Whether you’ve got a gift you don’t like or bought something out of impulse without really needing it, use these 8 tips to increase your chances to get all of your money back.
The world is full of shopaholics. I am one of them. It makes me happy just thinking about buying something new, yet it is horrifying when something I buy doesn’t look good on me. It happens more than you’d think.
When that happens, make sure you know all the secrets when it comes to the return and refund policy. Here are 8 tips you must remember if you want to get your money back!
Do your research
Firstly, do some research on your own and try to find out as much information as you can about the return policy. As you may know, every store has its own return and exchange policy.
Trae Bodge, an expert that teaches us to shop smart, says it’s necessary to familiarize yourself with a store’s individual policy since every store has it’s own anyway.
In the US, there isn’t a federal law that enquires stores to give customers their money back, so, the return policies are different and vary by store. While there are stores that are more likely to give you your money back, others will give you a store credit or the opportunity to choose a replacement for the item.
You should keep an open mind about what you’ll get for your return. Also, the next time you go and ask for a refund, try these tips & tricks that will surely improve your chances of getting back your money. One last thing, try to shop more at the stores that have the absolute best return policies.
Faulty item?
If by chance you buy something and you notice only later that it is defective, make sure to inform them about this error.
Most of the retailers out there will offer you a full refund if you’ve purchased a defective item. If your item is broken or doesn’t work properly or not at all, you’re well within your rights to request a refund. This applies only if you’re not the one responsible for the damage, of course!
Before you head to the store, take a picture of the item just in case you will need proof that your product is, in fact, faulty. Be aware, though: There are some things that stores just won’t or can’t take back no matter how hard you’ll try.
Don’t wait too long
Most stores have a return policy that applies within a limited period of time. If you pass that period of time, you’ll miss your chance of getting your money back.
So, in this situation, it is important not to waste time. If you need to return an item, make the time to go to the store and try to get that money back as soon as possible: “The more time you give the merchant to re-sell the item, the better,” says Bodge.
Keep the tags on and have the receipt
If the item you’re returning has all the tags on and you kept the receipt, the process will be a lot easier for sure. If by any chance you lost the receipt, do not worry because there is a good chance that you can still get your money back.
There are stores that will give you a refund without having the receipt because let’s face it, most of us will forget where we put it or lose it. In order to get your money back, you need to show them proof of purchase, such as your credit card statement that proves you bought that item.
Also, bring with you the packaging that came with the item and the credit card you used for paying for it. Having all these things will most likely get you your money back.
There are some cases that won’t let you have your money back without a receipt but will give you store credit instead of cash. I guess this is also alright because it gives you the opportunity to get something else that you like from that store.
Online purchase
Every online store offers you the information you need in case you will have to return an item. For example, if you bought something off Amazon, and that item is faulty or defective, visit their site and go to Online Return Center.
Many online stores give you the right to send back a damaged item within 30 days since the day of shipment. Of course, there are some items that can’t be returned through Amazon, such as groceries or gift cards, but you have the option of sending them back and getting a refund instead.
With all that being said, Amazon recommends trying to get in touch with the manufacturer if you’re trying to return the item after the period of 30 days has passed, or if the item came with missing or broken parts.
Just like Amazon, eBay has a similar policy. If your purchase arrived damaged or faulty, eBay’s Money Back Guarantee gives you the opportunity you to get your money back, even if the seller says they don’t accept returns.
Be persistent
“Don’t take no for an answer,” says Bodge.
“If the representative gives you information about your return that you feel is unfair, ask to speak to a manager.”
You probably know already that most of the time the retailer is usually grumpy and won’t be happy about you wanting to return an item because it gives them more work and papers to do.
Try to avoid the times when the stores are very busy, and go at an hour when there aren’t many costumers. If you can’t do that, be prepared to wait a little longer and don’t forget to be persistent.
“The busier the store is, the longer the line. And the longer the line, the more likely it is that the representative will be feeling overwhelmed” says Bodge.
Try to be respectful and don’t be a jerk
On old saying is very suitable for this situation “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar”.
I know that something retailers are hard to deal with and you may lose your patience, but trust me, being a jerk won’t get you anywhere.
Remember that sellers have a very hard job, dealing with so many people every day is not as easy as you may think, so the last thing they need is another costumer with anger issues.
Consider selling it online
If you’re a lazy person and don’t like to wait in line, or the store won’t take your item back, selling it online is the best option for you.
This way you’ll avoid being stuck with an item you don’t use and you’ll also get all of the money or a considerable part back.
“There’s Amazon Marketplace, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Poshmark for clothing…to name a few” says Bodge.
