Don't Get Caught Holding the Gift

It happens every year. A gift is the wrong size or color. Or it's a duplicate. The Better Business Bureau offers these tips on returning gifts.

“Consumers should know that in the state of Georgia companies are allowed to establish their own policies regarding refunds, exchanges and store credits,” according to A BBB press release reads.

“In many firms, no such policies exist. No company is required by law to allow a customer the right to return or exchange merchandise no matter when it was purchased. The only exceptions to this rule are items that are misrepresented or defective. The laws in all states require a store to make good in such cases.”

BBB officials said current regulations do not require a store to post policies or put the information on the receipt. It is therefore the shopper’s responsibility to find out each store’s policies regarding refunds, exchanges and store credits. Policies for refunds and exchanges are voluntarily adopted to provide better customer service and not because a store is required by law. 

1. Save the receipt! Even if the store does not have a return policy, this information may be needed for warranty repair or to verify payment.
2. Find out each store’s policy regarding refunds, exchanges and store credits. Do not assume you have the right to return items just because it is not posted or no one has said otherwise.
3. If refunds or exchanges are allowed, find out the following:

• Is there a specific time period in which items may be returned?
• Must the item(s) be in the original packaging?
• Will there be a restocking fee if you change your mind?
• Can you return the item to another location of the store (this is especially important if the gift recipient is out of state)?
• Will the store give money back or will you be required to make an exchange or receive a store credit?

Don’t get caught “holding the gift” after a purchase. Know your rights and each store’s policies. Understand it is your responsibility to determine a store’s policies regarding refunds and your right to shop elsewhere if a particular store’s policies don’t fit your needs.

Before doing business with any company, you can check out their report at bbb.org.