Fighting Fraud
By Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
You do your best. But once the holidays are over, you may discover you got your children or grandchildren the wrong toy as a gift. Or you may need to return the “ugly” sweater your family gifted you. Though most retailers do offer refunds and exchanges, policies can vary from one store to another.
Make sure your returns and exchanges go smoothly this holiday by following these tips:
- Know store policies. Even before you make a holiday purchase, ask about the store’s refund and exchange policy. Also, ask if there is a restocking fee, do they offer cash refunds, exchanges, or only store credit, how long you have to return your items, etc.
- Understand online store return policies. Before clicking “checkout,” search and read the seller’s return policy. Determine if they accept returns or exchanges, who pays the shipping fees when an item is returned, and if there is more than one way to return the item such as in-store, online, or at a dropbox.
- Get the details on a product’s warranty. Most electronics and home appliances come with warranties that are to be fulfilled by the manufacturer, not the retailer. Find out how returns and repairs are handled if an item stops working or needs replacement parts. Ask if the retailer ships the item to the manufacturer for you? Or will you need to deal with the manufacturer directly?
- Keep your receipt and packaging. Many stores will only accept returns and exchanges if you have the receipt and original packaging/packing materials.
- Bring your ID. Sometimes retailers require you to bring your ID and the original form of payment in order to avoid holiday return scams.
- Don’t wait to make your returns. Most company return policies are valid during a specific time period. Be sure to double-check return policies during the holidays. Some companies alter their return policies during the holidays.
Questions? Reach out to your BBB at 216.413.5232 or email [email protected]. For more news and tips visit BBB.org.
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