Returning Items After Using Them

Updated on February 01, 2017
S.R. asks from Scottsdale, AZ
19 answers

We got my dd got a polaroid camera for xmas, but doesn't like and wants the fuji instax. She has used it, but we may be within the return period. Do you ever return things after use?

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So What Happened?

We bought it at Best Buy, I brought it in and it was slightly outside the date for return, but they were very nice and gave us a store credit where we bought the other camera she wanted. We have given them lots of business over the years, so I think that was nice of them to take it back and my kid is really happy with the other camera.

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P.K.

answers from New York on

She wantef it. Now she decides not what she wanted. When she saves enough money, she can buy what she wants.

4 moms found this helpful
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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Electronics must be in their original packaging without being opened. Sorry she doesn't like it. Maybe she can sell it to a friend?

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S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

i have, but only if the return policy allows for it.
often that's the case. sometimes you need to use something before realizing it's not the right fit. it may well be the case with this camera.
so what's the policy in your situation?
khairete
S.

4 moms found this helpful

W.W.

answers from Washington DC on

Sorry. There's nothing wrong with the camera. She just doesn't like it. I wouldn't return it. That's wrong.

Sell it on ebay, craiglist or nextdoorneighbor, but don't return it. Donate even. Have her buy the one she wants instead with the proceeds she gets from selling the one she doesn't like.

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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

I return items if they're defective, don't fit, etc. I don't return used items. It's an ethical choice for me.

3 moms found this helpful
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M.G.

answers from Portland on

We're pretty big on doing our research and trying out items before we buy, but we've returned things we've received at Christmas that either sucked or just weren't what we were looking for. We tend to mostly buy our stuff from stores that have really good return policies so it's not an issue.
Usually the Christmas return period is over now (the grace period where they take stuff back). I returned a jacket to major sporting goods store - they told us first two weeks in January.
If it were me, I'd just give a call and ask before venturing in.

3 moms found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

No, I've not returned anything, especially electronics just because I changed my mind.

It's one thing if it's the wrong product or defective. Still, most places would charge a repacking fee.

Daughter can save up and buy what she wants and sell this camera to someone only if it's in mint condition.

Good luck.

2 moms found this helpful

V.S.

answers from Reading on

Certain things should not be returned after using - clothing, for example. If you wear it for more than just trying it on, it's dishonest to return it. However, how would she know she doesn't like the camera unless she uses it for a bit?

1 mom found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Well, I guess I did once for a phone, but not for clothing or other items.
My sister was one for buying a dress, saving the tags, wearing it, then returning it - and that's just wrong - plus when you're buying something new - do YOU want to think about the number of people who may have used it before you?
The trouble with tech is - now the sellers have to sell it as 'open box' - which means things might be missing or damaged.
Also, they might have a 'restocking fee' which means you won't get your full price back.
Perhaps your daughter can sell it as gently used on eBay to get some money from it and then purchase the camera she wants.

1 mom found this helpful

S.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

In my experience you can only return electronics unused in the original packaging, unless they are defective.

1 mom found this helpful
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E.B.

answers from Honolulu on

I (and family members) have returned new phones or accessories within Verizon's 15 day satisfaction period, but that was because we weren't happy with the new phone, not because we suddenly realized we wanted a better or more expensive one. It was more a matter of dissatisfaction with the new phone.

Retailers are pretty strict about things that people buy, and can use, and then return over holidays. They're wary about people buying something for holiday use, at parties, etc.

So there may be a re-stocking fee, which could impact the price.

But there's nothing wrong with going to the retailer and inquiring. Perhaps it would be a pretty even trade, and I don't see a problem with that. But if exchanging meant paying out a lot of extra money, I wouldn't do it.

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M.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Yes, I have returned things after use for lots of reasons - because it didn't work like I expected, because it stopped working, etc. I even returned nonstick pans several years after purchase because the nonstick came off during the warranty period (the store didn't refund me, but they did hand me a brand new set of the same item).

If you are talking strictly about returning something simply because you changed your mind: I think it would be inappropriate to return something after use IF your use prevents the store from reselling the item. Shoes, for example, look worn on the bottom after only 1 use. Golf clubs show wear after 1 use. But I would return the camera, assuming it still looks brand new (no scratches or anything), and get the fuji from the same store, so that the store is still profiting from the sale.

Someone below mentioned that she heard of someone trying to wear a special occasion dress with tags on and then return it. This I would not do - that is stealing, IMO.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.S.

answers from Washington DC on

Don't think I have ever returned anything I used just because I wanted something else after trying it out. If it malfunctioned or was misrepresented in some way then, definitely! Just doesn't seem right, or a good lesson to teach a kid in my opinion. Someone is taking a loss since it can't be resold and the size of the company/store shouldn't matter.

1 mom found this helpful

T.D.

answers from Springfield on

we returned a camera after ahving is for about a week. it was not as advertised and took blurry pictures every single time. the store took it back without issue. i purchased a cannon with the return money.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from Santa Barbara on

It is up to the retailer. Most places do NOT take back used electronics. For example; Costco's policy is different from Best Buy.

Some place may allow exchanges since they are still getting your money. Again it is really up to the retailer.

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T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

You can't usually return electronics once they've been opened and used unless they are defective. A store won't want it back because even if it works no one wants to buy a used camera.

1 mom found this helpful
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G.♣.

answers from Springfield on

I depends on the product (definitely wouldn't return underwear that has been worn) and why I want to return it. Most electronics have a period they can be return specifically because people want a chance to use them and see if that's what they want. As long as the camera still looks new and everything works, this would definitely be something you could return.

A.W.

answers from Kalamazoo on

If you can return it, I would.

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S.L.

answers from Denver on

We returned a curling iron that was one of the automatic ones that has a motor and it pulls the hair up into it.
It almost pulled my kid's hair out, they took it back at Walmart. I was honest about the fact that we had used it and it was too difficult and maybe even dangerous.
I believe they get a credit from the Manufacturer, so the store itself doesn't suffer financially.
Having a receipt make the process much easier. Many stores can actually look up the transaction if you bought on a credit card...they can look up the number if you don't have a receipt.
At least they might give you store credit.

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