Refunds policy

With consumers doing so much shopping – most will be content with what they’ve bought.
But for the minority – there will be a second trip to the store, in search of a refund or exchange.

“I would go into a store knowing I have the option of refunding or exchanging it, ” said Doneika Jackson, a bag of final-sale clothing in each hand.

Most of us have had one bad experience with a return gone wrong.

“I had to bring in my mom, they give you so many problems,” complained Fiorella Manera, a teenager who says stores don’t always believe young people during the return process. For example, she says one popular chain of stores rarely gives refunds willingly.

Return policies vary widely and change frequently.

Historically – the most flexible refund policies exist in department stores, like the Bay – Sears and larger specialty stores.

Stores like the Gap and Eddie Bauer stand out as easy return destinations.

But ask before you buy; because at Mexx, for example, the usual 30 day policy is cut to 14 days – during the Christmas sales period.

Smaller stores typically don’t give you your money back.

Yet sometimes, small stores actually work harder than you think to get and keep your business.

At the upscale “Seen Vision Care” in Yorkdale Mall – they’ll switch your frames, or remake your lenses with no hassle- and on items like sunglasses – if the style doesn’t suit, you can still change your mind.

“If we can’t make them happy, we give them a store credit that essentially lasts forever,” says Seen Vision owner Tom Bollum.

Even if you’re happy with what you’re bought – it’s worth paying a return visit to the store with a couple of weeks.

Many stores will give you money back – if they’ve lowered the selling price on your purchase; usually, within 14 or 30 days.

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Most unselfish return policy we found?

At the makeup store, Sephora.

It always accepts its product back – even if it’s used. Which means the store has to throw it in the garbage.

“We want to make sure (customers) leave the store happy,” says store associate Paola Briones, who admits it can be painful to watch high-quality make-up tossed in the trash.

The store says the policy isn’t abused – and like every smart return policy, this one encourages buyers to keep coming back.