The Chronic Consumer

How diligent are you about returning or exchanging products that you’re not satisfied with? For example, what if you come across a bunch of duds while searching for a diet pill that works? Would you take (or send) the duds back in order to get a refund, or do you just keep all of the half-empty bottles in your medicine chest for years?

How about if you simply change your mind about a top or a pair of shoes? Do you make an extra trip back to the store to return the items, or do you simply let your closet fill up with unworn clothing?

The obvious answer here is to return or exchange everything that you possibly can, but you’d be surprised at just how many people simply are not vigilant about getting their money’s worth. I have several friends who don’t feel right about returning items that aren’t patently defective, so they choose not to take advantage of liberal manufacturer or store policies.

But that’s such a waste! Personally, I keep all of my receipts for at least one year (longer on more expensive items), which gives me an opportunity to make returns within the 30-, 60-, or 90-day periods that most stores offer. As a result, I never get “stuck” with a product I don’t use or enjoy, and my shopping dollars go a heck of a lot farther!