Online sales have risen by 69% as of December 2020, according to Statistics Canada, since the pandemic. Compared to a 5.9% increase in physical stores, that is an astronomic figure. The downside of online shopping, however, is the higher likelihood of customer dissatisfaction. Since they can’t try out the products (as people do in a clothing store), problems may arise.
To tackle this problem, most progressive stores have return policies. Visit allreviews to learn more about commerce in Canada. Return policies allow customers to return goods that did not meet their needs. Often, stores have policies that detail when a product should be eligible for return.
Even with the spike in online sales in Canada, there is shockingly no government law that binds sellers to receive returned goods.
Most forward-thinking stores do not need to wait for the government to tell them to include these policies. Studies have shown that the inclusion of these policies — even if only in writing — increase patronage. Customers trust these stores. You should check out reviews and online services available on allreviews.
Because there are no government laws, return policies vary depending on the store and the product. However, there are return policies that are common amongst stores in Canada. In this article, we will look at some of the notable policies.
1. Provision of Proof of Purchase
Most Canadian stores would demand proof of purchase. This proof will show that the purchased product came from their store. The price of products may vary across stores, so this receipt will ensure that you get the exact value for the returned product.
2. Return Fees May Apply
Stores may charge restocking fees. The restocking fee is not the standard across the board (as some Canadian stores have open return policies). However, large products would include some shipping fees. If you want to buy such products, it’s best to confirm if such fees exist on the return clause.
3. Return Windows
The windows for returning goods do not last forever, of course. Just like a warranty, stores in Canada set time limits for the return of goods. Depending on the complexity of the shipping of the product, the time limit may vary. Canadian Tire, for example, set a return time limit of 90 days.
4. Partial Refunds
The cost of shipping may hurt the finances of a small store. So, not all Canadians offer a full cashback policy. They may refund some parts and offer gift cards or vouchers. They would have slain two birds with one stone: it improves the store-customer relationship and generates more sales.
5. Return of Used Items
Not all products have return policies. Some items lose their value upon use. If the product cannot be recycled or has a low resale value, it may not qualify for a return or refund. On a lighter note, wouldn’t it be weird for someone to return a burger they ordered after they have bitten into it? In general, personal hygiene products and underwears never qualify for a product after use.
Conclusion
There are no laws that compel sellers to accept returned goods from customers. Most stores vary in their return policies. Hence, it is essential to check the store’s website before patronizing them. By doing this, you will learn of their return policies and make a better purchase decision.