Shopping Tips 

Store Returns

Love2 Shop has been getting many e-mails lately asking for advice.  We thought it might be useful to give some pointers and suggestions to help everyone stay better organized...just in case you need to make a return.

At the time of purchase:
-Be sure that the item is not 'as-is'.  Sometimes clearance items are marked 'as-is', meaning, you cannot return it to the store if it doesn't work.  If you are comfortable with that term of sale...go ahead and purchase.  But be warned that it might be difficult if not impossible to return.
-Be sure you are given a receipt.  Do not leave the counter until you are given a gift receipt or the actual receipt.  A gift receipt is common at Target and doesn't have the cost of the item.  It allows the person to make exchanges while still keeping the cost 'hidden'.
-Verify you were charged the correct amount.  I know this seems to be obvious, but you should keep your eye on everything that is being rung up.  With everything being 'bar coded'...there can be price discrepancies. If you don't catch the error until you are almost out of the store...immediately go to customer service to get the price adjusted.

Once you get home:
-Inspect the item and ensure it is in top working quality.  Try not to put this off.  The sooner you identify an issue...the sooner you can return the item.
-Save the receipt.  I cannot stress this one enough.  You should have a file where you keep your receipts, maybe even 2?  One can be those purchases you've made within 30, 60 or 90 days.  The other can be older items.  You might even want to scan the receipts of larger ticket items.  Insurance companies often ask for them if you were to file a claim.

The next post will give some pointers on how to prepare for returning an item.

Remember...it's your money.  Be smart. Be an educated consumer.