A restocking fee is a charge issued by a retailer when merchandise is returned. Restocking fees help businesses pass on the costs of repackaging, shipping, and the reduced sale price of a resale to the customer. It is important to read store return policies carefully to be aware of the existence and conditions of a restocking fee. By making purchases carefully and treating new products with care, a restocking charge can be avoided in some cases.
In most cases, a restocking fee is only charged when a customer returns a fully-functioning item, as opposed to one that is being exchanged for another model because of defects. Many stores will only use this fee if the item has been opened or used, since returning a pristine, unopened product may not incur any additional costs to the merchandiser. If a buyer or gift recipient opens the box, uses the product, or returns the item for a cosmetic reason, such as not liking the color, a restocking fee may be issued. One of the best ways to avoid this type of fee is to refrain from opening or removing tags from any item that will definitely be returned, such as an unwanted birthday gift.
The rationale behind a restocking fee is that sellers stand to lose money when some items are returned. If a laptop is unpackaged, opened, and started up, the retailer cannot sell it as a brand new item, even if no damage has been done to the model. This means selling it at a reduced cost, which in turn diminishes the profit margins of the store. In some cases, such as with clothing that is worn once and then returned, the retailer may not be able to sell the item at all, thereby losing the chance for profit and having to return the money from the initial purchase to the customer. To help defray costs generated by returns, retailers may choose to charge a restocking fee that may cover part, or all, of the profit reduction.
Restocking fees are usually detailed in a company's return policy. In many regions, these fees must be compliant with laws that limit the amount that can be charged on a return. If a retailer does not disclose a restocking charge in a return policy, or tries to take an excessive amount out of the return price, it may be a good idea to consult local business laws and regulations to find out if the store is acting legally.
To help avoid a restocking fee, there are several steps a consumer can take. First, it is important to read the return policy thoroughly to look for specific conditions that trigger the fee, such as removing tags from items being returned. Second, it helps to be certain that an item is really needed or wanted before buying, to reduce the likelihood of a return. Finally, instead of purchasing specific items as gifts, consider gift cards or gift certificates instead. This will allow the recipient to use the entire amount for a purchase of his or her choice, instead of potentially losing some of the monetary value to a restocking fee.
