Harvey Norman Returns - Not Fit for Purpose

treeman on 02/06/2017 - 11:54

Hi I purchased the Tomtom Cardio last night at Harvey Norman for $99.

I had a look at it, took it out of the packaging at the store, asked the salesman a few questions. He didn't really know a lot about the product but I assumed it was your standard fitness band with a few extras if you regularly attend the gym etc. I asked the salesman about a returns policy and he didn't really give me an answer as he said his manager will be changing next week so he can't say whether they will refund or not but definitely do a store credit so decided to take the risk.

Took it home to set up to realise it doesn't actually record steps only your fitness activity. So now this afternoon I am going to try to take it back. As far as I'm concerned it was not fit for the purpose I intended, does this allow me to return the product? Does anyone have any tips on what to say or will this not be enough and will I likely be subjected to a store credit….?

Any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks.

General Discussion

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Comments

  • R-Man on 02/06/2017 - 12:03
    +11

    Did the packaging and advertisement of the product suggest it tracks steps?

    I guess that's something you're supposed to check before you buy it. The product is fit for the purpose that it intended, just not the purpose you intended to use it for.

    This sounds like a change of mind return because the product works as described, so it might result in store credit. Definitely mention that the salesman was vague and not very knowledgeable and you'd like to get cash refund.

    • treeman on 02/06/2017 - 12:26
      +1

      In hindsight it probably doesn't, I just assumed it was a given considering every other fitness bad on the market I would assume would include some sort of step counter.

      Turns out I'm wrong. Probably because it's an old model.

      • kywst on 02/06/2017 - 13:55
        +1

        Turns out I'm wrong. Probably because it's an old model.

        Pedometers have been around far longer than fitness bands.

        • treeman on 02/06/2017 - 14:08

          Of course they have.

  • ThithLord on 02/06/2017 - 12:12
    +3

    Absolutely - any reasonable manager would see your case. If I were you, I would kick up a stink if they fob you off.

    Personally, I would have done my research beforehand, anyway.

    • treeman on 02/06/2017 - 12:24

      Yes I agree, I should have done my research better, but I researched many things about this watch but saw it as a given. My bad and if I have to ware the store credit I will.

  • smashed on 02/06/2017 - 12:14
    +1

    Is it this watch?

    www.harveynorman.com.au/tomtom-runner-cardio-watch-white-red…

    Did you ask if it counted steps?

    It is a runners watch and I wouldn't expect it count steps

    • treeman on 02/06/2017 - 12:23

      Yes that's the one.

      Thanks for the tip about it being a runners watch and therefore you would assume it would count steps.

      I'll try that if needs be.

      Will let everyone know how I go.

      • treeman on 02/06/2017 - 16:21

        Thanks again for the tip about the running bit. Gave me something clear to ask and it was an easy refund process.

        • treeman on 02/06/2017 - 19:47

          Just realised you said the opposite oh well worked either way.

  • tomsco on 02/06/2017 - 12:21
    +1

    That watch seems like good value for money - I've got the Forerunner 25 which has steps, but I don't care about that - only want a watch for GPS and HRM.

    • treeman on 02/06/2017 - 12:25

      Yes if it counted steps I would have been really happy with the purchase.

      • John Kimble on 02/06/2017 - 12:29

        Why do you need it to count steps?

        • treeman on 02/06/2017 - 12:31

          It's a feature I use to indicate my daily activity. I like to make sure I reach my daily 10,000.

        • John Kimble on 02/06/2017 - 12:39

          @treeman: My phone does it. Can't you use your phone?

        • treeman on 02/06/2017 - 12:41

          @John Kimble:

          True, I don't usually have my phone in my pocket at work.

        • ChillBro on 02/06/2017 - 15:30

          @John Kimble: using a smartphone kind of defeats the purpose of using a convenient fitness watch imo.

        • John Kimble on 02/06/2017 - 15:32

          @ChillBro: Fair point. I think most people can't put down their smartphones these days, so it is a viable option…especially for just a pedometer.

  • Almost Banned on 02/06/2017 - 12:38
    +3

    The product doesn't have to be fit for ANY purpose - just the purpose it is meant for (or has been represented to you it is for).
    Technically I don't think you have the RIGHT to a refund, but you might get one anyways if you handle it right.

  • dazweeja on 02/06/2017 - 12:54
    +2

    It must "be fit for the purpose the business told you it would be fit for and for any purpose that you made known to the business before purchasing".

    If it meets that criteria, you have a strong case to ask for a refund. If step-tracking was just something you had in your head and didn't confirm with Harvey Norman before the purchase, it would be up to the manager's discretion.

    Source: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees…

  • Randxyz123 on 02/06/2017 - 13:19
    +4

    If I'm honest you have no right to a refund. Everyone has a smart phone , Harvey Norman even sell computers so if that was a feature you wanted you really had no excuse to not look it up. Even the sales guy if he didn't know about it why didn't he find someone that did ?

    A good manager would do a store credit in this situation.

  • ihbh on 02/06/2017 - 13:28
    -1

    Sorry, but the error is on your part. You made an incorrect assumption. Did you not read the wording on the package? Be careful of confirmation bias (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias).

    The description says:

    GPS Running Watch with built-in Heart Rate Monitor*

    • Built-in Heart Rate Monitor
    • Run in your optimal heart rate zone
    • See real-time running information
    • Race your past performances
    • treeman on 02/06/2017 - 14:07

      Anyway will see what happens. Thanks for your thoughts on the matter.
      You will probably be right.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2017 - 14:39
    +1
    1. Never shop at Harvey Norman. Try to do a price match at a store that does no questions asked returns.
    2. Do a google search to find some software bugs for the device … every device has some bugs. This will be a better excuse for 'unfit for purpose', rather than missing a step counter.
  • godofpizza on 02/06/2017 - 15:14

    i don't like your chances of getting anything returned to HN, unless it was still sealed. but honestly it measures distance though.

  • treeman on 02/06/2017 - 16:20
    +1

    Well I have just returned and got the refund. Not sure if I got lucky or what but I just said it didn't count steps and one could assume it would considering it is a running smart watch and he pretty much did it no questions asked.

    The salesman mentioned last night he would have a new manager next week so maybe just maybe this manager didn't really give a crap as he was leaving so hence happy to do it considering it still looked sealed.

    Thanks for your help everyone.

  • TransportPosters on 03/06/2017 - 16:21

    If OfficeWorks will allow me to return a $1349 RRP Samsung S8+ within 14 days no questions asked, even if opened and used (but in new condition) then surely another big chain like Harvey Norman would allow the same for a $99 item.

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