Off-the-mark gift? A few retailers have made returns easier

Not all stores, or even products, are equal when it comes to returns. Electronics and furniture often are subject to restocking fees. A new state Office of Consumer Affairs Survey of 21 retailers found that eight had some kind of restocking fee and four others had restrictions on returning certain products after they have been opened.

Restocking fees can be significant. In many instances, returning something like a camera or laptop after the box has been opened can cost a consumer up to 15 percent of the purchase price. On a $500 item, for instance, that means a $75 penalty on the return.

But Edgar Dworsky of Somerville, a former state consumer official who runs ConsumerWorld, a website that provides tips and news for consumers, said there is some good news this year. A few retailers have initiated policies that make it easier to return things.

“Some stores have actually made their return policies more lenient this year,’’ Dworsky said. “Macy’s, for example, turned the clock back to the good old days when full-service department stores had no time limit imposed on returns.’’ And Toys ’R Us, Dworsky added, now allows returns on items bought online within 90 days of purchase, up from the previous policy of 30 days.

A few stores, including Target, Lowe’s, and Wal-Mart, still permit some returns without a receipt — mostly for exchanges or store credit. The best plan, still, is to hang on to receipts and offer a gift receipt with presents to lessen the hassle should the recipient feel the need to make a return.

Because return policies vary so much, the key is to know the policy before you buy something. Stores have great leeway with these policies, including not accepting returns, as long as that policy is clearly disclosed prior to purchase.

There is an exception for defective merchandise, Dworsky points out. Regardless of store policy, Massachusetts lawsays defective products must be repaired, replaced, or refunded. The consumer gets to choose which.

“Returning an item is often the last thing on a consumer’s mind when they are buying a gift, but as restocking fees become more prevalent the rules regarding returns are becoming must-know information,’’ said Barbara Anthony, chief of the state Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. “Checking a retailer’s return policy before buying an item can save you money and unpleasant surprises.’’

Mitch Lipka is the Consumer Ally for AOL’s WalletPop.com and lives in Worcester. He can be reached at ConsumerNews@Aol.com.