CHARLESTON, WV (WVDN) — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey reminds consumers to know what the return policies are when buying holiday gifts.
The advice comes as part of the Attorney General’s Holiday Consumer Protection Week.
“Whether you’re shopping by catalog, online or in-person at a brick-and-mortar store, make sure you check the listed return policy or ask the store associate what the return policy at that store is,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “Knowing a store’s return policy can save a lot of time and potential headaches. You don’t want to miss the return window or be caught off guard by any surprising return conditions.”
A purchase or gift receipt will expedite the process and ensure the person you are giving the gift to receives the full purchase value should the present need to be returned. Some stores may only offer in-store credit or a gift card for returns without a receipt.
Additionally, many retailers offer both an online outlet and a physical store. This means consumers, at times, may only be able to return an online purchase to the online store, which could leave the recipient responsible for shipping fees with any return.
Tips to help make holiday returns run smoother:
- Find out what the store policies are. Ask if there is a restocking fee. Confirm whether the store offers full refunds or store credit. Some stores post their policies at the check-out counter or on the receipts. If the policy isn’t in view, ask a sales associate or look it up online before making your purchase.
- Know that online and in-person purchases may have different return policies. Depending on the store and its policies, shoppers may only be able to return an online purchase to the online store, which could leave the recipient responsible for shipping fees with any return.
- Get details on warranties. Many large-ticket items such as electronics or appliances come with manufacturer warranties. Ask how the store handles repairs or replacements if the item is defective. Will the store handle these situations, or do you need to deal with manufacturer directly?
- Use credit cards for extra protection. Paying for your holiday gifts with credit cards may offer additional protections from your credit card company.
- Keep your receipt and packaging. Many stores only accept returns and exchanges only if you have the original packaging and purchase or gift receipt.
These tips can help shoppers and gift recipients enjoy a holly jolly season of gifting.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-368-8808 or file a complaint online at www.ago.wv.gov.
