What Are the Return Policies of Camera Stores?

The year 2009 saw many consumers satisfied with the return policies of their preferred stores. The reason was the leniency implemented in the rules and regulations for return items of certain stores. This finding was revealed in the yearly survey on return policy done by ConsumerWorld.org.

Many owners of portable electronic devices including digital cameras are very particular about return and refund policies. They have every right to be concerned about this aspect because they are spending their hard earned money to buy these advanced and expensive gadgets for their personal use.

Camera stores vary in the return policies they implement. Most differ in the requirements for returning digital cameras and other related accessories. One area is the period allowed to have the item replaced or refunded. Some stores require shorter days such as from 10 to only 14 days to mail order items while the others may allow up to 30 days within receipt of the product.

Fees may also differ. Where refunds are requested, some charge a 15 percent restocking fee while it can be higher up to 20 to 25 percent for the other camera stores in New York. The charging of restocking fee is not limited to only refunds but can cover returned items as well. However, there are also stores that accommodate return items and exchange it with a new one but they may not allow a refund especially for certain electronic gadgets and international shipments. In addition, some camera stores require that consumers first get a return merchandise authorization number before they can have their item replaced or refunded.

Certain software programs are non-returnable as well to merchant stores although they may be returned to the manufacturer for exchange of a new one in case of defects. Not allowed for refunds are shipping and handling fees for all returned and exchanged products and refused shipments.

It's usually in the packaging for returned items where camera stores mostly share common terms and conditions. The product that's returned for defective parts or for reason of dissatisfaction should always be in its original packaging. If, for instance, it has been opened and no longer placed inside its original box, replacing the item and charging of the restocking fee remains at the discretion of the store. The fee will be determined by the management after inspection of the returned product.

Consumers, particularly those buying digital cameras and accessories, should also know that camera stores are strict when it concerns the warranty cards. What you should do then right after purchasing or receiving the item is to not fill out the warranty card yet while you're still testing the product. This is because once you've written on it, you will no longer be allowed to return the item.

So whether you're purchasing your cameras and accessories from the brick and mortar stores or from online merchants, it is a must to always check their return and refund policies first before you pay for the item.

For information about New York camera stores, visit 42photo.com, New York's legendary camera store in business for over 40 years.