BBB Has Advice for Holiday Gift Returns and Exchanges
Regional
Not every gift we gave or received over the holidays is going to fit or be useful. Gift recipients may want to exchange it, get a refund or obtain a store credit for any one of a variety of reasons. However, Connecticut Better Business Bureau reminds holiday shoppers that there are steps to take to make the returns process go smoothly. While retailers are under no obligation to take back merchandise, most do with some exceptions, such as hats, intimate apparel and items that are marked down for clearance. In some cases, a store may offer a credit rather than a refund and other limitations and exceptions may determine what may be returned and under what circumstances. Keeping this in mind, it is vital to know exchange and returns policies before making a gift purchase, whether buying a gift in-store or online. Familiarize yourself with stores’ policies – The terms, conditions, requirements and restrictions can vary widely, even within a chain. Some may allow a return for no reason at all at any time. Returns policies are usually prominently displayed at the checkout counter or on websites of online sellers. Print out a copy for your
records. Online gift returns may come at a cost – Shipping costs for returns to online vendors are usually borne by the person making the exchange. If you buy an item from a retailer’s online catalog, find out whether the gift can be returned directly to the store. Proof of Purchase and Packaging – At the very least, a receipt is usually required to return a gift. Keep all original packaging and accessories. If the gift is being returned in a sealed or hard shell package that has been opened, such as an electronic gadget, the store may impose a re-stocking or “open box� fee of anywhere between one percent and 50 percent of its value, because the items cannot be re-sold as new. The highest re-stocking charges are usually associated with made-to-order items. Don’t wait too long - While it is not necessary to run out to the store the day after you receive an unwanted gift, many stores have a limited timeframe from the date of purchase during which you may return an item. Ask about the length of the grace period for gift returns. You may require identification - A dri-
Wishing you
ver’s license is the most common type of identification needed for a return or exchange. However, other forms of ID may be accepted, along with your name, address and telephone number to complete the return. The Cooling-Off Rule - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Cooling-Off Rule allows consumers to return items over $25 within three days of purchase. However, this applies to sales at a location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business. Exemptions and other information about the Cooling-Off Rule are available on the FTC website. If you run into a problem with a return at the customer service desk, ask to speak with a supervisor. In addition, merchants may be able to accommodate loyal customers, or customers with a credit account. Founded in 1928, Connecticut BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB helps consumers find and recommend businesses, brands and charities they can trust, offers objective advice and a wide range of education on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses. Today, 114 BBBs serve com-
munities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org.
Monthly Teen Writers Workshop
ENFIELD - Fiction for Fun, an ongoing writers’ workshop for teens, will be held at the Enfield Public Library on the second Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. Each 90minute session will introduce teens to topics such as planning your plot, developing characters, finding the right words, and using dialogue. No registration required. Participants should be age 12 to 18, but they do not have to be experienced writers to join this series. Teens of all ability levels have benefited from sharing ideas, receiving individual attention, or honing their craft. The workshop is conducted by Paula Sharon, a former Enfield resident who has published her own young adult novels. For more information about this or other events for young adults, please call the Enfield Public Library at (860) 7637517 or visit the library’s website at www.enfieldpubliclibrary.org.
Peace and Health
Hirth Small Engine
in 2013!
60 Minute
60 Minute
Facial $60
Microdermabrasion Facials
60 Minute
Massage $60
Gift Cards Available Hours: Saturday, Sunday, Monday 10-4 Wednesday 3-9; Thursday 10-9; Friday 10 - 9
Massage ~ Facials ~ Body Treatments ~ Waxing
145 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA | 413.525.5960 | www.peoplesmassageel.com
Ù4RYÙ/URÙ&AMOUSÙ#ALZONES .LQJ 6W (QILHOG ‡ ([LW RII ,
‡
'IFTĂ&#x2122;#ERTIFICATESĂ&#x2122;!VAILABLE 021 :(' 7+856 21/<
)$0,/< $OO IRU
/J &KHHVH 3L]]D /J 7RVVHG 6DODG 3LWFKHU RI 6RGD :LWK WKLV DG 'LQH LQ RQO\ QRW WR EH FRPELQHG 2IIHU YDOLG WKURXJK
%X\ *HW 3ULFH
2)) $1< 3,==$ 25 &$/=21(
:LWK WKLV DG QRW WR EH FRPELQHG 2IIHU YDOLG WKURXJK
:LWK WKLV DG QRW WR EH FRPELQHG 2IIHU YDOLG WKURXJK
021 :(' 7+856 1,7( 63(&,$/
6SDJKHWWL a 6KHOOV =LWL a /LQJXLQL
6 North Central News January 2013
$Q\ 7LPH
ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS Small Jobs Are Our Specialty! Land Reclamation Rock Breaking/No Dynamite (Even In A Basement) Trenching Recontouring Footpaths
Drainage Clearing Driveways Brush Mowing Rock Removal Walkways
Now Doing Custom Small Excavating
Hirthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Small Engine Repair 51 Sandy Beach Rd. Ext., Ellington, CT 06029
(860) 872-9034 CT License #0615418
HIC0615418