Is it legal to return an item to a store which you didnt purchase the item?

Question

I wouldnt be returning it to the same company...

Answer 1

No, it's larceny, creating a false belief and unjust enrichment.

Answer 2

If you purchased an item,
and you have a receipt proving that you purchased it,
and if the item is reusable by another customer (some products are used up or soiled by using them),
and if the store chain has a published policy of accepting returned goods,

then yes, you can go to a branch of the chain and try to return it., but they may ask you to go to the same store where it was purchased. There might also be some limitation, like you have to do the return within 30 days.

Suppose you get something as a gift, and decide you do not want it. You need to get the proof of purchase from the person who bought the gift.

Answer 3

I don't know if it's legal or illegal, but most packaging has UPC symbols on them from the manufacturer and many stores can tell when they scan an item for return whether it is from their store or not. They will not take it as a return if it is not from their store. If it is something that you purchased and has been opened and partially used, and you return it, they will return to the manufacturer. You could do that too, by calling the toll-free number on the packaging (if there is one) or writing to the address of the product if you wanted.

Answer 4

I suppose it depends on the state law, but normally it depends on a store policy and the policy of the manufacturer. Most chains let you return to other stores in the chain. Some stores will take back products for a manufacturer that has a "return to store" policy (like recalls.)
The real problem is that there are people out there who buy goods, possibly stolen, at flea markets and try to return them for a cash refund.

Answer 5

The word return means "to come back".

If the item was never actually at the store, and you claim to be "returning" it, then that's fraud.

Answer 6

if it's from the same company, like one home depot to another, yes. if it's a different type of store entirely, no.

Answer 7

What does it matter if it is legal or not?...... Just do the right thing, the thing you feel is morally correct.

Answer 8

Not legal nor moral.

Answer 9

Yes if you are pretending like your purchased it there.

Answer 10

No, it's not legal.. DUH! You're asking them to "refund" money to you that you never gave them. Of COURSE it's not legal! It's FRAUD!!