Seattle, WAThere are thousands and thousands of retail companies to purchase products from and each one has its own policy on restocking fees. Even companies that sell similar products have wildly varying policies. Further complicating things is that some companies have different restocking fees depending on whether a product was purchased online or in-store.
Adding to the confusion is that each state has its own rules and regulations about how and when restocking fees can be charged. Many states require that customers be notified about restocking fees prior to making a purchase. With so many different policies and laws, it is important for consumers to know their rights so if a company tries to illegally charge a restocking fee, they can take action.
As an example, a customer tries return a purchase at a store in New York. The employee points to fine print on the receipt that says, "Any returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee." There are no signs in the store to indicate that there will be a restocking fee on returned items. In this case, the restocking fee is illegal because in New York, retailers must notify customers of restocking fees prior to a purchase being made. Since a receipt is not given until the transaction is complete, the store cannot claim that customers know about the fees prior to making the purchase.
However, not all states require notices of restocking fees to be posted in stores. New Hampshire, for example, does not have this law. This is why it is important for consumers to know their rights and know the laws in their state.
Not all stores automatically charge a restocking fee on returned items. Some stores take a number of factors into account when determining whether or not to charge a customer a restocking fee. Factors that may be taken into account include the time elapsed since the sale, how much business a particular customer does with them, the likelihood that a product can be resold, the condition of the item's packaging, and if the company made an error that influenced the customer to purchase the wrong product.
If you have been charged a restocking fee on a returned retail item, please contact a lawyer involved in a possible [Retail Return Restocking Fees Lawsuit] who will review your case at no cost or obligation.
I recently purchased a Glowforge laser etching machine. paid $6800 total. after receiving
it I followed all the instructions and tried to do the first laser cut item with the materials they
sent with item. It wouldnt cut and wouldnt even mark the material. i then went to you tube to find this was a common issue, and found the laser lense needed cleaning which i did. still only
cutting top layer of material not correctly. I then decided this was just not going to work so i contacted Glowforge to ask for a return label. I was instructed their would be a 30% restocking
fee, which is $1819.00! Obviously I wasnt doing that, plus shipping of $250.00
After much threatning and complaining they lowered the restocking fee to 15% $819!!!
Now they are playing hard ball and wont come off the fee. Im having to hire an Attorney and
Sue.
Posted by Dave
on
I am a Canadian who purchased a Marine engine on line in Florida . I called the merchant he was very hasty then cancelled my order and denied saying he cancelled order a few days later also wont answer his calls or emails . and wont send the engine or refund in full , I had reported this to the BBB and Police. as I paid him for shipping and engine then he told me before he cancelled the order for me to get my own shipper so did so, and this was a extra cost . a week went past and he received a letter from the BBB for them to either send engine or refund me, I was only refunded partially for the shipping cost and none for the engine, he wants me to sign a affidavit stating I am happy with the out come of my refund . My point is that Engine never left his shop and he never prepared it for shipping as he turned away my shipper three times from his shop. The manager was always hasty towards me on phone after he collected the funds, I sent them 13500 , 12000 for engine and 1500 for shipping and as to date I only received 1400 back , Pretty shady Business trying to charge me re stocking fee at 35% when engine never left there shop or was ready for shipping just a waste of my time and stress
Invoice was sent to me by email after he cancelled my order with his policy and terms
Posted by Annie
on
I purchased some Viny flooring 2 days ago, I haven't picked up the flooring as yet. I call today wanting the cancel the order and to get a refund. I was told that I would be charged a restocking fee. the point is that I still did not pick up the flooring. they still have my order there. Is that legal or right?
Posted by merinda hamilton
on
I merinda hamilton am one of the plaintiff's in the lawsuit an I never got any restoud or notification about resettlement. Case No BC533943
Posted by Michelle Lee
on
Always asked about return policies (i.e. 7; 14; 30 days + restocking fee if any) before buying any kind of items.
This will make it fair to the store and YOU.
And of course, KEEP all receipts.
Posted by Daniel Pilsner
on
I'm a resident of Wisconsin, I purchased equipment in Alsip Illinios. I went to Alsip to pick up the equipment, but was uncomfortable with what he sold me on - It was an over kill for what I needed. I wanted out of the purchase, because I had concerns that the equipment was too big. He told me I would be hit with a restock fee, which I did not understand. The equipment was on site and never moved. It was not a special order. I never seen anything that suggested I would be hit with a restock fee at his place of business on my earlier visits. I had nothing that stated a restock fee on invoice. What can I do?
Posted by Brenda
on
I recently purchased Laminate flooring and was advised on sales slip there would be a 100% restocking fee. is that legal?
Posted by Jared
on
I am a resident in West Virginia. I recently ordered a product from a company at 8:30am and later that day found the same product for over $500 cheaper. I then called the store back at about 1:30 that afternoon to cancel my order. I heard the sons owner in the background say that was a dirty thing I did. He then jumped on the phone and said the order had been shipped already. I asked if there was a freight charge and he said yes. He then told me there would be a 35% restocking fee. This would make the restocking fee over $500. I was not told nor did I see a sign indicating I would have a restocking fees for placing an order. I also put no money down and never made a transaction for the item. It was taken on good faith by the store. The item arrived and I went in to verify that the order was correct and that it had been shipped to the store. The store didn't charge me 35% but charged me $199.03 for a restocking fee and $65.44 for a shipping fee. The product remained in it's original shipping package on there counter and was never taken from the store by me. After all I never paid anything for the product therefore the product was not mine. Is it legal what the store has done? Not only was I told that it was a dirty thing that I did but when defending myself for finding the item cheaper I was told by the owner that I was a little prick.
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Adding to the confusion is that each state has its own rules and regulations about how and when restocking fees can be charged. Many states require that customers be notified about restocking fees prior to making a purchase. With so many different policies and laws, it is important for consumers to know their rights so if a company tries to illegally charge a restocking fee, they can take action.
