 List of Store Return Policies
10 US STORE RETURN POLICIES
What follows is a list of ten various popular stores in the US, and their respective return policies. Needless to say, the benefits of knowing the return policy before hand allow you to pick a prime target for a particular scam (such as the receipt scam). To find the return policy of a desired store, either browse their website (though take care to note that online merchandise return policies may vary from actual store return policies), or give the store a call. Feel free to add other return policies to this thread. (All policies were effective as of July 21, 2003, with the information gathered through the respective store website, receipt, or questioning of an employee).
Index of stores cited:
Barnes& Noble
Borders
Waldenbooks
Circuit City
Best Buy
Electronics Boutique
Target
Office Depot
Walmart
Tower Records
Bookstores
Barnes & Noble
Full refund issued [in the form of original payment] for new and unread books and unopened music within 30 days with a receipt from any Barnes & Noble store.
Store credit issued for new and unread books and unopened music after 30 days or without a sales receipt at lowest sale price.
On the store side, we have always had a lenient policy about taking books back from anywhere as long as they are in pristine condition. Mary Ellen Keating, a Barnes & Noble spokeswoman.
Borders
Merchandise presented for return, including sale or marked-down items, must be accompanied by the original Borders store receipt. Returns must be completed within 30 days of purchase. The purchase price will be refunded in the medium of purchase (cash, credit card or gift card). Items purchased by check may be returned for cash after 10 business days.
Merchandise unaccompanied by the original Borders store receipt, or presented for return beyond 30 days from date of purchase, must be carried by Borders at the time of the return. The lowest price offered for the item during the 12 month period prior to the return will be refunded via a gift card.
Opened videos, discs, and cassettes may only be exchanged for replacement copies of the original item.
Periodicals, newspapers, out-of-print, collectible and pre-owned items may not be returned.
Returned merchandise must be in saleable condition.
Waldenbooks
30 day Return Policy: Refund for merchandise in original condition with receipt. Merchandise returned without receipt may be exchanged or customer may receive store credit. Magazines are non-returnable.
Electronics
Circuit City
We want to make sure you're completely satisfied with anything you buy from us. Try it out for 30 days. If something's not right or you've simply changed your mind, please return it within that time so we can either exchange it or give you your money back. Since computer technology changes so quickly, we can only offer a 14-day tryout on PCs and related merchandise. For a full refund of a product, we'll need you to return the box, and packaging too.
Circuit City will exchange most items if returned with the original box, packaging, all manuals and accessories within 30 days of purchase. Circuit City will fully refund most items if returned with the original box, packaging, all manuals and accessories within 30 days of purchase.
Computers, monitors, printers, laptops, and related merchandise may be exchanged if returned with the original box, packaging, all manuals and accessories within 14 days. There is a 15% open box fee to exchange computers, monitors, printers, laptops, and related merchandise that is opened or in a non-factory-sealed box unless exchanged for the exact same item. Computers, monitors, printers, laptops, and related merchandise may be returned in an unopened, factory-sealed box within 14 days of purchase. There is a 15% open box fee to return computers, monitors, printers, laptops, and related merchandise that is opened or in a non-factory-sealed box.
Opened CDs, cassette tapes, prerecorded videos and computer-related software may only be exchanged for the exact same item. CDs, cassette tapes, prerecorded videos and computer-related software will only be refunded if returned in unopened, factory-sealed packaging.
Proof of purchase is required for all exchanges or refunds and merchandise must be in new condition, including box, packing, all manuals and accessories. The value of missing items and any applicable open box fee with be deducted from the credit amount of a return.
Best Buy
In order to keep our prices low, no returns or exchanges will be accepted beyond 14 or 30 days as appropriate.
If ANY item is returned with any of the original package contents missing, the full purchase price will not be refunded.
Your original receipt is required and a valid ID may be required for all returns, exchanges, price matches and warranty repair services.
Refunds of cash or check purchases over $100 will be issued by check from our corporate office within 14 business days of return.
Policy for Computers, Monitors, Printers, Notebook Computers, Camcorders, Digital Cameras and Radar Detectors:
Return items with a valid receipt, the original package and all package contents within 14 days for a refund or exchange. A 15% restocking fee will be charged on returns and exchanges of any opened notebook computer, camcorder, digital camera or radar detector, unless defective.
Policy for All Other Merchandise (see exceptions):
Return items with a valid receipt, the original package and all package contents within 30 days for a refund or exchange.
EXCEPTIONS to the 30-day policy:
Opened Computer Software
Opened Video Games
Opened Videos
Opened Music
You may exchange these items for the same title if the original is defective. We do not accept returns or exchanges on these items if opened and non-defective.
Electronics Boutique
Returns and exchanges of new and pre-owned merchandise will be accepted within 30 days.
Exceptions: Video games, computer games, video game systems, computer hardware, action figures and DVDs may NOT be returned if opened or unsealed and non-defective. You may exchange these items for the same item if the original is defective.
New merchandise must be returned or exchanged in new condition with all original packaging and contents. Pre-owned merchandise must be in the same condition and with the same packaging as when purchased.
A receipt is needed for any return.
Miscellanea
Target
General Policy on Returns: 90 + Days
If you're not satisfied with your Target purchase, just return it with a valid receipt as well as any parts and accessories within 90 days for a cash, check or credit refund.
For your protection, we'll ask you for identification to issue any refund.
*We reserve the right to deny a refund.We will double-check return package to make sure all parts are included
Electronics and Vacuums Policy:
Return items with a valid receipt, the original box, accessories and packing materials within 90 days for a refund or exchange.
We cannot issue refunds or exchanges without a receipt. When you return an electronics item or vacuum, we'll open your package to be sure all parts and accessories are included.
Music/Movies/Video Games Policy:
Return these items with a valid receipt, within 90 days in the original, unopened, factory-sealed packaging and we'll give you a refund or even exchange.
If an item has been opened you can exchange it for the exact item only.
Office Depot
OfficeDepot.com's return policy is the same as its retail outlets:
100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Return Policy
If you are dissatisfied with your purchase for any reason, return it within the applicable time frame, with your original receipt, packing slip, or e-mail confirmation to any of our stores or for delivery orders, call 1-800-GO-DEPOT (1-800-463-3768) to arrange free pick up. We will gladly refund your money, exchange the item, or issue you a credit within 30 days of purchase with the following exceptions:
Desktop computers, monitors, printers, scanners, faxes, digital cameras, handheld computers, and all-in-one machines must be returned in their original packaging and with all accessories within 14 days of purchase to qualify for a full refund, exchange or credit. Please note that Notebook PCs, LCD projectors, PDA?s, Digital Cameras and opened software with their original packaging and accessories cannot be returned, but, instead may only be exchanged for the same item within 14 days of purchase.
Return/exchange requests that do not qualify under Office Depot?s return policy might qualify for service or repair under the appropriate manufacturers warranty. Please call 1-800-GO-DEPOT (1-800-463-3768) for assistance in locating the manufacturer.
Any stocked furniture item in new condition, unassembled and in the original packaging may be returned within 14 days of purchase for a full refund, exchange or credit.
Sorry, custom ordered Furniture By Choice items, Manufacturer Direct items, custom imprint items and CTO computers are custom made to your specific requirements and, as such, may not be returned. For your protection please make your custom purchase selections carefully.
Contract customers of the Office Depot Business Services Division should call their Account Manager or Customer Service Representative for assistance with any returns.
Walmart
Items with a receipt may be returned for a refund; household items without a receipt can be returned for store credit (in the form of a gift card). Particular periods of return fluctuate from store to store (with the norm for household items being 45-90 days). Use the online store locator to find the phone number of a Walmart near you: http://www.walmart.com/cservice/ca_storefinder.gsp
Tower Records
Come back soon!
Returns/exchanges are limited to first 14 days after purchase.
Save those receipts!
An original cash register receipt or gift receipt is required.*
*If the purchase was made online or through mail order, a print out of the email confirmation will be just fine.
Bring your wallet!
Identification may be required.
Take a road trip!
Generally, we will gladly exchange merchandise purchased at any Tower Records nationwide, however there may be some exceptions.
