- published: 13 Aug 2015
- views: 12017
In retail, returning is the process of a customer taking previously purchased merchandise back to the retailer, and in turn, receiving a cash refund, exchange for another item (identical or different), or a store credit. Many retailers will accept returns provided that the customer has a receipt as a proof of purchase, and that certain other conditions, which depend on the retailer's policies, are met. These may include the merchandise being in a certain condition (possibly being resellable), no more than a certain amount of time having passed since the purchase, or that identification be provided. In some cases, only exchanges or store credit are offered. Some retailers charge a Restocking fee for returned merchandise.
Returning is generally offered by retailers as a courtesy to the customer. Often it causes the retailer to suffer a loss, because the merchandise, not being in sellable condition, must be sold at a discount or not at all. While retailers are not usually required to accept returns, laws in many places require retailers to post their return policy in a place where it would be visible to the customer prior to purchase.