How to avoid shocking restocking fees for retail shopping returns

Many retailers charge restocking fees for electronics or specialty items that have been opened and returned – even if the products haven’t been used by the original buyer.

They do this to recoup the discounts they have to offer when trying to sell the items the second time around in boxes that have been repacked and sealed. Restocking fees generally range between 10 percent and 15 percent of the purchase price, but some are as high as 25 percent of the sticker.

These fees are often posted in the customer service areas of store as part of the return policy, but shoppers don’t always notice them. Shoppers are often shocked and even outraged when they learn about them at the return counter.

“More than a third of our members reported being unhappy about restocking fees,” says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. “While we can’t stop this practice, consumers can avoid the fees. It’s not even that difficult. But you have to know about them before you can act to avoid them.”

Restocking fees apply only to unwanted items, Hicks said. Items that don’t work properly should be replaced or carry full refunds.

Angie’s tips to avoid restocking shock

1. Don’t guess on a gift.  If you’re uncertain about what kind of expensive electronic to buy as a gift, get a gift card instead so your recipient can pick out exactly what he or she wants.
    
2. Shop smart.  If you’re buying for yourself, do all the research ahead of time; determine exactly the product type and brand you want. Don’t settle for a similar product or be pressured into a specially priced promotion.
    
3. Know the store's policy. Determine the store’s return policy before you buy. Some retailers don’t charge restocking fees at all. If you do not see the store’s return policy posted near the customer service desk, ask to speak to a store manager and get the details.
    
4. Don’t open it. If you receive a gift you know right away is a product or brand you do not want, don’t open it. Don’t pick at the tape. Touch it as little as possible. If it looks unopened, you might escape the restocking fee.
    
5. If you do open it, take great care.  The better the box looks when you return it, the better chance you have of not being charged a restocking fee. Ripped, torn or damaged boxes, or boxes without all the inner packaging are sure bets for restocking fees.

Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 1 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news .