Here is the short version.

I bought some foldable ladders online from Thai#####u. They were dangerous. After about 30 minutes of use the hinges started to slip open, so I initiated the return policy. This must be done online as it was an online purchase. I filled in the details including the account number for the refund and waited for approval. This came in about an hour with a note asking to select home pick up or drop off at the store. I chose the latter.

I got to the store and told the young lady I am dropping these off for return as per the instructions in the app. This is when it got messy! The service desk started asking for my receipt, my ID, my bank book... I politly informed them that I already had approval for the return as i had supplied the necessary information in the app and showed them the return approval asking for me to drop the items at the store only. No, they wanted to start a new in store return and needed all of my original documents to issue a credit note! After trying to explain their own store return policy, I asked for the manager. I got an assistant, who was no help and though I should start another in store return.

Anyway, I told them I am not going home to get my original documents and asked them to take a picture of my return approval in the app. I gave them my number and asked the manager to call me if there was a problem. By the time I got home, the app status had updated to the final step "wait for payment 10-14 days".

Returning on Shopee and Lazada is far simpler.

I did a return with Adidas online PITA, another one Decathlon online PITA

Edited May 30May 30 by scubascuba3

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

Returning on Shopee and Lazada is far simpler.

Yes. I prefer to order/return online to avoid any kind of human interaction as I find this is usually less stressful.

Why order something with any intention of return. If you don't 100% want something don't order it.

26 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

Why order something with any intention of return. If you don't 100% want something don't order it.

What if it's faulty or not as described in the listing?

10 minutes ago, treetops said:

What if it's faulty or not as described in the listing?

Some of that is down to due diligence and buyer beware. That and not buying anything on line the price of which you can't afford to write-off.

The whole return/refund thing smacks of impulse buying and not being responsible for one's own decisions.

The OP went back to the store to return his ladder. No mention of him going to the store in the first place to physically check out the ladder quality before purchasing it.

1 minute ago, VocalNeal said:

Some of that is down to due diligence and buyer beware. That and not buying anything on line the price of which you can't afford to write-off.

The whole return/refund thing smacks of impulse buying and not being responsible for one's own decisions.

The OP went back to the store to return his ladder. No mention of him going to the store in the first place to physically check out the ladder quality before purchasing it.

All true, but as you say "some of that" not all, and that's where my previous response to your statement comes in.

4 hours ago, stubuzz said:

I bought some foldable ladders online from Thai#####u

I have always found the staff professional and products sold at Thaiwatsadu very good.

I've never had any issues.

I like their early opening hours, I can squeeze in a couple of beers before store opens 🍺

Edited May 30May 30 by SAFETY FIRST

1 hour ago, VocalNeal said:

The OP went back to the store to return his ladder. No mention of him going to the store in the first place to physically check out the ladder quality before purchasing it.

It was ordered online and picked up in store. However, when it was extended and used, the hinge lock did not hold and slipped open with a loud crack! Not sure they let you test out ladders in store, but i could be wrong.

Anyway, I still need ladders if anyone has a recommendation. I like the wide footings on this model.

Edited May 30May 30 by stubuzz
Add extra

Yeah OK I understand the choosing and delivery factor.

Those ratchet type ladders have to be positioned the right way around when climbing. The joint has to be closing or unfolding when stood on or you put weight on the pivot. You should not rely on the ratchet mechanism to support weight. That way even if it move on more tooth on the ratchet it will not collapse.

I borrowed one one time but it was too wide to fit between the house and the gazebo-like roof so I still have not seen into the guttering.555

I have purchased a three piece folding ladder from them in store (not the same as your photo). Never had a problem in any configuration so the above advice about positioning the ratchei is not necessary.

On 5/30/2026 at 2:40 PM, stubuzz said:

Anyway, I still need ladders if anyone has a recommendation. I like the wide footings on this model.

I have had this model, or one almost identical for probably about 12 years -

https://www.homepro.co.th/p/1061343?lang=en

If anything the ratchets have got a little stiff when trying to release them to open up. Even fully extended to lop some trees it never felt like it was going to collapse.

Edit - I think it also comes in smaller sizes.

Edited May 31May 31 by topt