CJAD 800Am at 8:40am: Returning Gifts
Q1 – Can I just expect to be able to just return a gift?
A purchase is like a contract you have made with a store. If they choose to change the terms, it is solely up to each business and not a consumer law. Don’t assume when you buy something you can just return it.
Q2 – So they don’t have to take it back?
They can choose to offer an exchange policy, a store refund, a one week or one month return allowance or none at all- a final sale.
Q3 – How can the customer know this? Are there any rules that a store must follow for returns policies?
– Posting information near the cash register or stamped on the receipt itself
– Ask the store what the policy is. Often after Christmas, there’s more leniency and some stores even have a stamp that they put on your receipt that allows gift recipient to return something months later if you were an early shopper.
Q4 – What if it’s broken?
A defective product has to be returned to the manufacturer and it depends on the retailer’s policy who gets to return it. It is up to you to find out if you or they have to do this (preferably when you buy it).
Q5 – Any other important suggestions?
Make sure you are talking to the person that has the authority to remedy the situation. A spoonful of sugar really helps, so don’t be rude or super aggressive which will only turn them off.