Return Policy Checklist

Sometimes you get a gadget or a laptop in your house, you try it and you find that it does not meet your expectations. The next step is to flip that device over and start over. But, unlike returning a shirt to a department store, there are important rules for returning electronics. Here's what you need to know before heading back to the store.

Know the policy

Apple.com gives you 14 days to return gadgets, iPhones have 30 days, but they don't offer exchanges on custom laptops. Dell.com and HP.com give you 21 days from the date you receive the product to return your system, regardless of how you configured it. None of these companies refund shipping costs, so you'll have to foot the bill for return shipping (about $25 for UPS or FedEx ground service).

On the more generous side, Amazon.com gives you 30 days to return its Kindle products, while Newegg.com gives you 30 days to return gadgets, but will charge you the return postage on desktops, laptops, and tablets not open. Opened devices can also be returned, but you will be charged shipping and restocking fees. PCs found to be defective by Newegg.com can be returned within 30 days for an exact model replacement.

Return policies for BestBuy.com, OfficeDepot.com, Target.com and Walmart.com are similar to their physical counterparts: 14 days for Best Buy and Office Depot, 15 days for Wal-Mart and 30 days for Target. During the holidays, many stores extend the limits of their return policy. Additionally, these stores offer the option of returning an item purchased online either to a local store or by mailing it back. Staples.com takes their 14-day tech return policy one step further: they'll get your unwanted items back.

No matter where you purchase your device, be sure to keep the receipt, even if you have no intention of returning the item. It will save you a lot of time and hassle if the product is defective.

I lost the receipt

If you purchased the item online, return to the order confirmation email you received, or log in to the site and view your order history, which counts as your receipt.

If you purchased the item from a store with a credit or debit card, customer associates can often find your receipt. by swiping your card; but if you paid by cash or check, this option may not be available. Best Buy is asking customers who have used a credit card and need a replacement receipt to call its customer service department at 888-BEST-BUY (888-237-8289). Staples and Wal-Mart offer store credit for the current sale price of the item. Wal-Mart is also willing to refund your credit card without a receipt.

Ah 14 day return policy at futureshop. Temporary laptop until my Dell arrives.

—Chris Goodwyn Sat May 16 13:25:33 +0000 2009

Restocking fees

Let's say you bought a laptop at Best Buy and rushed home to open it. After tearing open the box, you realize that its 13-inch screen is too small for your liking. So you put the laptop back in its box and head to the store to bring it back.

Congratulations, you just earned a restocking fee! Amazon.com, Apple, Best Buy, Dell.com, and Newegg.com may charge this fee on any opened item, although Best Buy suspends this practice during the holidays. Typically, the amount is 15% of the cost of the item, although Apple charges 10% of the original price. Office Depot charges a restocking fee only if items such as a cable or manual are missing from the box. Restocking fees generally do not apply to defective items.

HP.com, Staples, and Wal-Mart do not charge restocking fees on technology products. But, other than buying exclusively from these outlets, how do you avoid restocking fees? Do not open the box. If you find out your daughter wanted a 15-inch laptop instead of the 13-inch you bought, take it straight to the store. As long as you have the receipt, getting a full refund should be simple.

Final Thoughts

When you're considering making a major tech purchase, like a laptop, check the store's return, exchange, and restocking policies before you jump in. And, if you're not 100% sure of your choice, it might be worth missing out on a great deal to avoid a difficult or costly return routine.

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