Connecticut Refund Rights

Connecticut's Refund and Exchange Law stats that sellers can set any refund or exchange policy they choose,but they must post that policy in a conspicuous place specifically informing their customers what their policy is. If there is no posted notice a customer may, within 7 calendar days, take a new, unused item back to the store with proof of purchase and get a cash refund on a cash sale or a credit to his account on a credit sale.

There are some exceptions:

• Food
• Perishable items including live plants
• Custom ordered or custom made items
• Items specifically sold as "As Is" or "Final Sale"
• Items with no proof of purchase
• Used items
• Items which, by law, cannot be resold

In the case of holiday gifts it may be well past 7 days when you decide to return the item since many people shop for gifts well before the holidays. The store is under no obligation to refund your money or exchange these gift items, but many stores have an extended their refund policy during the holiday season. When you purchase an item for a holiday gift you may want to ask the clerk to make such a notation on the receipt or provide a special "gift receipt".

In the case of a broken or defective item express warranty or implied warranty laws applies. According to law, a new and unused item offered for sale by a merchant (a person who deals in goods or holds himself or herself out as having knowledge or skill specially related to the goods involved) has to be suitable for its intended use. This is known as the "Implied Warranty of Merchantability". If the item doesn't do what it's supposed to do, (i.e., a stove must cook food, a refrigerator must keep things cold), then that product is considered defective.

If, after repeated attempts, the seller cannot fix the item, notify the store IN WRITING that you are returning the product, listing all pertinent information. Also, write to the manufacturer. Often the written warranty (if there is one) will tell you how to return an item or will give the name of a representative to contact for repairs. If it seems easier to have the manufacturer take care of the problem and he is agreeable, this may be the best avenue for you. But if the product can't be repaired so that it performs as it should, the MERCHANT is responsible and you should ask for a replacement or a refund.

In some cases, items offered for sale must be "fit for a particular purpose", thus meeting a certain standard you require. For example, you may ask the salesman for an air conditioner powerful enough to cool a particular size room. He assures you that Brand X, Model C, will the job. It doesn't. You may have the right to return the air conditioner on the basis that it doesn't meet the purpose for which it was purchased and for which it was represented and sold to you.

If a defect shows up while the product is still under warranty, report it right away. If the seller refuses to help, contact the Department of Consumer Protection. If the warranty has expired, try a consumer action panel, local consumer action group, the Better Business Bureau, or your attorney. You may also sue in small claims court if the amount in question is under $2500.