How to Have Happy E-Returns
Are you just a little unhappy with that holiday gift that was purchased online? Take heart. You can take it back. But it might not be quite as easy or cheap as gifts bought in "brick and mortar" stores.
Most online merchants will give you a full refund for gifts that you don't want but there are some gotchas. For example, you'll have to pack it up and ship it back at your expense.
Be sure you're sending it to the right online merchant. Barnes and Nobel probably doesn't relish the thought of taking back books purchased from Amazon.com. Since the gift was probably shipped by the online merchant you should know where to send it back, especially if you kept the paper work that came with the gift (which is definitely a good thing to remember next year).
Almost all online merchants have their return policies on their web sites. Look for the words "return policy" or click on the "customer service link." If that doesn't work, send them an email or, if they post a phone number do that 20th century thing and call them.
Make sure you follow their policies as closely as possible.
If the item was purchased on EBay or from one of the independent merchants that sell through Amazon or Yahoo, you will have to deal with that independent merchant rather than the big web site.
Some online merchants have a time limit - sometimes as little as 30 or even 15 days so don't delay.
Be sure to keep notes as to what you're doing. If possible get a receipt from the post office or shipping company so you have evidence as to when you returned it. Make a note of any "RMA" (return authorization number) that you may get online or if you call the company.
Some online merchants, like Walmart.com, Barnes and Noble and Macy's, may have stores in your community. If so, ask if you can return the item to the store. That's a lot easier than shipping it back.
Unfortunately, you'll probably have to pay the return shipping costs although some merchants will reimburse you for that expense if the item is defective. There might also be a "restocking fee" which will typically be posted on the web site. And though you'll get back the purchase price of the item, you probably won't get back whatever it cost to have it shipped to you in the first place.
Because of piracy concerns, hardly any merchants - online or off - will give you your money back on CDs, DVDs or software. They won't even give you a different title, but they will replace any defective items with the identical title.
A syndicated technology columnist for nearly two decades, Larry Magid serves as on air Technology Analyst for CBS Radio News. His technology reports can be heard several times a week on the CBS Radio Network. Magid is the author of several books including "The Little PC Book."
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By Larry Magid