According to the National Retail Federation’s 2009 Back to School Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, four out of five Americans (85%) have made some changes to back-to-school shopping plans this year as a result of the economy. For those families, knowing their rights as a consumer can help save time and money in the long run.
A seller can have any type of return policy it wants, but under Massachusetts law, retailers must disclose their return policies before the transaction is completed. Usually this is done with a sign at the point of purchase. If a return policy is only listed on the sales receipt, that is not considered clear and conspicuous prior disclosure, as you only get a receipt after the sale is completed.
Also, businesses are responsible for the truth of their advertisements. If mistakes are made in advertising, it is the businesses’ obligation to make corrections, and until the corrections are made, to honor the price offered, unless a reasonable consumer would recognize the mistake.
Sellers are required to have enough supply of advertised items available to meet reasonably anticipated demand. If a store runs out of an advertised item, ask for a rain check, if one is offered, so you can buy the item at the advertised price at a later date. The store must notify you when the item is back in stock if it sells for $25 or more. The rain check must be honored within 60 days.
Before you hit the stores, review your retail rights.
Comments