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Service NL
December 6, 2011

Important Tips Outlined for Holiday Shopping

As the holiday season approaches, consumers are visiting more retailers than at any other time of year and it is important that they take the time to educate themselves on store policies, especially in relation to returns and refunds.

“Refunds are not automatic,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Service NL. “Retailers have a variety of refund and return policies which they are free to determine, which is why consumers need to take note of store signage and ask at the point of purchase what policies are in effect.”

Stores offer a number of refund options including cash refunds, exchanges or credit notes, sometimes issued through gift cards. Some stores have “no refund” policies. Stores which offer cash refunds usually apply certain restrictions such as the requirement to produce proof of purchase, time limits and to return the item in the original packaging.

It is also important to remember that if gifts are purchased at full price and are later subject to a discount event, any requested refund may be at the discount price if the consumer no longer has a receipt.

“It is important to keep all of your receipts from Christmas shopping, in the event that you do have to go back for some sort of refund,” said Minister Davis. “Also, take a moment to inspect your merchandise for defects before leaving the store, to minimize any issues with returns later.”

These tips apply as much to shopping online as they do to traditional in-person shopping. Consumers must ensure that they are on the lookout for online scams, and verify that sites they are purchasing from offer encrypted purchasing and that the vendors are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.

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

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Media contact:
Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications
Service NL
709-729-4860, 725-6511
hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca

2011 12 06                         3:10 p.m.

 
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