How to Return an Online Purchase

Shopping on the Web is convenient -- until you have to return something. Here's how to send your purchases back, hassle-free.

Shop Smart
Not every item can be returned: Anything personalized usually can't be sent back; policies vary for refurbished items such as computers.

Skip Post Office Lines
Open a FedEx or UPS account instead. Then bill shipments to a credit card. You can leave packages at a drop-off center or, in some cases, pay for home pickup. (Make sure they're insured and can be tracked.)

Walk It Back
You may be able to return your purchase at a company's brick-and-mortar store. This eliminates shipping fees, and you may even get your refund faster.

Call First
Tell customer service you're sending something back. Some companies, including the cosmetics chain Sephora, give you a return number and begin processing your return more quickly.

Ask About Exchanges
If you're exchanging an item, the company may waive the second shipping fee.

Read the Fine Print
While some companies pay for return shipping, many don't. And some offer store credit, not a refund.

From Reader's Digest - September 2005

 

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