Whether it's perfect or not .... a returned item should never be sold as "new" under any circumstances. I agree that returns are sometimes, a necessity, but the item needs to be sold as a demo, used, or returned to the factory.

Regardless of the behavior of some customers (who AREN'T always right) it is the responsibility of the retailer to disclose the history of an item sold as "new." There is no gray area here .... it's either fresh and new, or it's not.

I don't mind getting a deal on a return sometimes, but it has to be perfect. An opened box doesn't worry me as long as the warrantee is the same.

Mail order shopping has pretty much made returns a common thing, but there needs to be some guidelines. A restocking fee is fair, and if the unit returned is not in 100% original condition, then a return should be refused, or pro-rated.
Simple as that.

A return is a service, and IF offered, needs to be treated as such. Service costs, and in the end - the consumer always pays for it anyway. If not now, then later when the prices are driven up because of lost profit.

I personally LOVE trade deals, and I take advantage of return policies when I need to, but you will never see an item that I owned look any different from a factory fresh one. It's a matter of respect for the retailer, and the next customer.

"On line" commerce is taking the human element out of shopping, and this leads to a diminishing amount of respect for the merchant. Shoppers tend to see price only, and keep clicking till they get what they want. I love the interaction of a sales deal. I love the barter system and I love the way a deal unfolds .... from the greeting to the questions, the qualifying, the selection .......it's all a communicative process that creates a relationship between shopper and merchant. If all you do is buy from a book, you loose this valuable bond with your sales associate, and that can mean a lonely transition in getting to know and operate your new "whatever."
We all need help, sometimes.

Sales personal have gotten a bad rep because of the behavior of SOME bad apples, but in truth, the sales professional is an important asset to our community. Consumer education has grown rapidly, but there will always be a need for knowledgeable, trained personnel to assist buyers in making certain decisions.

Hats off to the professional sales team!
Alabama says:
They work a 40 hour week for a living, just to send it on down the line .......
40 hours is like a vacation to many sales pros!

If you have never done business with some of our merchant members like George Kaye or Dan Oneil ..... you're missing out on 2 of the most knowledgeable guys in the biz. These guys treat the sales business with the respect it deserves.
Give them a click before you run to the next super sale on line! Let's keep some of the business in the family!