Video Game Return Without Receipt

[azdizzymom]

Where is the best place to return a video game (unopened)? My son received a duplicate and it originally came from Amazon---they will deduct the shipping and I know that won't be cheap (or do they not do if I pay and don't use the pre-paid label they sent). I have no issue trying to return to a store and getting whatever price on a merchandise credit.

Does Walmart still do without a receipt?

Thanks...I don't do many returns and normally have receipt.

 

[LJSquishy]

If you know the game came from Amazon, you need to return it to Amazon. If you have the return shipping label it is free to send it back - they don't deduct shipping charges in my experience. If you don't have the shipping label, I'm not sure how it would work on returns but it certainly can be done. Did you not purchase the game through your own Amazon account? Is that maybe why you don't have the return label?

It is unethical to return an item to a store different from where you purchased it, so please don't go that route. Like I said, they don't typically charge return shipping, but if they did, it would be around $5 I think -- nothing huge.

 

[bearloch]

If he got the exact game u can return either one to a local store. But if its been a while u will have to do amz But remember it may be better in long run to just deal with shipping then return lines and discount that would be offered at walmart! and they have been cracking down on returns.. BTW u may be able to just sell game for cost?

 

[Madison'smommy]

I was going to suggest reselling it...

 

[HelenePA]

Walmart will return 2 things with out a receipt twice a year, I'd try there first. Remember they will give you the lowest price its been at in the last 90 days (including black friday!)

 

[Madison'smommy]

I was going to suggest reselling it...

 

[mickeymaker2003]

A game or DVD in a bubble envelope would only cost about $2.50 to mail back. I'd send it back to Amazon.

 

[solfan68]

Walmart will return 2 things with out a receipt twice a year, I'd try there first. Remember they will give you the lowest price its been at in the last 90 days (including black friday!)

^^^ This ^^^ Some will do cash, other simply the value of the item on an in store card. Still, with games, you're probably looking to trade the one in and get a different one, right ?

 

[Judique]

If you know the game came from Amazon, you need to return it to Amazon. If you have the return shipping label it is free to send it back - they don't deduct shipping charges in my experience. If you don't have the shipping label, I'm not sure how it would work on returns but it certainly can be done. Did you not purchase the game through your own Amazon account? Is that maybe why you don't have the return label?

It is unethical to return an item to a store different from where you purchased it, so please don't go that route. Like I said, they don't typically charge return shipping, but if they did, it would be around $5 I think -- nothing huge.

This is how I would think and proceed.
But after reading a few posts it seems I live in an alternate universe.

OP - when you go to return it to a different store than the one you purchased it from and they ask you if you purchased it from them, what is your reply? Do you just say yes? And you have no issue with that?

Some people have suggested selling. Or returning it to where you purchased it. Those would be logical and ethical ideas.

 

[Alesia]

Aside from it being unethical to return something from a different store than where you bought it, most stores won't take back video games (even unopened ones) unless they're damaged and you want to exchange it for the exact same game.

You shouldn't have to pay return shipping if you send it back to amazon, but even if you do, it shouldn't cost more than a few dollars.

 

[azdizzymom]

Yes Amazon will deduct shipping since it is not their fault. I asked this question. I imagine it will cost more since they use UPS. I did get address late last night so I can do snail mail at a lower cost. That is what I am doing.

To those who said it was unethical please don't act all high an mighty. In all honesty you can't say you have not returned things to a different store. I would have said it was a duplicate gift. If you claim to have not done this...I doubt it is true.

BTW......the second game of another's BB sent by mistake is going back there. I know it will be hard explaining it is not for a refund...... It was an extra they sent and I don't get money for. If I wanted I could take there and get money back...so I am not such a horrid person.

We have all returned things to different stores...if we tell the truth.

 

[crashbb]

To those who said it was unethical please don't act all high an mighty. In all honesty you can't say you have not returned things to a different store. I would have said it was a duplicate gift. If you claim to have not done this...I doubt it is true.

Actually, many of us can claim that. Feel free to call us liars again if it makes you feel better.

 

[richmond282]

This is how I would think and proceed.
But after reading a few posts it seems I live in an alternate universe.

OP - when you go to return it to a different store than the one you purchased it from and they ask you if you purchased it from them, what is your reply? Do you just say yes? And you have no issue with that?

Some people have suggested selling. Or returning it to where you purchased it. Those would be logical and ethical ideas.

I have returned many items to Walmart that were gifts and were probably not purchased there. I have never ever been asked if it was purchased from thier store. They ask "It there anything wrong with it?" I answer truthfully with either yes or no.

I don't really understand why it's so horrible to return something to a different store especially if it's a gift and you don't know where it came from or don't have that store in your area. The store you return the item to gives you in-store credit usually which you have to spend at their store. They also have the item you returned which they will resell and get $ for. They aren't "out" anything.

