I purchased the garmin street pilot c330, a navigation system for automobiles on black friday. I used it a couple of times, but primarily for a trip from NYC to PA. I am not too satisfied or impressed with this device. i went to CC today to try to return it, but they said there is a 15% restocking fee and on top of that i am not even able to return the 1 yr extended warantee, which i was planning on doing in order to sell it on ebay. I put everything back in its originial packaging and everything. I paid $500 for this thing so the fee will come out to $75!!!:eek: WHY WOULD IT COST $75 TOO PUT IT BACK ON THE DAMN SHELF!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:

If anybody knows a way around this, i would greatly appreciate it. Thank you. :)

Rule #1 - Always ask about the return policy and if there is a restocking fee before purchasing the product.

Is the return policy/restocking fee clearly stated on the receipt?

According to the latest news, many stores now are charging a restocking fee if you return an item, especially electronics. The stores that were mentioned were Circuit City and Target. So that may be something to keep in mind.

yea......it says so on the back:( . I'll ask them to cut me a deal and have me put it back on the shelf for them. :mad:

Many stores like Circuit City do this.

I've seen this exact post on other forums as well. Ugh.

no way around it? =(

highway robbery, stupid electronics stores :mad:

Does CC know that you opened it and used it? If so, you just 'rented/borrowed' it for $75 for your trip.

If they don't believe you've opened it, they may go easy on you. Just tell them it was a gift for someone else and they didn't like it, or maybe you received it as a gift and maybe they'll hook you up with an in-store credit...without charging you 15% restocking fees.

An old buddy of mine that worked at an electronics store told me that they threw in the 15% restocking fees because they felt a lot of the times people would 'borrow' a digital camera/camcorder or a BigScreen TV for that special Bowl game and then return it after they used it for the purpose.

Hardly highway robbery. The fee is in place for people who abuse the system. Circuit City is not a "rentacenter" as some people try to use it as.

How can you return it if it's been used?

Debbie - These stores typically let you return if you are not satisfied within 14 (or 30) days for any reason at all.

Ditto CheapArse, it keeps people from "renting" things usually. I think 15% is a lot, but I have only returned one item (to Best Buy I think?) in the last few years and had to pay the fee.

The associates usually tell customers of this fee, though I don't think they are held liable (for the purchase, etc) if they forget. But you agree to the terms on the back of the receipt when you purchase the item (even with cash).

I believe that if you don't open the casing to the product (cd, dvd, electronics, etc.) then there is no re-stocking fee.

I'm looking to buy a couple of big ticket items (a laptop and a digital SLR camera) and I'm highly considering giving Costco all of my business because of their return policy. If I'm not happy with the product, I want to be able to return it. I don't currently have a membership, but I think it's probably worth the $45. My uncle has been a longtime member there and has never had a problem with a return.

I think it comes back down to "you get what you pay for". If you buy cheap pants at Target, expect them to get a hole. (Happens to my kids after just a couple of wears.) If you buy a product made by a company like Osh Kosh, North Face, Patagonia, etc. you might pay a little more up front, but if you're not absolutely happy or they wear out before you think they should, you can get them replaced at no cost. (My ds9 has been wearing his North Face Denali fleece for 3 years and it's still in good condition to pass down. They've also made good on a couple of other products for us over the years.)

I saw a laptop that I was considering on the back of the Circuit City flyer but instantly dismissed the idea of buying it based on what I've read about people's experiences with the store.

I feel bad for you having to pay a $75 restock fee because you're not happy with the product. I would go at a less busy time and see if you can at least work out a credit for part of the restock fee or something. If I spend that much money, I expect to be happy with my purchase.

I wouldn't return it honestly, I'd turn around and sell it on eBay or CraigsList. You'll take less of a hit financially IMO.

That said, Kayakmom - call your local Costco and ask about their laptop and camera return policy. It seems some Costco's through out the U.S. are only returning for 30 days while some are still holding to the six month policy. :)

We bought out laptop at Sam's and they told us that we had 6 months to return it for any reason if we were not satisfied. Bring in the receipt and have everything in the box for a full refund. He also told us you can' t do that anywhere else.

