NLIS 2
December 8, 2000
(Government Services and Lands)

Christmas refunds

The Trade Practices and Licensing Division of the Department of Government Services and Lands is advising consumers to inquire about store refund policies when purchasing Christmas gifts, in order to avoid disappointment this holiday season. 

Consumer affairs officials receive more inquiries about refunds during the Christmas season than at any other time of the year. 

Gerard Griffin, Manager of Trade Practices, said many consumers believe they are entitled to an automatic refund if they wish to return an item. Stores, however, are not required by law to give a refund.

Refund policies vary from store to store. Although many stores provide a money back guarantee if customers are not satisfied with a particular product, some retail outlets, especially boutiques and specialty shops have a "No Refund" policy. This means that once a sale is made, consumers will not be entitled to return the merchandise. In some cases, stores will provide an exchange or credit note. 

Stores which offer money back guarantees usually apply certain restrictions such as proof of purchase, time limits, and return of the item in original packaging. 

In order to avoid confusion in the event that gifts purchased need to be returned or exchanged, consumers should keep all sales receipts. Without a bill of sale, an item may be taken back but the consumer might not be issued a refund for the amount of the purchase. If the item was on sale sometime during the season, the store would have no way of knowing whether the consumer bought it at the reduced or regular price. Even though consumers may have paid full price for the gift, without a receipt, they may only be entitled to the discount price. 

Consumers are advised to get all of the details and to ensure that goods are in good condition before finalizing the sale.

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2000 12 08                         11:10 a.m.