How to return a defective product: 3 easy steps and important tips

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

If a new thing doesn't fit in size or just doesn't like it, do not rush to throw it away. The law allows you to take the goods back to the store without defects in order to exchange for a suitable one or return the money.

How to return a quality product

Step 1. Examining the list of non-returnable items

Not every item will be taken back, so check the non-return list first. It includes:

• medicines;
• cosmetics and hygiene products;
• underwear and hosiery;
• household chemicals;
• jewelry;
• sophisticated household appliances (TV, refrigerator, computer);
• textiles and knitwear;
• houseplants;
• periodicals (newspapers and magazines).

Step 2. Back to the store

You have 14 days to return goods without defects. During this period, go to the store where you bought the unsuitable item. Even if it is a network company, you can only return or exchange goods at the place of purchase. It is useless to contact service centers, other chain stores or the manufacturer.

To return or exchange a quality product:

• Take with you a receipt and packaging or a branded bag in which the seller put the item. Bring your passport just in case. The law does not require this, but in practice, sellers and the administration ask to show documents.
• Check if the factory labels and seals are in place (without them, the seller has the right not to accept the goods). Please note that we are talking about factory labels. If you ripped off a store label, tag or sticker, that's okay. The product will be re-marked by a salesperson employee.
• It is important that the item retains its presentation. Used goods will not be accepted in the store. Therefore, you cannot go further than fitting. And no washing.

Step 3. Explaining with the seller

Tell the seller that the product did not fit in size, color or style and you want to exchange it or get your money back. If the store has exactly the same item, but of a suitable color or size, the exchange will go through without problems. Usually, for an exchange, you are not asked to sign or fill out anything. We gave the item and the check, received a new one. But for a refund, you need to fill out an application.

If you still have a receipt and the seller is familiar with the Consumer Protection Law, then three steps are enough. But what if the receipt is lost or the seller does not want to accept the goods?

Important Tips

How to return an item without a receipt

I conducted a small poll among friends. The question was: "Will you try to return the product if you lost the receipt?" 9 out of 11 people answered that they would not return to the store for money, because "you will not prove anything to anyone." Sellers take advantage of buyers' delusions. “No check - we can’t help.” This is not true.

Article 25 of the Consumer Protection Law says that the absence of a receipt will not prevent the return or exchange of goods. You just need to prove the purchase in another way.

How to prove a purchase without a receipt

The proof will be packaging, branded package, operation through a discount card, payment by credit card - any mark that can confirm that the goods were bought in this store. You can also bring a witness with you. It can be a store employee who worked at the checkout or in the trading floor that day (and remembered you).

If you bought an item a couple of days ago, the seller can look through the cash transactions on the day of purchase and find the receipt number, and then write out the item. And already on the sales receipt to carry out an exchange or refund. To do this, you will need to write a statement about the loss of the check addressed to the store director. In such a statement, passport details are indicated, so you must have your passport with you.

How to return a sale item

Another common misconception is that a discounted product cannot be returned. Sure. Only goods that have been discounted due to a marriage, if you were warned about this marriage, are not subject to return and exchange.

If the item was not defective, but with a sale badge, you have the right to exchange or return it.

What to do if the seller refuses to return the money

If the seller does not want to return money or carry out an exchange, ask to call the administrator or store director. If it does not help, write a claim to the name of the seller or director. Be careful: the seller must sign the claim in front of you, thereby confirming its receipt.

Summary

• You can return a product without defects within 14 days if it is not on the list of non-returnable products.
• Lost the check - no big deal. Prove the purchase in another way or call a witness.
• Returning an item from a sale is as easy as returning a regular item.
• If the seller does not want to return the money or exchange the goods, then write a claim.

Sellers and administration often rely on buyers' legal ignorance, try to convince them to abandon claims and leave with nothing. Feel free to refer to the first paragraph of Article 25 of the Law "On Protection of Consumer Rights". Let the staff know that you know your rights. This usually removes any objections, and your issue is resolved in a few minutes.