What should I know before returning an on-line gift?

What should I know before returning an on-line gift?

This question was answered on December 24, 1999. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Return policies vary from vendor to vendor, so be sure and check their web site for the specific details

-Most only offer a 30-day period from receipt of the item for returns, so don’t wait if you plan to return the item

-Certain items such as Video games and game systems, computer software, trading cards, VHS tapes and music must be unopened in order to qualify for a refund

-Be sure to keep all of the packing materials, instructions and warranty cards together so that you are not charged for them if they are missing

-Shipping and gift-wrapping charges are not refundable unless a mistake was made by the vendor

-Be sure to keep all e-mail messages that you have received from the vendor and check to see if an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number is required in order to return an item

-Be sure to use a shipper that has a tracking system (UPS, Fedex, etc.) or request a return receipt if using the U.S Postal service.

-Don’t forget to insure the package if you are using your own shipping method just in case the package is lost

-Many vendors provide the shipping labels and complete instructions for returns with the package itself, so don’t throw away any packing materials until you have read them.

Here is a list of return policies for some major eTailers:

ToysRUs.com

<a href="http://www285.toysrus.com/handler.cfm?sn=pg_help_returnpolicy"><font color="#003399">http://www285.toysrus.com/handler.cfm?sn=pg_help_returnpolicy</font></a>

EToys.com

<a href="http://www.etoys.com/cgi-bin/cs_print_page.cgi?menupage=1&pagename=t7"><font color="#003399">http://www.etoys.com/cgi-bin/cs_print_page.cgi?menupage=1&pagename=t7</font></a>

Amazon.com

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/subst/help/returns-policy.html/102-8661847-9008812"><font color="#003399">http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/subst/help/returns-policy.html/102-8661847-9008812</font></a>

KBKids.com

<a href="http://www.kbkids.com/help/return.html"><font color="#003399">http://www.kbkids.com/help/return.html</font></a>

CDNOW.com

<a href="http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=94386591/pagename=/RP/HELP/returns.html"><font color="#003399">http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=94386591/pagename=/RP/HELP/returns.html</font></a>

About the author

Posted by Ken Colburn of Data Doctors on December 24, 1999

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