Is there any way around the "returns period" for an online retailer?
I want to return a pair of faulty headphones bought from Play.com as a Christmas present, however I'm unable to as you can only return an item in the 28 days after purchase - even if faulty! Is there any way around this? It seems pretty unfair as I'd be able to return the item now to a shop so why should it be any different on the internet. If not I'll have to get it repaired via the manufacturer's warranty.
Can't you take something back if it is unfit for purpose within six months? I think I read that somewhere...ÿ
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I may be talking rubbish though.ÿ
This is covered by the Sale of Goods Act - see here - particularly the answer to Q2 'Do I only have rights for 30 [or some other number] days after purchase?'
Contact Play.com and ask them to arrange collection of the old headphones and delivery of a new set (or a repair if that is feasible). They have a legal obligation under the Sale of Goods Act to do this, so it should be fairly easy to insist on this. If the manufacturer repairs/replaces them directly, you'll likely have to pay shipping costs in both directions. Get on to Play, they are trying to pull a fast one, the reference to 28 day return period is irrelevent and not legal.
Under the Distance Selling Regulations 2000, if the item is faulty, you should be able to claim for a full exchange for 6 months from date of purchase, provided of course that you kept your receipt or invoice.
Ok, thanks for all the help. I've sent them an email quoting from the Sale of Goods Act and requesting either a refund, replacement or repair from them.
And yes, I do have the invoice 
Legally, it's the seller's responsibility and NOT the manufacturer's. Whether or not they get the manufacturer to repair them is up to them, but if Play sold them then Play have to deal with any problems. Mind you, I don't think they're obliged to refund/replace them, unless the item is beyond repair.