Government Services
December 7, 2007

Customers Should Learn About Refund Policies When Christmas Shopping

Customers shopping for Christmas gifts should ask stores about their refund policies in order to avoid disappointment if they need to return gifts. During the holiday season, the Department of Government Services� Trade Practices Division receives more inquiries about refunds than at any other time of the year.

"It is extremely important to ask stores about their refund policies before buying a Christmas gift," said the Honourable Kevin O�Brien, Minister of Government Services. "Many people assume that stores will issue them an automatic refund if they wish to return an item, but 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 receipt. The only way for consumers to avoid disappointment is to ask about refund policies."

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.

Discount events may also pose complications for refunds. "If a consumer purchases a gift at full price but the store later has a discount on that item, without a receipt, the consumer may only get a refund equivalent of the discount price. That is why it is so important to keep all Christmas receipts in a safe place. In addition, consumers should ensure that the merchandise they are buying is in good condition and works properly before finalizing the sale," said Minister O�Brien.

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 
 

2007 12 07                                                     11:00 a.m.

 


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