If there is a clear reluctance in many people when it comes to buying a mobile online, this has to do with the possible obstacles or inconveniences when it comes time for a possible return . Physical stores continue to generate confidence, closeness and comfort in some cases, to be able to go down with the product and make a return on-site. But when we want to return a mobile bought on the manufacturer’s website, the process changes radically. However, do not be afraid, since the procedure is well indicated and is not complicated at all.
Virtually all manufacturers have their own online store to purchase products. Some more discreetly than others so as not to harm their distributors, buying a mobile phone from Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme, OPPO, Huawei, Nokia, Alcatel or Motorola, it is possible within these payment gateways that will send the mobile home to us at few days prior payment. But what if something goes wrong and we want to return it?
The return process
The good news is that the return process is similar in all brands, which in turn have to be governed by current law that defends consumer rights. However, the first thing that we will have to have on hand is the contact of the Technical Service of our brand, since obviously the way to contact each one is different. Once we have contacted the manufacturer to request the return of the product through official channels, we will have to take into account several aspects.
Get RMA
This is the return code that the brand will provide us with. All product returns require a return merchandise authorization number (RMA) , which will serve to control the return and essential to proceed with it. After contacting the brand and before returning the product, they will provide us with this code.
Prepare the mobile
Once we have the RMA, the manufacturer will send us a collection email . We can go to the nearest post office or receive a visit from a courier, something that will be specified to us. Before returning the mobile it will be very important:
- Pack the mobile correctly with box and accessories
- Delete all data or make a backup beforehand
- Use shipping code to track shipment status
And the shipping costs?
Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, return shipping costs may be deducted from our refund, if it is a return for a defective product that turns on and functions properly after inspection. In addition and unless once again , the particular conditions of each brand indicate otherwise, it is necessary to differentiate between the return policies for reimbursement and for replacement. These are usually governed by standard return policies, which set a deadline within the first 15 calendar days, from the invoice date or the delivery date, whichever is later.
Returns that can be rejected
However, the brand can also reject some returns, even if we have the purchase receipt and everything seems in order. There are several fundamental aspects that if they are not fulfilled, the return could be rejected . The most important are the following:
- Phones not purchased on the manufacturer’s website
- Any mobile with a missing, damaged, altered or illegible IMEI, or without the serial number label, manufacturer model or part number label.
- A return without the original packaging and accessories, including the box, manuals, cables, as well as all other items originally included with the terminal.
- If the mobile has physical damage.
- If the mobile shows clear signs of internal manipulation, personalization or has been altered in any way to its original state.