However, restocking fees should not be charged in all situations. There are some circumstances in which it is inappropriate and even illegal in some states, to charge restocking fees. The question to ask is whether or not the return is due to a mistake on the consumer's part or on the company's part. If the mistake is on the consumer's part (i.e. ordering the wrong product by accident) then a restocking fee may be perfectly reasonable. However, if the company made a mistake (i.e. sending the wrong product) then no restocking fee should be charged.
Some situations in which restocking fees should not be charged:
- The company has sent the wrong item.
- The product sent is defective, except in cases where the customer was already advised as to its defective status.
- The item was sold based on incorrect information.
READ MORE LEGAL NEWS
Often, companies that are not as trustworthy as others charge unreasonable restocking fees. The reason some do so is to discourage customers from returning products, even if the return is warranted. Some companies charge a restocking fee regardless of whether or not an item has been opened or used. The fees are often charged with no regard for the actual cost of restocking merchandise and may therefore be misused as a source of revenue for businesses.