Georgia consumer's guide to retail store policies : be an informed consumer

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GEORGIA CONSUMER'S GUIDE To
RETAIL STORE POLICIES
Be an informed consumer
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
BARRY W. REID, ADMINISTRATOR
2 M.L KING, JR. DRIVE, SUITE 356 ATLANTA, GEORGIA 303344600
ATLANTA: 404 / 651 - 8600 STATEWIDE TOLL FREE: 800 /869 - 1123

BASIC TIps
Consumers can be confused and frustrated by some retail store policies such as refunds, eXchanges and layaways.
In Georgia, retail businesses are not required by law to offer refunds or exchange merchandise.
There are no restrictions placed on the retailer as long as the store policy is not unfair or deceptive and is clearly and conspicuously disclosed.
If you are dissatisfied, you should complain to the business; however, if you remain dissatisfied, your ultimate remedy is to do business with another retailer.
A retailer is not required to post their refund policy.
Your best protection is to be an informed consumer.
RUUND AND ExCHANGE POUC1ES
In Georgia, retail businesses ore not required by law to offer refunds or exchange merchandise. Each store can set its own policy on refunds and exchanges.
Many stores will exchange non-sale items whether you buy with cash, check, or credit, but they are not required to do so.
Refunds or exchanges are frequently not

allowed on merchandise that has been reduced or is "on sale".
If you exchange an item for one that costs less, the store can issue a store credit for the difference rather than give a cash refund.
Store policy detennines whether you will receive a refund or an exchange on a gift. Many stores apply the same rules to both personal purchases and gifts.
Before making a purchase, be aware of the store's refund policy and be certain that you know:
* If the store will give a cash refund,
store credit or exchange for the full amount of the purchase price of merchandise returned.
* What type of refund you will receive
if you exchange an item for one that costs less. The store can issue a store credit for the difference rather than give a cosh refund.
* If there is a time limit to return
merchandise for refund, and what the time limit is.
* Which types of merchandise are
covered under the store's refund policy.
* How a refund will be issued. It is
usually in the some monetary form as paid, such as a check, credit card or cosh.

WARRANTIES
Unless merchandise is marked "as is," most goods are sold with an "implied warranty of merchantability." If the implied warranty is violated, you may be entitled to receive a refund or exchange for the unsatisfactory goods.
An implied warranty indicates that the merchandise is:
* Of at least average quality.
* Fit for the ordinary purpose for
which such goods are used.
* Adequately packaged and labeled.
* In agreement with promises made
on the product's label.
If merchandise is purchased with a written warranty, you are entitled to all refund and eXchange privileges as stated by the party issuing the warranty. The written warranty is usually found on the merchandise or inducted in the packaging.

allowed on merchandise that has been reduced or is "on sale".
If you exchange an item for one that costs less, the store can issue a store credit for the difference rather than give a cash refund.
Store policy determines whether you will receive a refund or an exchange on a gift. Many stores apply the same rules to both personal purchases and gifts.
Before making a purchase, be aware of the store's refund policy and be certain that you know:
* If the store will give a cash refund,
store credit or exchange for the full amount of the purchase price of merchandise returned.
* What type of refund you will receive
if you exchange an item for one that costs less. The store can issue a store credit for the difference rather than give a cash refund.
* If there is a time limit to return
merchandise for refund, and what the time limit is.
* Which types of merchandise are
covered under the store's refund policy.
* How a refund will be issued. It is
usually in the same monetary form as paid, such as a check, credit card or cash.

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
BARRY W. REID, ADMINISTRATOR
2 M.L. KING, JR. DRIVE, SUITE 356
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30334 - 4600