I ordered an item worth £336. The item arrived but was not usable so I returned it. I ordered a similar but different make, so I have in effect bought two machines. They refunded the money to an online Amazon GIFT CARD, meaning they were holding the money in credit.I was not told this, and so I was waiting for the money to be refunded to my credit card, not knowing it had been credited as a Gift Card. Whilst I was waiting I ordered other small items, Unbeknown to me these items were deducted from my Gift Card balance.When I spoke to Amazon this morning, they said that because my last purchase was "paid for" from my Gift Card fund, they can no longer refund me the balance other than for it to be used against future purchases. Having a substantial credit with Amazon means that a) I am without the money in my bank account. b) I have to use it up through future purchases c) it will take me considerably longer than a year to use up the credit during which time I am without the funds and Amazon is gaining interest on it.I now want to close my account, but in so doing I was told that they would still not be able to refund the balance - in short I would be making a gift of £296 to Amazon!!!!As far as I can determine that is against UK law, and I will be seeking ways of using social media, Trading Standards and other avenues to bring this shady and dishonest business practice to the public's attention