 

[sam_gordon]

I don't really understand why it's so horrible to return something to a different store especially if it's a gift and you don't know where it came from or don't have that store in your area. The store you return the item to gives you in-store credit usually which you have to spend at their store. They also have the item you returned which they will resell and get $ for. They aren't "out" anything.

I've got to agree with this. I don't see the big deal. Here's the situation as I see it...

I buy DS a Wii game from Walmart (let's say MarioKart). He opens it Christmas Eve and plays with it.
My mom orders MarioKart from Amazon and sends it for Christmas. DS opens it on Christmas day.

So, we have two copies of MarioKart. One opened, one not opened. Wal*Mart obviously sells MarioKart so what's wrong with bringing the unopened one back there (even though it was bought from Amazon)?

Now, I agree, taking a game back to Wal*Mart that they don't sell would be bad, but if they sell it, what's the problem? The store's not out any money (especially if they give store credit), they'll simply put the game on their shelf and sell it.

 

[deedeecee]

To those who said it was unethical please don't act all high an mighty. In all honesty you can't say you have not returned things to a different store. I would have said it was a duplicate gift. If you claim to have not done this...I doubt it is true.

I can make that claim. I would never think of returning something to another store. It's not a high and mighty act. It's the truth.
I know that people return things to other stores. But I don't let my actions be governed by the actions of others.

However, in answer to your first question, the best place to return an unopened video game is to the original place of purchase.

 

[DaisyLynn]

We have all returned things to different stores...if we tell the truth.

I am not a liar. I have never returned an item to a store it did not come from. If I receive a gift that is a duplicate, I have given it to a friend or donated it.

If I knew it came from Amazon, I would return to Amazon.

If I were not sure of where it came from I would take it to GameStop, who takes in used games. I'm not sure how much you could get for it, but I'd think the price would be pretty fair if it's still in it's original packaging.

 

[azdizzymom]

I guess I have some family and friends who at times don't give gift receipts for gifts (putting this return which will go to Amazon tomorrow). I have gifts where I have no idea where they came from---and I won't ask for a gift receipt from someone. I will just return it to a store and take whatever they will give. I guess I live in an abnormal world to some who are lucky enough to never get duplicate gifts or unwanted items without a gift receipt. I guess I should re-gift these OR donate them. I live in a smaller town and trying to re-sell isn't really an option. I follow the stores return policy for no receipt returns----take whatever price they offer and take it in a store credit.

The store is taking the item back--which they obviously carry. They can re-sell the item and I am spending the money they gave me in their store. I do make sure I give gift receipts (no matter how little I spend on a gift---but I know I forget to at times). I don't make it a practice to do no-receipt returns, but at times there is no other option. I have lost receipts and then had to return the item (thankfully stores like Kohl's can look up by credit card---as can Target---Menards, etc.).

I love my abnormal world where I don't get gift receipts all the time....more normal than the perfect world of others. I will take my abnormal kids, abnormal family and friends any day over the perfect world with perfect family and friends who give the perfect gift or gift receipts ALL THE TIME so I don't have to do the unethical of returning to a store where it might not have been purchased.

 

[descovy]

Oh Jeebus, you're getting a little over the top over this.

Relax. Yes there have been times when many of us have gone in a store thinking "maybe" it was bought there. Not quite the same as knowing you bought it elsewhere and trying to return.

Stores are starting to create their own bar code stickers to put over UPC codes, in part because they deem this a problem. Stores have rigid return w/o reciept policies in part because they deem this a problem. If you can walk in head held high and say "I bought this on Amazon, can I return this for store credit here?". Then you're good. But if you find yourself saying "I got this as a gift I think my aunt Sue bought it here", even you in your abnormal world know that is decietful. Maybe not "EVIL" but yes, decietful. I guess you can let your conscience and store return policies be your guide. Good luck whatever route you chose to go

 

[undertheradar]

Have never returned an item without a receipt and can't understand being called a liar if I state it? OP, the stores are getting more and more stringent with regards to return policies and you are a perfect example of why they are doing so. You know where you purchased from and refuse to return to the original store of purchase so that you don't cost YOURSELF any money for return shipping. Multiply yourself by several tens of thousands and you have the exact reason why stores now track returns. Sorry, you made a purchase and want to exchange/return it, pay for shipping if it is required and move on.

 

[Judique]

I have returned many items to Walmart that were gifts and were probably not purchased there. I have never ever been asked if it was purchased from thier store. They ask "It there anything wrong with it?" I answer truthfully with either yes or no.

I don't really understand why it's so horrible to return something to a different store especially if it's a gift and you don't know where it came from or don't have that store in your area. The store you return the item to gives you in-store credit usually which you have to spend at their store. They also have the item you returned which they will resell and get $ for. They aren't "out" anything.

Wow!

It's stealing.

I guess you don't see it that way.

You've rationalized the idea that since you are 'giving' the store something - your unwanted merchandise - that you are entitled to a store credit.

You are not.

That credit or return is for people who actually bought an item at the particular store and have the need to return it.

Most people don't do this stuff.

It's not okay.