Can you return headphones to Harvey Norman?

harthagan on 28/09/2009 - 02:54
Last edited 28/09/2009 - 02:55

Basicly I bought a set of HD212 Pro headphones for $100 from HN about 10 days ago. Reason I got them was because I wanted a cheapish set of closed headphones with a tonne of bass (which they do)

unfortunately they are terribly uncomfortable for me and also it annoys the hell out of me that the cord is 3m long as I use them purely for my ipod. Does any1 know if I have any chance of returning them to HN? Id be happy with store credit or even to exchange them for HD215s as Ive heard they are much better and more comfortable. I need something which is closed as they will be used outdoors and on trains etc. I already have a set of AD700s for the PC at home.

General Discussion

Comments

  • mick123 on 28/09/2009 - 09:08
    +1

    if opened, maybe not.
    Personally, I would not accept them back if I was Harvey Norman (unless they were faulty or didnt match description). Only reason being for hygiene.

  • jase13 on 28/09/2009 - 09:35

    Nope, hygienic reasons mean you cant return opened earphones.

  • andy19363 on 28/09/2009 - 11:35

    Earphones maybe, but headphones?
    many cd shops have headphones to preview music that must get used by hundreds of people…….I would imagine only a few get upset about it……..

    • Lacerta on 29/09/2009 - 21:04

      Shared headphones at a shop or a library are one thing - but if I were going to pay $100 for a pair of new headphones I would be upset if I was offered a set that had been used by someone else for 10 days.

  • neil on 28/09/2009 - 12:15

    OT, but I have the 212Pro and agree with you on the cord point. Great headphones but the 3m cord is annoying and have to tie it down or wind it around the desk. Comfortwise, I find it pretty standard to other closed ear headphones.

    Let us know how you go with the return.

  • StewBalls on 28/09/2009 - 20:54
    +1

    Never forget you have statutory rights as a consumer in most states that override many store "policies", regardless of how plausible they might sound! Uncomfortable = not fit for purpose, therefore you are well within your rights to return them!

    How the retailer deals with the hygiene issue is their problem, not yours! ;)

    • mick123 on 29/09/2009 - 09:57

      don't know about that mate.
      If I went into a shoe store and tried on shoes and they felt good and I bought them, and then I returned them a week later as it wasnt as comfortable as I originally thought, then I doubt they'll take it back mate.

      I dont know if the OP tried on a pair of sample headphones in-store or not, if that makes a difference.

      • me on 29/09/2009 - 11:04

        They don't really have sample headphones in many stores…

      • StewBalls on 29/09/2009 - 11:13
        +1

        You absolutely would be able to return them in that scenario, I've done it myself many times with shoes especially, even if I've worn them all week and they're shoddy! Just give your state Fair Trading dept a call and ask them about your rights as a consumer, it's very enlightening! ;)

        The store will often moan and complain, but stand your ground and tell them you've spoken to FT and they'll cave, and remember the option of refund/replacemnt/credit is at your discretion, not theirs!

        The problem is that the hygiene scenario sounds plausible and commonsense, but as we see on a daily basis these are almost always superceded by legislation; good for consumers, bad for retailers! ;)

  • harthagan on 30/09/2009 - 21:24

    I will let you know tomorrow how it goes. I figure on a Thursday night they will be pretty busy and will hopefully just try and satisfy me as quick as possible so they can go back to selling TVs

    • GreenGuava on 04/10/2009 - 04:07
      +1

      So, how did you go with returning those headphones?

  • harthagan on 08/10/2009 - 21:45

    Went tonight and had no problem. I was only expecting to get a store credit but they gave me a full refund. Now I just need to find a good set of comfy headphones for the ipod touch. Budget could stretch to $150 at the most. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

  • Davo1111 on 09/10/2009 - 09:28

    good to hear you got a refund. Stay away from the HD202 imo. They're just too small and they crush your head/ear. I have a really good pair of HD590 - except i think they could be discontinued stock….really big heaphones.

  • harthagan on 09/10/2009 - 18:25

    Thx 4 that advice. I am really looking for a pair of closed headphones as I don't want to be disturbing other people around me. I have a nice set of open headphones which I use for the PC but I need something for the ipod. They don't need to be the portable type which fold up but I also don't want them to be overly massive. A coiled cord would be perfect like what comes with the HD215 think Ill check the range at JBHF, as nothing at HN ticked my boxes.

  • linnaen on 11/10/2009 - 18:42

    Don't throw even more bad money down the drain without doing a little product research. Take a look at the recommendations on the headphonic forums http://headphones.com.au/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7 then if you don't feel comfortable spending money over the net, go see which of the ones in your style / range can be found on your local high street.

  • harthagan on 12/10/2009 - 22:31

    Got sennheiser PX200 - despite some negative reviews on the headphones.com forums. They are very comfortable and have a nice short 1.5m cord. Sound is plenty good enough for listening to mp3s on the ipod and I think the bass is a bit clearer than on the HD212. They fold up making them very portable which is a god bonus and they are easily driven meaning they don't need any amplification to go loud. Pretty good isolation too whiuch is important because I don't want to be disturbing people on the trains.

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