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Before you buy in a store or online, scan the store\u2019s return policy for these warning signs. If you spot more than one, be careful. You can still buy the item you want, but be confident you want it and organized about keeping your proof of purchase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Return policy summaries, with details elsewhere<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When you see a return policy online with a summary visible upfront but the policy details on another page — or hidden until you click on something — you\u2019d better click. The details often hide the most restrictive rules and exceptions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The JCPenney return policy<\/a> lists the general rules, but you must click on a link in the fine print to view exceptions. Walmart has its return terms<\/a> spread across multiple pages. Gap family return policies — Banana Republic<\/a>, Gap, Old Navy<\/a>, etc. — require multiple clicks to see all the terms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A return window of 14 days or less is an obvious sign the retailer is strict about returns. Short return windows are problematic for online purchases. You probably lead a busy life, and there isn\u2019t always extra time to try the item and then<\/em> get it to the post office. And if you\u2019re buying the piece as a gift? Forget it. Two weeks isn\u2019t enough time for you or your giftee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For context, a return window longer than 30 days is a good sign. Men’s Wearhouse has a 90-day return window<\/a>, which is unusual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, some retailers specify different return windows for specific brands or for online versus in-store purchases. Pay close attention to this distinction so you don\u2019t get tripped up. For example, Neiman Marcus has a 30-day return window<\/a> generally, but Chanel-branded items must be returned within 14 days. H&M has a 30-day window<\/a>, but specifies different timelines for special collections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Final sale means no refunds or exchanges. You may see this label on clearance items, outlet merch, items with stacked discounts, or items bought with aggressive promo codes. This one can be tricky, because the final-sale language can be hidden in small print somewhere. Always spend the time to confirm return eligibility whenever you\u2019re shopping discounted goods online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plus-size retailer Torrid labels these categories as final sale and non-returnable<\/a>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n In truth, the rise of the final sale designation has made clearance shopping online a lot less fun. If you don\u2019t like the piece you bought, it will end up gathering dust. That\u2019s not a good use of your shopping budget, no matter how big the discount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t assume the store keeps records of your purchases, especially for transactions that happen in store. Some retailers will deny you return or offer you store credit only if you don\u2019t have definitive proof of purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even the Nordstrom return policy<\/a>, known for being customer-friendly, doesn’t guarantee returns without some record of the purchase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Store-credit returns are tolerable only if you love that store. The risk is highest when it\u2019s your first purchase from that retailer, and you\u2019re unsure about the item\u2019s fit or quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n New York & Company only offers store credit<\/a> or exchanges on returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some stores offer store credit if you don’t meet all the requirements for a refund, which is better than getting nothing. The Ross return policy<\/a> mandates store-credit for returns without a receipt when the amount is more than $50. Lane Bryant<\/a> and DSW exchange<\/a> late returns for store credit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Restocking fees formerly applied primarily to electronics and furniture. Sadly, they\u2019re becoming more common in fashion. Restocking fees typically get deducted from your refund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amazon charges 100% restocking fees<\/a> on opened software and video games and Urban Outfitters charges a $5 restocking fee<\/a> on all mailed returns — but there’s no added postage required. Dillard’s return policy<\/a> says the store can, at its discretion, charge restocking fees for “certain products.” There’s no explanation of why or when that could happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subjective condition requirements such as \u201clike new\u201d or \u201cunworn\u201d can be tricky because they require someone\u2019s judgment. That someone could reject your return because of a scuff on a shoe bottom or a scratch on a handbag buckle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To minimize subjective judgments, protect your items as if your life depended on it \u2013 at least until you\u2019re certain you will keep them. Don\u2019t remove any tags or discard any packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Ultra short or inconsistent return window<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Final sale language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4. Receipts required<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Store credit only<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Restocking fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Unclear condition requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Special exceptions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n