Right after Christmas your BBB always receives numerous calls and complaints about return policies. Don’t be disappointed because you didn’t do your homework. Protect yourself and know what a company’s return policy is before you buy.

The company should have the return policy posted around the store or on its Web site. Sometimes it is on the receipt, too. If you aren’t sure of the return policy, ask when you are ready to make the purchase. If you are buying online and unsure of the policy, send the company an e-mail or call them.

The bottom-line is, the company has the right to set their own return policy. It is not dictated by law. Think about it, if you had your money invested in the company, you would want to be able to set the return policy to protect your investment.

Believe it or not, there are “bad” customers who will take advantage of a company. A good example is an evening dress purchase. Years ago, too many customers would buy an evening dress, wear it once and return it. It was getting so expensive for companies that they had to establish the policy of:  if the tags are cut off the dress, the dress can not be returned.

Be a wise buyer this holiday season and know the return policy before you buy, and save the receipt where you can find it. I always file my receipts in my filing cabinet and save them at least a year.

What are some of your return policy experiences --- good or bad?