If a store (office max) won't take a return back over 30 days

[Hillbeans]

What can I do with this item??

It was a christmas gift I got for my dad - a fax/cordless phone/answering machine combo. He just decided to tell me he doesn't want it and Office Max won't take it back even though I have the original sales recepit.

Is it "legal" for stores not to take back an item after 30 days? I looked on EBAY to try and sell it, however there are about 40 others of the same out there that have no bids, so I think i'm stuck. It cost about $140, so i'd hate to just be out the money.

HELP? Has anyone else tried to return an old item after the 30 day mark???

 

[OceanAnnie]

Well, you "could" go to a different Office Max, say it was a gift (true) and you don't have a receipt. They would probably issue a gift certificate. That would be better than being stuck with a product you don't want.

If it hasn't been opened and they can do it for a gift without a receipt, I don't see anything wrong with doing that.

Good luck!

 

[cgcw]

I know someone who was given 50 kids tapes that she was suppose to distribute to her friends. Instead, she returned most of them to both WalMart and Toys R Us (not that they will take back a phone ) without a receipt .

I don't know if WalMart's Policy is still the same, but it might be worth seeing if they carry the item to try and return it there.

 

[gallaj0]

Go to the store, and check for a posted return policy. By law, any store that limits their returns has to have the policy posted in a conspicuous place BEFORE you buy it. The BEFORE is a key part; any return policy on the back of a reciept is INVALID, because you can not view it before buying the item.

They can not limit how long you have to return it unless it is posted in the store, where you can see it before paying. If they are just telling you you can't bring it back, they are breaking the law.

 

[meandtheguys2]

I thought that a store is not required to refund/replace an item that is not damaged?

 

[Hillbeans]

Go to the store, and check for a posted return policy. By law, any store that limits their returns has to have the policy posted in a conspicuous place BEFORE you buy it. The BEFORE is a key part; any return policy on the back of a reciept is INVALID, because you can not view it before buying the item.

They can not limit how long you have to return it unless it is posted in the store, where you can see it before paying. If they are just telling you you can't bring it back, they are breaking the law.

Well, I assume it's posted, because I just went on the website and it's posted on there. I just didn't know dear old Dad didn't want it until (obviously) long after the fact.

Looks like i'll be trying to sell it on my own. I think my husband's job has a "for sale" bulletin board so I may try that route first. Thanks!

 

[the kabuki]

Try taking it back without the receipt to another office max, if they allow returns without receipts. If not, then I would first ask to speak to the manager of the store. If not satisfied, then write to Office Max and tell them about your dissatisfaction with their store. Don't forget to tell them that if you're not satisfied that you won't be returning to their store & that you'll be telling everyone on every forum board and all your friends & family not to shop at their store. But say it in a nice way

 

[Hillbeans]

Try taking it back without the receipt to another office max, if they allow returns without receipts. If not, then I would first ask to speak to the manager of the store. If not satisfied, then write to Office Max and tell them about your dissatisfaction with their store. Don't forget to tell them that if you're not satisfied that you won't be returning to their store & that you'll be telling everyone on every forum board and all your friends & family not to shop at their store. But say it in a nice way

It looks like Office Max won't take returns back w/o a receipt and the purchase must be within a 30 day window. Guess next time I won't shop there if there is any doubt about the product being used.

Thanks for the advice though. If I can sell it on my own for close to the cost less a few bucks, i'll be happy.

 

[Tinkerbelle739]

Many stores have adopted this new policy. It makes buying gifts ahead of time nearly impossible.

 

[sweet angel]

I returned a box of vinyl floor tiles to Lowe's yesterday that we bought in February 2004...no receipt. They gave me store credit.

ETA: Is there someone you can give it to or sell it to? Maybe ask around the office...even if you sell it for 1/2 of what you paid, it's still better than nothing.

 

[CarolA]

Stores are getting stricter. Target won't take a return without a receipt anymore just to prevent abuse (like the woman described above who returned FREE give aways for money!)