I recently discovered (the hard way) that Vodafone stores have a policy of not allowing the return of faulty phones. In my case I tried to get it working with the assistance of various Vodafone customer service, technical support and store staff without any luck. On the third day I attempted to return it, detailing the problems I had encountered and the steps I had taken to try and remedy them. I was then told that faulty goods could not be returned at any time.

Obviously I'm taking further action as I believe that the law rather than Vodafone store policy takes priority. The point of this post is to let you know what you're in for if your phone does not work. I'm facing the prospect of legal action just to return a handset with a documented fault, so bear their store policy in mind.

Any number of other retailers will allow returns even if you just change your mind let alone in cases where the goods are faulty. So give Vodafone stores a wide berth if you like being able to return items you just bought that don't work.

Edit: I sent a detailed description of the situation off to a consumer affairs program. I've been contacted by a researcher who seemed quite shall I say skeptical that Vodafone are actually trying to carry out such a policy. So if anyone else has encountered this situation, email Watchdog and give the details of your case and how it was resolved.