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Retail Return Policy

Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
703-324-3187, TTY 703-324-2935, FAX 703-324-2010

Dec. 3, 2003

 

Retail Return Policy

 

Holiday sales are in full swing and the Consumer Protection Division of the Fairfax County Department of Cable Communications and Consumer Protection advises county residents that they can avoid disappointments and problems by checking retailers’ refund policies before they buy. The Virginia Consumer Protection Act requires that return policies be posted in most cases.

It is a widely held misconception that stores are required by law to give cash refunds. In fact, Virginia law does not require refunds.

If a store has a refund, exchange or credit-for-return policy, then by law, in most cases, it must disclose all conditions, charges or fees relating to the return of goods. These rules do not apply if a merchant’s policy is to give cash refunds or credits, for a minimum of at least 20 days after the purchase, on the return of defective, unused or damaged items. A merchant can disclose the store policy either by placing a tag on the merchandise or a sign in an area of the store open to the public. If the store does not permit refunds, exchanges or credits, this must also be disclosed. None of these provisions applies in the case of motor vehicles or motorcycles.

In general, most large retail and department stores have liberal refund policies, particularly during the holiday season. Some retailers may, however, say “All Sales Final,” “Refunds for Store Credit Only,” “All Returns Must Be Accompanied by a Sales Slip,” or “All Returns Must Be Made Within Seven Days.” Because of these variations, it is important to note the policy before making a purchase.

For more information or to file a complaint, call the Consumer Protection Division at 703-222-8435, TTY 711. Complaints also can be filed electronically with the Consumer Protection Division via their Web page at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dtcs/consserv/IQext/CSW_acs.asp.

 

FAIRFAX COUNTY IS COMMITTED TO A POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION IN ALL COUNTY PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES AND WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS UPON REQUEST. TO REQUEST SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, CALL 703-324-3187, TTY 703-324-2935. PLEASE ALLOW FIVE WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE OF EVENTS IN ORDER TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS