No return, no exchange policy

[hardin]

I usually see this sign posted in some of the malls and groceries and sometimes even printed on transaction slips or official receipts. In our country, this is against the law i.e. consumer rights, but still most of the stores do not abide by this. How can we, the consumers, be protected by unscrupulous businessowners?

[boynton35]

In the US (and maybe depending sometimes on the particular state), there are laws that protect the consumer; but in my state (at least) part of the protection is posting the sign to let consumers know whether something that can returned or exchanged. Most items that are not on on "final, markdown" type of sale can be returned. My grocery store pretty much takes anything back for exchange or refund. Most stores want the sales receipt to give a refund, although most will issue a credit for merchandise if someone doesn't have the receipt. Some things can't be returned, though, if health laws are involved. There have been times when something like bathing suits couldn't be returned, although I think a store like WalMart takes back most anything; but the item may become thrown out rather than putting it back on the shelf. Ordinarily, if a store doesn't abide by state and other laws governing returns and exchanges, contacting the state's Attorney General's office or a consumer protection agency is the thing to do. The problem is that the Attorney General's office deals with complaints against businesses; but they don't step in and speak for any one individual with one complaint in a specific situation. They can provide information about your rights, though; and sometimes a letter that mentions any laws shows that you know your rights and could get some results. Then, too, there are always the people who start up, or go to, "Such-and-such-a-store Stinks" website, and post public complaints. Online complaints have gotten some people results in some situations.