by Daniel J. Gansle

Created on: December 19, 2008

If you're in the market for a new computer, GPS system, or HDTV, you're probably thinking about heading out to one of the electronics superstores such as Best Buy or Circuit City. But once you read the fine print about their return policy and restocking fees, you may want to think twice.

Let's say you purchased a new laptop from Best Buy fourteen days ago using your debit card. For whatever reason, a problem has arisen and you can no longer get the laptop (for which you paid over $1500) to operate properly. You've tried everything: following your instruction manual, calling tech support, and the thing still doesn't work. Your only choice is to pack it into its original box, grab your receipt, and take it back to Best Buy first thing in the morning for a return.

When you speak to the friendly employee behind the Returns counter, he or she informs you that Best Buy cannot return the laptop because it exceeds their 14-day return policy on certain electronics. You ask to speak with a manager, who then kindly capitulates and offers to return the item because it's technically only 10 hours past the 14-day deadline. "Phew," you think. "That was close."

Not so fast!

The manager then informs you that you will need to pay a 15 percent restocking fee to cover their costs for processing the return (thus there really is no "restocking" of the product; it should technically be called a return processing fee). The manager explains that certain products you buy from Best Buy, including that totally unusable laptop you just forked $1500 over for, necessitate this seemingly unjust restocking fee which now leaves you $225 in the hole.

"But I have the receipt and the original packaging," you begrudge. But it doesn't matter really; store policy is store policy. "Can I just exchange it for another one?"

"Sorry, can't do that," the manager says. So, you're stuck between a rock and a hard place: either swallow the $225 out of pocket just to get rid of the thing, or try to have it repaired under warranty which means going without your laptop for several weeks. Finally, you decide to return it, pay the unfair $225 restocking fee, and get a full refund.

Once again, not so fast!

Best Buy's return policy states: "Refund will be in the same form as original purchase. Exceptions: Cash, debit or check purchases over $250 will be refunded in the form of a mail check within 10 business days of return." Because your laptop is over $250, you won't get your debit account refunded; you'll have to wait at least 10 days or longer for a corporate check to be sent to your mailbox.

You get the point. Electronic consumer goods can often be finicky. Most of the time they work, but sometimes they don't. That's why you want to shop for electronics at a store with the assurance of a 30-day return policy and no restocking fees (assuming you have the receipt and original packaging). Here are three categories of retail outlets where you can find a great deal on electronics without all the hassle:

1) Department Stores: Sears, JC Penney, Dillards, Macy's, etc.
2) Club Stores: Sam's Club, Costco.
3) Big-Box Retail Stores. Wal-Mart, Target, and Radio Shack (though Radio Shack is more of an electronics speciality store).

If you shop at Best Buy or Circuit City, just remember to read the fine print before making your purchase. Be an informed customer and don't get caught by an unwelcome surprise!

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