It says on Costco's website that their return policy for computers is 6 months. The item I need is only available online, so this is the policy that would apply:

Returns or Exchanges
Costco.com has a 100% guarantee on all of our merchandise. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer two convenient return methods. Costco.com refunds include shipping and handling fees.

1. You can return the item to the nearest Costco Wholesale location. To find a location,
please click here.

2. If you are unable to return your order to one of our warehouses, please e-mail us at
customer service. Please include your name, order confirmation number, phone number, and
reason for return. You will be contacted regarding your return within 5 to 7 business days.

Please note, as of November 4th, 2002 , the return policy for all desktop and notebook computers are six months from the date of purchase. Six months after purchase, all computer services and technical support will be subject to the applicable remaining manufacturer’s warranty.

One, I did not know you were buying online. Two, as I stated above, when I thought you were buying at a B&M, some stores seemed to have changed to a 30 day policy. It was meant as a simple and polite FYI. I knew what their site stated, but again, just trying to save you some money and stress if possible. That was all. :D

The reason that CC and BB charge the 15% restocking fee is so they can turn around and sell the item you return as an "open-box item" at a 15% discount.

The comments about most retailers not being in the business of renting equipment is a good observation. It is a huge problem for all retailers and that is why some are now tracking how many times a customer returns items. I have heard rumors of retailers 'blacklisting' customers for returns abuse! One friend says that she was challenged at JC Penney because she had returned something that was the wrong size within a couple of weeks of another return.

A 15% restocking fee for a tech item that has been opened is not out-of-line. They will probably test and re-sell it as an open box item. That costs them employee time and lost profits. I know that I will not buy anything, at full price, if the box has been opened. I expect a DEEP discount on anything that has been opened, used as a demo, etc.

So, while I have empathy for your situation, I also can empathize with the store returns policy. You bought it, you used it, it's not defective. The old adage of "caveat emptor" is truer today than ever before.

As for the return policy at Costco -- it is one of the primary reasons that I buy 'big ticket' items there if I possibly can. Just be sure you make a copy of your receipt ASAP when you get home. The membership desk people told me that the thermal paper used for the cash register receipts will fade real fast if you don't store it in a cool dark place and that they will accept a copy of the receipt as proof.

alimfp, I'm sorry if I wasn't clear. I didn't mean anything bad by it at all. I was simply trying to help out others who might be looking for those larger ticket items with a good return policy. The Costco around here is near where I used to live, but it's a pretty far drive from where I live now, so I wouldn't have much opportunity to shop "in store". I was thinking of just having my uncle or mil buy the items for me, since there are only 2 that I really want, but then I figured if I need to return them I don't want to have to cause hassle upon anyone.

BigBob, thanks for the photocopy tip on the receipts. I'm a treasurer for Cub Scouts and when reviewing items from past events, I couldn't read the receipts anymore and they've been stored inside a 3 ring binder stapled to reimbursement forms. :rolleyes: I will remember to photocopy or scan the more important ones from now on.

As for returned items being sold as new - We bought a laptop at BJ's almost 2 years ago (the one I'm using now, as a matter of fact) and when we opened it, it had been used!!! It had all links saved to immigration and green card websites, lol. I just formatted the hard drive and kept it because it was the last one they had and I had already returned one for defective speakers. I did let them know and they had also dropped the price (on another one that was returned, I guess) so I ended up getting another $75 or so back the next time I went into the store.

I purchased the garmin street pilot c330, a navigation system for automobiles on black friday. I used it a couple of times, but primarily for a trip from NYC to PA. I am not too satisfied or impressed with this device. i went to CC today to try to return it, but they said there is a 15% restocking fee and on top of that i am not even able to return the 1 yr extended warantee, which i was planning on doing in order to sell it on ebay. I put everything back in its originial packaging and everything. I paid $500 for this thing so the fee will come out to $75!!!:eek: WHY WOULD IT COST $75 TOO PUT IT BACK ON THE DAMN SHELF!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:



It's because of all the people that take advantage of the system. It's only a matter of time before WalMart starts doing it as well. You used it and now it's no longer new. What are they supposed to do with it? Would you have origianally paid full price for it if it had already been opened and used?

