You’re standing in line at the register with your new purchase when the cashier says, “That will be $35.99, please,” and you hand over your debit card. You feel a sudden pang of anxiety as you realize you’re about to be charged a restocking fee.
But don’t worry! There are a few easy ways to avoid these fees and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
1. Know the return policy. This is the first and most important step to take in order to avoid a restocking fee. Every store has different policies, so make sure you’re familiar with the return policy of the store you’re shopping at before making a purchase. Best Buy’s return policy states that most items can be returned within 15 days for a full refund, but that there are exceptions.
Some items, such as opened major appliances and special order items, are not eligible for return at all. Others, such as digital downloads, cell phones, and drones, can only be returned within 14 days for a full refund. And finally, some items are subject to a restocking fee if they are returned outside of the specified time frame or without all of the original packaging and accessories.
2. Inspect your purchase carefully before leaving the store. This step is especially important if you’re buying something that is not returnable or has a limited return window.
Once you leave the store with your purchase, you’re essentially agreeing that it is in good condition and exactly what you wanted. So take a few minutes to open the box and make sure everything is in working order before leaving the store.
3. Keep your receipt and packaging. This seems like an obvious one, but it’s important to keep your receipt and all of the original packaging until you’re absolutely sure you want to keep the item.
If you decide to return an item, the store will need to see your receipt in order to process the return. And if you don’t have the original packaging, they may not accept the return or charge you a restocking fee. So hang on to that receipt and those packing materials until you’re sure!
By following these simple tips, you can avoid being charged a restocking fee next time you make a return. So save yourself some money and hassle next time by being prepared.
Conclusion: How do I avoid restocking fees at Best Buy? By knowing their return policy, inspecting purchases before leaving store, and keeping receipts & packaging until deciding whether or not to keep an item.
