Discount Store Returns

“I just saved more than 50% at a discount store”. We have all said the words with a smile. But what happens if we have to return an item to a discount store?

Can we get our money back or will we get a store credit? Some stores even advertise a no-return policy. Pay attention to the policies of the discount store and you will be less likely to get a nasty surprise. 

When you shop in a discount store, you get great prices but you may not get great service or customer protection. Deep discount stores often limit store returns, and some pay refunds by discounting the value of the purchase. So, if you paid 50% less than retail, you may only get a percentage of your purchase price in a store return voucher.  

You may not get a refund. You might get a store credit. But the amount you receive as a store return may not give you much money to purchase a replacement product. Find out what the store policy is for refund returns before you buy the product and you will avoid disappointment.

Now, let’s talk about those ever present, very popular dollar stores! Last year, a woman actually bought all her holiday decorations at a dollar store. She brought home small figurines, all her lights and her ornaments, garland, Santa figures and many other holiday products. When the lights did not work, she attempted to return the lights to get a replacement or a store refund. But the store clerk informed her that the store return policy did not allow returns.  

Dollar stores often sell products ‘as is’ at a very deep discount with no guarantee that a product will work. You could be stuck with old or non-functional batteries, cracked ornaments or items that work for a week and then die. Store return policies may or may not be clearly posted in the store. Before you buy at a dollar store, ask the clerk or preferably the store manager, about the refund return policy.  

Make your buying decision based on whether you can afford to invest in the item in the event it does not work or is flimsy. You may still want to buy the products, but at least you will know what your recourse will be if the item does not work.