10 tips for hassle-free tech merchandise returns

PC World - [Editor's note: We've updated this story, which originally appeared in January 2008, to reflect current returns and other policies.]

An HDTV is not a sweater -- a fact that retailers will make very clear if you try to return your new flat screen. If the digital cameras (or other tech gifts) you got from your mom, your cousin or your best friend this holiday season must head back to the store, you need to be prepared before you get there.

Consistently, retailers maintain separate return policies for electronics. "We're talking [about] some higher-end items that retailers want to move quickly," says Better Business Bureau spokesman Steve Cox. "They don't want to be caught with old stock."

In addition, says Cox, retailers are legally allowed to set any return policies they want, as long as those policies are posted.

Here is our best advice to help you avoid headaches and high blood pressure at the customer-service counter.

Do you really want to take the item back?

Before you go to the store, consider why you are returning an item. Could your dissatisfaction be a result of your setting up the gizmo improperly? Think about paying for some professional assistance before giving up on your brand-new home entertainment system.

Jeff Dudash, a spokesman for Best Buy Co., notes that many returns of home entertainment systems and computers to the giant consumer-electronics chain follow failed attempts to install or configure the devices. Often, professional services such as Circuit City Stores Inc.'s Firedog or Best Buy's Geek Squad can get the gadgets working correctly. And nerds on call don't necessarily need to come out to your house to help. For example, Geek Squad has online videos that show how to set up your shiny new toys.

Act fast!

OK, so geeks in cars can't help you dispose of three extra digital cameras. The key to a quick and easy return is simple: Don't dawdle. For electronics returns, stores generally give you less time -- and make you jump through more hoops -- than they do for other items. The good news is that most retailers have holiday return policies that are less stringent than their standard policies -- and in 2008, as sellers struggle to attract customers, some policies are even more lenient than the ones in effect in 2007.

For instance, Circuit City has further relaxed its usual 14-day return policy: For products purchased between Nov. 2 and Dec. 24, 2008, consumers have until Jan. 31, 2009, to bring or mail the items back to the store (this past holiday season, they had until Jan. 8). Amazon.com Inc. will accept returns for merchandise bought between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008, until Jan. 31, 2009.

Best Buy's holiday return policy is more strict -- and more complicated. Generally, merchandise bought between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, 2008, can be returned through Jan. 24, 2009. However, monitors, projectors, digital cameras, camcorders, radar detectors and video games purchased used must be returned within two weeks of Christmas -- Jan. 8, 2009. Desktop and laptop PCs must be returned no later than 14 days "from date merchandise is received," says the retailer. And certain purchases, including opened software, music, movies and video games, are subject to Best Buy's standard 14-day online return policy.

For electronics, Costco Wholesale Corp. is sticking to the 90-day return policy it instituted last year. It has set no window for other types of merchandise.