The FTC (FTC) requires sellers to clearly state their return policies, so you can act quickly without delays. Start by reviewing the seller's website, product packaging, or receipt for details on refunds, exchanges, and deadlines.
Quick Answer
Check the seller's website, product packaging, or receipt for return and refund policies. Look for deadlines, refund options, and contact information. If the item is on sale, verify special return rules since clearance items often have stricter policies.
Where to Find Your Return and Refund Policy
The FTC mandates that sellers must list their return and refund policies on their website, product packaging, or receipts.
If the seller's website lacks a dedicated section, look for a 'Returns' or 'Help' page. The FTC requires sellers to ship items as promised, so you can trust that the policy reflects their actual practices.
Online Shopping: Check several sources and consider where a review is posted, who wrote the review, and the reviewer's history.
- Review product packaging for written return policies
- Examine receipts for refund deadlines and conditions
- Delivery, Return, and Refund Policies Read the seller's information about shipping and delivery An FTC rule requires sellers to ship items as they promised in their ads .
- Check the seller's refund policies The site must say whether you're able to return the item for a full refund.
Special Rules for Sale Items
Items purchased on sale often have different return and refund policies than regular-priced goods. The FTC notes that sellers may restrict returns for clearance merchandise, which is typically sold at discounted prices to clear inventory. This means you should double-check the policy if you bought something marked 'sale' or 'clearance'.
If the item is on sale, the refund policy might also include a time limit for claiming a refund after the sale ends.
Some – but not all – websites will place a label or badge next to the review when they know that the reviewer got an incentive.
- Verify if sale items have separate return policies
- Check for clearance merchandise restrictions
- Confirm refund deadlines for sale items
- Check refund policies for sale items If you buy things on sale, doublecheck the return policies.
What to Do If You Need a Refund or Exchange
If you need a refund or exchange, the FTC advises writing a clear letter to the seller. Include your order number, a description of the issue, and what you want – such as a full refund, exchange, or store credit.
For faster results, send the letter via certified mail to ensure you get a return receipt. The FTC emphasizes that sellers are often more willing to offer store credits than refunds, so specify your preference upfront to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Use the information to check comparison shopping sites that list retail stores and online sellers that have the item.
- Specify your desired resolution: refund, exchange, or store credit
- Send via certified mail for a return receipt
When to Contact the Manufacturer Instead
For defective or damaged items, the FTC states that you might need to contact the manufacturer directly after the seller's return deadline. This is common if the product has a defect that the seller cannot fix, such as a broken component. The seller's return policy might not cover such issues, so you should check the product's warranty or manufacturer guidelines first.
If the item is damaged beyond repair, the manufacturer may provide a replacement or refund. However, the FTC requires sellers to handle returns for items that are not defective, so you should clarify the issue with the seller before escalating to the manufacturer.
Find out if you'll be able to get a credit or refund if the item you buy today goes on sale next week.
- Check the product warranty before contacting the manufacturer
- Request a replacement or refund from the manufacturer if the seller cannot resolve it
FAQ
Can I return a sale item for a full refund?
Sale items often have stricter return policies. The FTC notes that clearance merchandise may not allow full refunds, so review the seller's policy for specific conditions.
How do I get a store credit instead of a refund?
The FTC states that sellers are often more willing to offer store credits than refunds.
