Consumers Should Ask about Refund Policies When Buying Christmas Gifts

Christmas shoppers are encouraged to ask stores about their refund policies to avoid disappointment if they need to return Christmas gifts said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Government Services. This time of year, the Trade Practices Division often receives more inquiries about refunds than at any other time of the year.

�The best advice I can give to consumers is to ask stores about their refund policies before you buy a Christmas gift,� said Minister Whalen. �When we receive inquiries, many consumers believe they are entitled to an automatic refund if they wish to return an item. However, consumers should be aware that stores are not required by law to give a refund and are free to set their own refund policies. Some stores do not issue a refund and others will not give a full refund without the bill of sale.�

Refund policies vary from store to store. Many stores provide a money-back guarantee if consumers are not satisfied with a particular product, others offer an exchange or credit note, while some stores, in particular specialty shops, have a "No Refund" policy. Stores which offer money-back guarantees usually apply certain restrictions such as proof of purchase, time limits and returning the item in the original packaging.

�I also encourage shoppers to save all their Christmas receipts, especially if there was a discount event at the store. Even if you paid full price, without a receipt, you might only be given a refund equivalent to the discount price because there would be no proof that you paid full price. Consumers should ensure that the merchandise they are buying is in good condition and works properly before finalizing the sale,� concluded Minister Whalen.

Consumers who are unsure of their rights should contact the Trade Practices Division at 709-729-2599 or toll-free at 1-877-968-2600.

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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Department of Government Services
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca

2006 11 27                                           10:00 a.m.