Bad Luck Continues...

thelewisgang | 15:30 Sun 18th May 2025 | Shopping & Style

31 Answers

This is just incredible...As some of you recently read, especially Barry 1010, I had problems returning a combi microwave to Lidl when it was not as described. I finally got my refund a few days ago but that left me trying to search for another. I decided, after lots of research, to buy a Sharp, ordered it with Argos for collection yesterday.

A staff member put it in my car, huge box, and I left it there until some invited friends arrived. They carried it in, we unpacked it & put it on the worktop. Straight away, something didn't look right but we were all going out for dinner so decided to leave it till today. That is when my suspicions were right.

On the Argos website it states the width is 36.2cm which was ideal for where it was going to sit. Unfortunately, they had made an error & the true measurement is 53.4cm.

When I looked at the Quick Start Guide provided, it states a minimum space of 20cm is required between the sides of the microwave & any adjacent walls or objects. This wasn't possible on one side with the correct width. This information was not stated on Argos listing/website either.

There is no way I can possibly lift it/take it to my car to return it as it weighs 20kg (I am in my late 70's). The friends who helped me went home last night & they live 30 miles away so will be unable to assist.

My only option is to pay someone to help me but that will cost quite a bit I am sure & why should I be out of pocket for no fault of my own. I am going to ring Argos customer service in the morning to see what they say.

Just to add, I do have the box 🙂 but again, like the Lidl purchase, it had to be broken down to be removed. The polystyrene packaging was mostly broken so that is of no use now. Oh heck, I could really do without all this hassle

My Mum Criticises My Clothes

Quite Surprised By This

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barry1010

What a carry on!

Don't worry about the packaging, you are not returning it because you've simply changed your mind.

I hope Argos is more helpful than Lidl.

I suggest you buy your next oven from Amazon (but not some seller you've never heard of).

When I recently had to return an item Amazon arranged the free collection and the money was in my account within an hour of the collection. I didn't have the packaging.

Third time lucky, hopefully.

naomi24

Do you not have a neighbour who might help you with it? Perhaps take it back for you?

barry1010

Whereabouts do you live?

thelewisgang

Question Author

I haven't lived here that long & I either have very young people or elderly, like me. Goodness knows how I will get it back to the store. I live in Lincolnshire Barry1010.

naomi24

If you ring AgeUK they may have a volunteer to help you.

Prudie

When you call Argos tell them the dimensions online are incorrect and someone has also raised this in their online questions only this month. If it's the Sharp Combi it lists the dimensions as:

Size H30, W36.2, D53.9cm.

This is obviously an error because the width of microwaves are never less than the depth. The question and answer is:

Qurstion: External dimensions don't match etc

Answer: Our supplier has advised that the external Sharp 1000W Combination Microwave YC-PC322AU-S - Silver dimensions are Width – 539mm, Height – 300mm, Depth – 545mm.

This is full on a mistake by Argos and they should collect it for free. The item is not sold as described.

barry1010

Lincolnshire's a bit of a stretch for me, sadly.

Hazlinny

Yes, ring Argos - surely they will be able to help ..

How do I return a home delivered item, or product I collected in store

If you've changed your mind and need to return an item or order, you have 30 days from the date of collection or delivery date to return your item(s).

Small home delivered items can be returned to an Argos store, or you can contact us via live chat, to arrange an exchange or collection.

Rosie29

If the problem is Argos making a mistake with measurements - isnt it their responsibiliti to give you what you tjought you were getting.

If its over £100 i should explIn this to your bank. If you paid by credit card you may be entitled to a charge back under Section 75.

Good luck

barry1010

No need for a chargeback, Argos will refund.

naomi24

Hazlinny seems to have sorted it. Argos can arrange collection.

wolf63

It's possible that Argos will let you keep the 'wrong' microwave and give you one that will be suitable.

Depending on the price, it might be cheaper for them to do this than send someone to collect the 'wrong' one.

thelewisgang

Question Author

I have just spoken to Argos customer service as I realised they are there 7 days a week. First person I spoke to transferred me to another so I had to repeat everything again. Unfortunately, this person had a strong foreign accent so he wasn't easy to understand. After leaving me on hold for ages, he said as it was a store collection purchase (I paid cash too) they could not arrange for a collection. I explained over & over again, repeating myself when he hadn't grasped what I had already said. The only option I said was for me to ask on social media for help but that will cost money. He has told me compensation would be given for this & he has made a note of the store & item purchased. Here's hoping! I really do not need this stress!

barry1010

Try again tomorrow, over the phone. You will hopefully get a more helpful call handler.

In the meantime, try and think if there is any neighbour that can spare you five minutes to load your car. Most people are happy to help with little jobs like that.

Remember, you don't have to return it immediately. If you have a window cleaner, gardener, anyone who would give you a hand due to visit, it can wait a short while.

barry1010

Any update?

thelewisgang

Question Author

Hi Barry. Well, "maybe" I am getting somewhere! I went into Argos this morning as I was in town. I had been told during the phone call I made to their so-called customer service yesterday they would inform the store I would be returning it. I was told nobody had been in touch about my return. When I got home, I rang customer service again & like yesterday, I was passed from one person to another & got nowhere. I stressed again their advert online was still showing the wrong size & this needed to be urgently changed as another person could be affected, like me. I was told it was the manufacturer that writes the information not Argos! Before the call ended, I asked for the address or email of their head office so I could make a complaint. They refused to give it to me. A near neighbour has kindly put it in my car for me this evening & through a plea on social media, I am meeting someone at the store tomorrow afternoon who will help me lift it out of my car onto one of the small trollies so I can wheel it into Argos. When I asked about compensation so I can give the person who is kindly helping me tomorrow a small token of thanks, he said this is at the discretion of each store. The assistant there today said they do not offer any compensation. What an absolute shambles they are. I will be actively looking for their head office contact details in the next couple of days.

I hope to order another combi microwave tomorrow, 3rd time lucky I am hoping from Amazon or John Lewis. I need to read up about a couple I have seen. Most certainly won't be Haden or Sharp!