Before buying a computer or a tablet, inquire about the merchant’s exchange and refund policies. The law does not require merchants to refund, exchange or credit a device you no longer want.

Merchants are free to decide on the terms of their exchange and refund policy. However, once they do adopt one, they are required to comply with its rules.

Precautions to take at purchase time

At the time of purchase, make sure the merchant’s exchange and refund policy is printed on the receipt. If that is not the case, ask the merchant to write the policy down for you.

Always keep a copy of the receipt, the operating and maintenance instructions, and the warranty information documents to make a potential return easier. You should also make a copy of the invoice, as the original written content could fade over time.