How to Return Merchandise after the Retailer's Return Date

Instructions

1. How to Return Merchandise Past the Retailer's/e-tailers Return Date

2. Forget to return something and now the return date has passed? No problem. There are ways to successfully return a product after its return date.

3. Steps

4. 1. Check the Retailer's return policy.

5. Refer to your receipt for details pertaining to the retailer's return policy. Most retailers have a 30-day return policy from the date of purchase or the shipping date; however, you should check because, for instance, some e-tailers have a longer return policy.

6. 2. Find the Manufacturer's Return Policy.

7. If you are no longer in the time frame of the retailer's guaranteed return period, have no fear- most products are sold with a full manufacturer's warranty, which means you can return the product to the manufacturer. Manufacturers typically have longer return policy guarantees than retailers. To find out the manufacturer's return policy, you can do one of three things:

8.  Call the retailer you purchased the product from, and see if they know the manufacturer's return policy. Ask for the manufacturer's toll-free customer service number, so that you can call them directly for specific information pertaining to their return policy.

9.  Access the manufacturer's Website, and review their return policy on-line.

10.  Look up the manufacturer's customer service contact information in the Orange Pages at www.feedbackdirect.com, and contact them directly.

11. 3. Follow the Procedures Outlined in the Manufacturers Return Policy.

12. Once you have accessed the return policy, follow the procedures outlined in the policy. You may be required to fill out a form to receive a RMA # (Return Merchandise Authorization Number), assigned to you by the manufacturer, before the product can be returned.

13. 4. Keep Accurate Records.

14. Make sure that you keep accurate records of your correspondence with the manufacturer in regards to your return request. The manufacturer certainly has a more generous return policy, but they will hold you hostage to the time limit on their guarantee policy. You will want to make sure that you can prove to them when the item was purchased and when you began the return process itself.

15. Warnings

16. Be aware that you will most likely have to pick up all shipping and handling costs incurred during the Manufacturer's return process.