How to Make Returns

With a surge in retail fraud, many stores are tightening up on their return policies. Stores are not legally bound to accept returns unless a product was defective or falsely advertised. The lesson? Know the store's policy before you buy, be courteous, don't expect something you're not entitled to, and hold on to those receipts.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Present the item in its original packaging, with the receipt and the credit card number, if any, used in the purchase. Most stores require that returns be made within 30 days, though some allow 90 days.

2. Go to the customer service counter or to a cashier. Early mornings are a good time to make returns. Tell the person behind the counter that you'd like to make a return. Provide a short explanation if necessary.

3. Expect to receive cash or have a credit applied to your credit card account. To reduce fraud, some retailers will send a check instead of providing cash. And some will only give a store credit.

4. Suggest an exchange for a product of equal value if the salesperson refuses an outright return. Be patient with the employees. Being aggressive is unlikely to help. Most salespeople know that a happy customer is good for them and, therefore, will find a way to make you happy, if they possibly can.

5. Asking to speak to a manager or supervisor may be necessary but may anger the salesperson. As a first attempt, try something like "I understand your hands are tied. Is there someone else that I can talk to?"

6. Be prepared to give up on an attempt if you meet unreasonable resistance. Try to come back when more knowledgeable staff are on hand. Do not make insults or threats as this will prejudice future negotiations against you.

Tips & Warnings

• If a product is defective or was falsely advertised and the store refuses to take it back, file a complaint with the local branch of the Better Business Bureau or your state's consumer rights department.
• If you are returning to a store that has many "seasons" and you don't have a receipt, you may only get a merchandise credit for the sale price of the item, which may be much less than you paid. This is a frequent issue with stores that have five to six seasons per year and do heavy markdowns to move merchandise.

[BPH19]

on 1/4/2009 I totally agree with the last comment, late is better. Also i think that the last few steps would anger whoever you're speaking to anyway.

on 1/25/2006 Do not be rude to customer service person. Remember, they are just following their company policies. If you are not satisfied with their response, kindly ask to talk to a manager. If the manager does not help you to your satisfaction, make a mental note of their names, go home and call the company's main office.

on 1/25/2006 When making a return look for the Service Desk first. In most stores with a Service Desk, the cashiers are unable to make returns due to lack of knowledge or lack of permissions set. Most cashiers will redirect you to the Service Desk anyway.

on 1/25/2006 A minor does not have legal capacity to contract for items in any state. So, if you think you may have to return an item to a store that does not accept returns, use the child's debit card or check to purchase the item. The child can then legally void the contract at any time by returning it, even if it is broken or damaged. They can't fight you on this; the contract was not valid in the first place.

on 1/25/2006 I have had defective hardware that Office Max refused to take back, and what's worse is it was not under warranty (as I was lead to believe). Even though I had past the date for their return policy, I was able to get results by being polite to the manager I was speaking with. He offered store credit, but I wanted to take my money elsewhere. I then went to the District Manager who heard my complaint and quickly made a call to the local branch to have them refund my money in full.