The Open Box stuff at the Circuit City where I work is usually cleaned and tested to make sure it works. The discount varies based on cosmetic damage of the product and the time it was out for. I have seen some digital cameras open-boxed for 150 dollars off (they were scratched up) and a laptop open-boxed for 30 dollars off (the customer did not even turn it on. he just took it out to look at it). For the most part, the open-box items are a pretty good deal, and the carry the same manufacturers warranty.

As for the 15% restocking fee, you guys are correct. My manager told me it is to prevent people from "renting" from us, and althought htis is mainly for tv's and stereo's there are some people who "rent" computers for school or whatever.

I think it comes back down to "you get what you pay for". If you buy cheap pants at Target, expect them to get a hole. (Happens to my kids after just a couple of wears.) If you buy a product made by a company like Osh Kosh, North Face, Patagonia, etc. you might pay a little more up front, but if you're not absolutely happy or they wear out before you think they should, you can get them replaced at no cost. (My ds9 has been wearing his North Face Denali fleece for 3 years and it's still in good condition to pass down. They've also made good on a couple of other products for us over the years.)
I buy my Osh Kosh at Target!

Anyone know if this would apply to a Nintendo DS from Target?

I highly recommend Sam's Club and Sam's Club Online. I bought a digital camera almost a year ago. Still under warranty, it broke. I contacted Sam's about it and they said I could return it to them. I get a credit to my card, no questions asked. If you purchase online, your reciept is always there for you to print out so you don't have to keep track of those things.

ok ok....i've learned my lesson! This is the first time i got stuck in a scenario like this...so i'm far from being one of those "customers who rent" people that you guys speak of. But, being a college student on a very low budget, I would really appreciate it if anybody could help me resolve this issue, even if it means minimizing my loss(to less than 30 bucks, preferably :D) Thank you everybody for your advice. I will definitely keep it in mind for future reference.

Why not sell it on ebay like you originally planned to do?

Anyone know if this would apply to a Nintendo DS from Target?


I suggest you to call Target store. I dont think there's 15% stocking fee for it because it sell under 100 dollars

eBay or CraigsList. You would have to find a pretty darn forgiving person in upper management at the store to give you the 100% refund (and it would probably take forever to plead your case and not be worth the time!).

In some ways, I don't blame them. There are too many 'renting' the item for a special occassion going on. People are taking advantage of it, although there are legitimate cases.

i dont want to sell it on ebay because i would still take a loss since i purchased the optional extended warantee for roughly 90 bucks and they wont let me return that. i think im just gonna suck it up and take a loss.:(

Contrary to popular belief (or opinion), retailers are not obligated to accept a return on an item simply because you don't like it. In most cases, if you buy an item and return it, it can't or won't be sold as new. So whether it's sold as an open box item, returned to the manufacturer and sold as refurbished, or whatever, someone is taking a hit for a consumer returning a perfectly good item. And of course you have the people who use Circuit City as a rent-a-center who make the situation worse, and that's why they charge a restocking fee.

This is why I do a good deal of research any time I buy anything relatively expensive. Not only do I want to get the best deal, I want to get the best product. If you do that, you'll rarely be unhappy with what you get. :)

Anyone know if this would apply to a Nintendo DS from Target?
We have 2 Target's nearby and they both charge 15% restocking fee. They do charge the fee on Nintendo DS if it is open or not defective. This is kind of subject to how nice the person is that is helping you. They CAN override the fee if they want to. I know this because I used to work for Target. If it is defective, there is no questions asked. I have taken back a used electronic one time at Target but it was defective and actually, I wanted to exchange it and they no longer carried it. I was refunded my money with no problems.

As far as blacklisting customers, Walmart here does that. They will allow only a certain $ (last year it was about $100.00) amount in returns without a receipt in a year's time. If you have a receipt they don't blacklist you, only without one (atleast here anyway). My parents live close to a Walmart in TN and are always buying clothes for my 2 toddlers that don't fit. Well my mom never keeps her receipts so I am forced to take back and exchange without a receipt here in FL. I was cut off one time. More and more places are cutting down on returns without receipts and used items. I don't blame them a bit.

My target has no restocking fee, Circuit city is the only store I can think of that has a restocking fee here (more and more online stores are starting to do this however)

Walmart only allows 3 returns in a year with no receipt. That is why they take your d/l #....tracking.
As more people try and screw walmart, it seems to be getting harder to return things. They are starting (better) training programs for anybody that might ever work the service desk. The main problem is the wrong item in the box.
My brother just put a bad video card (2 years old) in an older wireless router box that WM still sells, they only gave him store credit, but that's ridiculous.

