Before plunking down cash, ask about the return policy
Q. In October 2005, I went to New York and did some shopping. However, after returning home I decided to return some merchandise, which was done promptly. I was told that I would only get a store credit. Is there any way I could get the $1,640 in cash that is owed to me?
Anonymous, Belmont
A. Given that it's the store's policy to only give a store credit on a return, you don't have much in the way of leverage. As long as a store displays its return policy, it can pretty much set its own rules. It's up to the buyer to be aware of what a store's policy on returns is and decide whether it's acceptable to them.
Since it has been more than three years and a lot can change in a retail establishment, I would contact them to make sure your credit will be accepted and then plan a trip to New York. A small investment in train fare will be well worth using that credit. If you're going to let it go to waste, find a charity in New York that could benefit from buying something at that store and transfer the credit to them as a donation.
Several readers wrote in recently regarding problems and delays getting rebates. Just like the situation described above, before making a purchase involving a rebate, you need to understand the terms.
Companies dangle rebates because they know a good percentage of consumers won't succeed. Many of those will be people who simply forget to send them in. Some neglect to follow all the rules. And some will fall victim to rebate processing companies that make mistakes or intentionally drag out the process.
Periodically, companies are penalized for this practice, as Dell Inc. was by Massachusetts and 33 other states in January after it was accused of delaying rebate payments to customers. The best rebate is the instant rebate. When you leave the cash register, there's no question whether you got your savings.
Otherwise, follow these rules: Photocopy everything you send in and mail your rebate form with a return receipt so there's a record of it being received. Mark on your calendar when the processing period (often up to 10 weeks) ends and follow up with the company if it fails to send your money.
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