Yesterday's news is old news!
Sorry, but magazines and newspapers are dated products and are not returnable for exchange or credit.
These basic return policies apply in-store only. Online policies may differ.
Unopened Merchandise:
Sealed with a kiss!
Unopened, factory sealed merchandise may be exchanged for another selection, store credit or a refund.*
*All refunds are subject to terms of our standard refund policy.
Handle with care!
The merchandise must be returned in the original condition as when purchased. If the packaging or contents are damaged (lost, torn, scratched, dented, etc.) the return will be handled as a defective return.
Defective/Opened Merchandise:
We won't "skip" out!
We'll be happy to exchange defective/opened merchandise for the same item. If the replacement item is out of stock, we'll offer a store credit voucher or another selection.
Define that please!
A defective item is defined as "an item with manufacturing flaws or defects, or damage related to the shipping or handling of the item before purchase."
Don't play rough!
Unfortunately we cannot accept defective merchandise if the damage occured after the purchase was made (heat damage from a hot car, item damaged by home equipment, etc.). If the packaging that accompanied the defective merchandise is damaged or not intact, it may be necessary for us to retain the packaging from the replacement in order to return the defective merchandise to our supplier.
Electronics:
Take it home and fire it up!
Tower Stores will gladly accept defective returns of electronics merchandise as long as Tower's "Basic Return Policies" and the following conditions are met:
Customer experiences initial failure within 14 days of the original purchase date.*
All original packaging, accessories and documentation must be complete and intact.
There is no appearance of physical damage, customer abuse or signs of wear.
*After 14 days, customers will be directed to return defective electronics merchandise to the manufacturer.
Online & Mail Order Purchases:
Surf with confidence!
Whether you choose to shop "Click & Order" or "Call & Order" you can rest assured that we accept returns of merchandise purchase from both our Tower website and mail order service. All of our in-store "Basic Return Policies" and our "Defective Merchandise" policies apply just the same as if you made the purchase right here in the store!
The fine print!
A print out of the email confirmation is considered your original receipt.
If, for any reason, the purchase price is not visible on the email confirmation print out, we will verify the Online/Mail Order price by calling 1-800-ASK-TOWER. (Receipt is still required.)
Refund or exchange credit will be at online or mail order price, not at store price.
We can only give credit for Shipping & Handling fees on defective merchandise.
Sales tax is only charged for online and mail order purchases made within California, therefore only purchases made within California will receive a credit or refund of sales tax.
Gifts:
They already have it!
No problem. If accompanied by the original receipt or gift receipt, our regular return policies apply. Please ask for a Gift Receipt when purchasing a gift item.
But Mom didn't give me a receipt!
If you can't get a hold of the receipt, the lowest sale price will be given as store credit for unopened merchandise only. You have the option of receiving a store credit voucher or selecting another item of equal or lesser value. Sorry, no cash or credit refunds will be given without a receipt. But look at the bright side, at least you got a present!
What were they thinking?!
Our regular Opened/Defective policies apply to all open merchandise, gifts included.
Is your gift a Turkey?
Gifts purchased between Thanksgiving and Christmas will be accepted up to 14 days after Christmas.
My gift was a card!
Gift Cards may be redeemed for merchandise only, and are not refundable. If a remaining balance is less than $1 it will automatically be refunded, otherwise the balance will remain on the card to be applied toward future purchases.
Refunds:
Show me the money!
Any refunds given will be in a form that is based on the original method of payment. Purchases made with:
Cash, Debit Cards, Personal Checks and Travelers Cheques - we will refund cash. Refunds over $100 must be approved by the General Manager of the store.
Credit Cards - we will credit the customer's same credit card account.
Gift Cards - we will give a store credit voucher.
Tower Charge Accounts - we will credit the merchandise to your Tower Account.
Enough with the details already!
All of our regular return policies apply.
Open merchandise will be handled according to our "Defective Merchandise" policies.
The original cash register receipt is required to obtain a refund.
Identification will be required.
If the difference or an exchange is less than $5 it will be refunded in cash.
Refunds will not be given for Store Credit Vouchers.
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2003-07-22, 04:36
