Don’t like the colour of the shirt your child got you? Already have that book at home? It may be possible for you to return or exchange your Mother’s Day gift for something that better fits your taste.
Store policy
Stores don’t have to accept returned gifts unless they’re defective. However, if a store has an internal policy for returns or exchanges, they must follow it.
Each store decides whether they want to adopt such an internal policy. Nothing in the law forces them to have one.
Stores that voluntarily choose to adopt a policy for returns and exchanges can set their own rules about what can be returned or exchanged and when.
Did your child check the policy before making their purchase? If not, you can generally find all the relevant information on the store receipt.
Receipt required
When you go to the store to return or exchange a gift, you usually only need to provide a receipt or proof of purchase.
For larger purchases, you may also need to bring
- the documents that outline the conditions for a refund or an exchange,
- the records of maintenance and use, or
- the warranty or related documents.
These can help you save time because the staff may not have to look things up to process the return or exchange.
And for a service?
If your child booked you an introductory pottery class—your most recent hyperfixation—or got you a new phone plan, the rules are different.
This is because your child entered into what we call a contract for services. Your options to cancel a contract for services depend on the type of service. To learn more, click here.
Turns out that a bouquet of flowers may be best, eh? At least your gift will have given you a better understanding of your rights!