This is why I do a good deal of research any time I buy anything relatively expensive. Not only do I want to get the best deal, I want to get the best product. If you do that, you'll rarely be unhappy with what you get.

The internet is just sitting there, dying to give you info! Chances are, if you are looking at buying a high $ item, there's a messageboard/forum that have people's experiences, good or bad.

If nothing else, theres always somebody that knows which comparable items are better than the next, from a technical aspect (not just opinion)

I recently purchased an Ipod and returned it to CC and they didn't charge me a thing. The package wasn't open, I picked up the wrong one. Maybe it just depends on your store or manager.

We have 2 Target's nearby and they both charge 15% restocking fee. They do charge the fee on Nintendo DS if it is open or not defective. This is kind of subject to how nice the person is that is helping you. They CAN override the fee if they want to. I know this because I used to work for Target. If it is defective, there is no questions asked. I have taken back a used electronic one time at Target but it was defective and actually, I wanted to exchange it and they no longer carried it. I was refunded my money with no problems.

As far as blacklisting customers, Walmart here does that. They will allow only a certain $ (last year it was about $100.00) amount in returns without a receipt in a year's time. If you have a receipt they don't blacklist you, only without one (atleast here anyway). My parents live close to a Walmart in TN and are always buying clothes for my 2 toddlers that don't fit. Well my mom never keeps her receipts so I am forced to take back and exchange without a receipt here in FL. I was cut off one time. More and more places are cutting down on returns without receipts and used items. I don't blame them a bit.

I'll be trying my return this weekend. Wish me luck.

I recently purchased an Ipod and returned it to CC and they didn't charge me a thing. The package wasn't open, I picked up the wrong one. Maybe it just depends on your store or manager.

Because it wasn't opened.

Our Target nearby has a 15% restocking fee and also has a blacklist policy for items returned without a receipt (3 per calendar year, I believe). Our local WalMart has also initiated the blacklist policy for items without a receipt.

I got blacklisted at Home Depot...we were doing an addition to our house and bought the supplies, then had a problem with the contractor so it didn't get started for a couple of months... then when we started again some things were the wrong type and we had to return... didnt' have the receipt on some since it was old and just wanted a credit (stuff rarely goes on sale there anyway)... but they put us on the blacklist so now if I return anything there they have to call a manager. The funny thing is since the guys were working I was the designated "run to the store person" so they bought the wrong stuff, but I'm the one blacklisted at the Depot...my husband laughs at me every time we got there....

The "No Receipt Blacklist" is getting larger everyday. Most stores are using some company to keep track for them. I had a problem at Lowes with a return. The register printed a receipt with a phone number. I called the number and had them look me up by my DL. She stated that I had only made 3 non-receipt returns to Lowes in the last year and that was a low number. She told me to return the items anyway. It was weird because the rejection came without the manager even getting my info. I think they were tracking the product or something!
Also, TARGET has changed their non-receipt return policy! If you return an item w/o a receipt, (your first return or not), you can only exchange it for the exact same item or for ONE item in the exact same department. I tried to return a bed rail without a receipt. I was told that I could only get something in baby/toddler dept. I said "Fine, I can get some shirts and socks, etc..". The clerk said "I'm sorry, but you can only use the credit for ONE item in that dept." It wasn't her fault. Its "renters" and thieves that forced them to do it. But guess what? I took that bed rail back home til I found that receipt. Then I returned it. My mother always told me to KEEP ALL RECEIPTS. She was right.

Target will do a receipt look up if you pay with CC or debit card though so why is this a problem?

Target will do a receipt look up if you pay with CC or debit card though so why is this a problem?
Cash is my credit card! MY wife uses her debit card for stuff. I just love the feeling of money in my wallet. Plus, I don't spend as much. Have you seen the Zales $50.00 thread?! I have already used my wife's debit card once. I'd be all over that site for Christmas. No credit card is a good thing for me.

