Part II of Making holiday returns easier
Thanks to those good folks over at Consumer World, here are some tips to avoid some return headaches:
To improve your chances of getting a full refund, provide a sales slip or gift receipt, and return the item in new condition, unopened, and with all original packaging material. Returns without a receipt are subject to the retailer's posted return policy, which might result in receiving only a merchandise credit for the lowest price the item has sold for in recent weeks, or possibly no refund or exchange at all.
If the item to be returned is defective, some states such as Massachusetts, require the store to give the consumer his/her choice of one of the three "R's": repair, replacement or refund, irrespective of the store's posted return policy.
Consumers who have a problem returning a gift, should first contact the store manager or customer service department of the retailer. If a satisfactory resolution is not obtained, then a complaint can be filed with the state Attorney General's office or local consumer agency.
And if you're looking for a list of some retailers who relax their regular return deadlines at holiday time by extending the return period into January, CW says:
Amazon.com Jan. 31 (most items shipped 11/01 through 12/31). 15% restocking fee on open computers. Additional rules may apply.
Best Buy January 31 for purchases November 1 or later; 15% restocking fees on certain opened items.
Circuit City January 25 most items; Jan. 8 for 14 day items including computers; some 15% restocking fees.
Costco No deadline (but 90 days for TVs, computers, cameras, port. music players, cell, projectors)
Kohl's No deadline (with receipt)
Macys.com 180 days from purchase; 25% restocking fee on furniture.
Marshalls January 5 (for purchases Oct. 28 - Dec. 5).
Office Depot By January 25 for furniture and technology purchased November 15 or later.
Overstock.com By January 10 for items purchased November 1 or later. Fees apply if opened or used.
Sears 90 days; 30 days home electronics, mattresses; 15% restocking fee in many categories.
Staples No deadline for office supplies. (January 6 for electronics & furniture bought since Nov. 23)
TJ Maxx January 5 (for purchases Oct. 28 - Dec. 5).
Target 90 days from purchase (15% restocking fee on portable electronics, digital cameras, camcorders; specially marked clearance items only qualify for current sale price).
Toys R Us 90 days (45 days for unopened electronics, video products, collectibles, more). For online orders, postmark by January 4th.
Wal-Mart 90 days (15 days [PCs, portable players], 30 days [cameras], or 45 days [PC accessories.])
Consumer rights vary from state to state with respect to product returns. Generally speaking, a store can set up any return policy it wants, whether it is "all sales final", "merchandise credit only", or "all returns in 30 days". Most states require the policy to be clearly disclosed to the buyer prior to purchase, usually by means of a conspicuous sign. Some states do not consider a disclosure that only appears on the sales receipt to meet this requirement. It is not unreasonable, however, to require customers to provide a sales slip or gift receipt to establish where and when the item was purchased, and at what price.
A native of Vietnam, 