Braun UK Radio Controlled Clock

Just wanted to get an opinion on a small situation I've found myself in

Like most people over the Black Friday sales, I went looking for a few bargains and found one with Braun UK
They were offering 60% off the clocks and all import duties paid, so I bought four of them with two been "radio controlled"

My issue is with the two radio controlled clocks which when they connect to the radio signal in Frankfurt are showing CET and not GMT
I contacted Braun UK about a work around for this and was informed that for one of the clocks I could off place the hour hand by removing it and replacing it minus 1 hour but that I couldn't do this with the second clock as the hands are totally concealed and will always reset to CET everyday

I contacted them again about returning the second clock as it was not fit for purpose in an Irish or even UK market and I was informed that they would indeed organise a refund for the clock but as "I ordered the wrong clock" I would have to organise and pay for the return postage

So I'm wondering if this is correct that I should have to pay for the return postage or do I have any recourse through "charge back" or "small claims court"??

The clock for reference

Can you post a link to the wrong clock on their web-site?

Within the EU, if the goods aren't faulty the supplier is entitled to charge for shipping, you have less protection when shopping from the UK now but it's reasonable to assume the same applies.

You would have a stronger case if the description of the goods was misleading or inaccurate. The description of the clock that link resolves to does not mention that it is radio controlled though, is that the right one?

"Not burdened with non-essentials" like telling the correct time.

Leo said:

The description of the clock that link resolves to does not mention that it is radio controlled though, is that the right one?

Click to expand...

At the bottom of the linked page is another link to the page for the "BC26 Braun analogue european radio controlled wall clock". The description for that clock specifies Central European Time, and specifically states that the clock is not suitable for use in the UK and Ireland.

So, if that's the clock the OP bought, and it was bought through that site, the OP is out of luck. The clock is fit for purpose and matches description; Braun isn't required to take it back at all. If they agree to take it back provided the OP covers shipping, the OP should jump at that. Or send the clock as a Christmas present to a friend in central Europe.

Whoops a daisy, seems like I've made a mistake here

The clock I actually ordered

I'm almost sure that the second paragraph about "DCF (GMT+1) signal Radio Controlled movement for Central European Time Zone" was not there a week ago but I can't be sure so will have to chalk this up to a "senior moment"

But thankfully I now also notice that there is actually a work around which the Braun representative failed to mention
That the radio controlled signal can be switched off and the clock can be set manually

Many apologies to those that took the time to read and reply and to those that come across this thread in the future

Hey man, as Marge Simpson has been known to say from time to time, "Even Homer nods"

I checked the Wayback Machine but unfortunately they don't have a recent snapshot of that page. The page now clearly states all deliveries are duty unpaid rather than the duty paid option you availed of, so certainly that aspect has changed.

mathepac said:

Hey man, as Marge Simpson has been known to say from time to time, "Even Homer nods"

Click to expand...

Yeah but sometimes I do shake my head and wonder how did I make that mistake when it was there in black and white
Me thinks a visit to Specsavers might be in order

Leo said:

The page now clearly states all deliveries are duty unpaid rather than the duty paid option you availed of, so certainly that aspect has changed.

Click to expand...

From Braun's website
"Outside of the UK & EU, orders are shipped from the UK on a DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) basis. This means that any outstanding import duties, clearance fees, brokerage fees or any other additional charges are the responsibility of our customer and have to be paid on delivery of your order"

Now I was expecting to pay import duties and additional VAT as I was only charged 20% but am now thinking that I just got lucky and my order magically just skipped by customs as duty paid

TomEdison said:

If they agree to take it back provided the OP covers shipping, the OP should jump at that. Or send the clock as a Christmas present to a friend in central Europe.

Click to expand...

Braun and most online retailers allow for returns of unwanted goods or in my case an "Idiot" purchase
but the purchaser will incur the cost of returning the item to get their refund
In this case the clock cost me €34 but according to An Post to return by insured post is going to cost me €20 for a 2Kg packet, more if they class it as a parcel so I'm thinking it's not worth the hassle and will either try to resell it or PIO it

And finally even though the product listing on the website says
"The radio controlled function can be switched off and the clock can be manually set for use in those countries where the radio controlled signal cannot be registered by the clock."
I've been informed by Braun customer service that
"The radio control function cannot be permanently disabled, but the clock can be set manually which will then automatically deactivate Radio Control reception. However as we are close to the Frankfurt when the signal is transmitted the clock will automatically update to CET time."