I am in charge of sending back defective returns at my ToysRUs and I know that people out there do "rent" the expensive things like the moonwalks and pools that we sell. They will come in on a Friday and purchase it and then either come back Sunday or Monday and return it sometimes just pulling it out if the ground that morning. It got so bad this year I had to have my managers put up a sign that we would not refund on open box moonwalks or pools because usually there was nothing wrong with them and once you get them out of the little box they come in they never go back in.
Also, on the blacklist thing, ToysRUs does it for $200 in a year w/out receipt and we don't control it at the store it is at corp. level b/c the computer will just kick your return out of the system and there is nothing we can do. The reason we do is b/c of people like this one couple who came in 1 day and returned $200 stuff they had and then tried to come in the next day and return almost $300 they had and you could tell it had been laying around for awhile most of it rang up clearance, was dusty, or squashed. We didn't do it for them becaus ethey were just trying to take adavantage of the system. But just a tip TRU can now look up receipts if you paid w/ cash, cc, dc as long as you remember what date you bought the item. Sorry so longwinded.:D

Yes, I think 'renting' for free is getting out of control. I was at a birthday party, and during that short 2 hours, I found out this family is doing exactly that! The mother said -- we'll return it later...

Yes, I think 'renting' for free is getting out of control. I was at a birthday party, and during that short 2 hours, I found out this family is doing exactly that! The mother said -- we'll return it later...

You should tell them about Rent-A-Center, Aaron's Rentals, Rentway, etc. Maybe they weren't aware of such places... ;)

You should tell them about Rent-A-Center, Aaron's Rentals, Rentway, etc. Maybe they weren't aware of such places... ;)

Yeah, right! They are looking for something for free...

I returned my unopened Nintendo DS to target the other day...no questions asked. She just gave me a credit. I got in on the $99 deal a few weeks ago so returned the one I orignally bought a month ago. No restocking fee.

We learned a very valuable lesson about "renting" once. We got a very expensive camera for a Pearl Jam concert ($500) just to use that one day. My husband put it down on the hood of the car and forget it there. He was only gone about 20 seconds when he remembered he left it there and it was gone. So not only did we screw ourselves, the film was still in the camera so I had no pictures! That was 15 years ago and it still stings when I think about it.

I see where they're coming from some / most of the time but sometimes there are some circumstances that you can't control and you want to be able to return stuff with no receipt. Like trading it for another brand, etc. Even that Walmart seems to not care about they take your DL# and call it a return.
My MIL bought me a lot of diapers for my new baby but he leaked out of them (Walmart brand) so I exchanged them for Huggies Supreme and I did this with a few at a time not knowing the new rules. Well, 4th trip up and I got blacklisted. I was so mad! I know now that they do this, thing is she is buying me LUVS for my new baby and watch those not work and me have to figure out what to do for that. Too bad you can't just exchange for similar item different brand.

I returned my unopened Nintendo DS to target the other day...no questions asked. She just gave me a credit. I got in on the $99 deal a few weeks ago so returned the one I orignally bought a month ago. No restocking fee.

Unopened being the key word there. No one charges a restocking fee for unopened merchandise.

It is fair I think since there are a ton of people who have done like you did - bought something, used it for a trip or a special event & then tried to return it. Is it fair for me to come along & buy something that has been used? It is because so many people did things like this that the re-stocking fee came into place. It isn't 'just to put it back on the shelf'. They have to totally re-package the item & make sure that it is still ok so that they can turn around & sell it. Consider it a fee for using it on your trip.

I don't think anyone addressed the service plan/warranty. There's no reason in the world why you shouldn't be able to return that. Most places will pro-rate it, so you might not get the full amount back, but it depends on the exact circumstances.

The restocking fees I don't like at all. They used to be limited to laptops for whatever reason, and now they're everywhere.

Return policy is definitely a big part of my buying decision, where it used to not be so much.

I suggest you to call Target store. I dont think there's 15% stocking fee for it because it sell under 100 dollars

I bought a car adapter for my Sony discman a year ago at Target and when I went to use it, it didn't work. It turned out my cd player was broken so I no longer needed the adapter. It only costs $14.99 and they still charged me a restocking fee even though it was under $100! It wasn't even "electronics". Just an accessory. I fought with them for a few minutes but since it was only a couple bucks, it wasn't worth my time. Next time I need to return anything there like that I think I should say it's broken, that way, they can't charge you a fee.

-Eric