We've all done it, buy something that looks just perfect in the dressing room, but when you get it home, you realize its a mistake. The solution seems easy, just return it and get your money back. But when one college student tried it, the store said, "no!" That is when she called "Help Me Hank."
When Kelly Saw the blouse it was love at first sight.
Back in the store's dressing room, it looked great and it would be perfect for her freshman year at Tennessee.
Then as packing for school began, so did buyers remorse. She definitely needed her UT sweatshirt, definitely needed her magic teddy most definitely the black slides shoes but the new blouse? …Maybe not.
So back to the store where she thought the return would be a simple transaction, but the clerk showed Kelly her receipt and it said, "final sale."
They wouldn't take it back! So Kelly tapped a time honored tradition… she sent in her Dad.
They still wouldn't take it back!
That's when Kelly called "Help Me Hank."
Now state law says stores can have any return policy they want, it just has to be clearly posted. Was there an "All Sales are Final" sign at the blouse store?
Are you sure?
So we called the store's main office and explained the rules, including that state consumer affairs officials emphasize you can't rely on that receipt.
And soon as Kelly's college packing reached the final stages…mom folding and dad sealing and everything into the car, the store took back the blouse and refunded Kelly's money and now, cash in hand, she's off to her freshman year down south.
For other shoppers, the store has now promised to check its signs to make sure that the return policy is clear. So what battle are you fighting? Maybe I can help. Send it to helpmehank@whdh.com
