’t read it as it was in mandarin or similar looking language.

        • Craze on 19/05/2024 - 11:56

          I think this service is still available in suburbs like Box Hill and Glen Waverley where there will be demand for it.

        • Poor Ass on 19/05/2024 - 14:51

          Take a photo

          Google translate

          I wouldn't know how to read Mandarin either. But it could be Chinese.

          Bubble tea and pho… What a combo

  • ttt888 on 19/05/2024 - 10:24
    -1

    Worst thing in Oz, go for allergies checkup and probably 90% of Asian babies that does that would have lactose intolerant and more.

  • Embaloo on 19/05/2024 - 10:51
    +1

    A suggestion - formula is perfectly fine for adult consumption. Use it in your own meals as a milk powder substitute for yourself and the rest of your family. Its good enough for your baby, should be good enough for you.

    Recipe ideas:
    - yoghurt making
    - in cakes, puddings
    - make custard, including chocolate custard for desserts by adding cocoa powder
    - potato salad base
    - in soup bases to thicken instead of corn flour

    Seriously, just google "recipes that use baby formula).

    • Oofy Doofy on 19/05/2024 - 12:57

      Yep. There's nothing wrong with consuming this stuff as an adult. You can put it into so many things, and it keeps longer than the BB date on the cans, years.

  • cupcake on 20/05/2024 - 11:02
    -2

    Stick to Australian made baby formula. Worth the money. There's a reason why the Chinese love it. It's good for baby.

    So many nasty chemicals in other brands like S26. Made in Mexico. It gave my baby very bad eczema. It cleared up beautifully when I switched to Australian made baby formula.

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