For goodness sake read the fine print!

I decided to have a look at our competition, and see just how well they back up their products.

You may think that these come fom little dinky sites run by one person... don't bet on it... some of these quotes are from some of the biggest.

I did find a few (not many) that were as careful as we are to insure your ability to return items you don't like, others, well, I found it interesting reading. Let me just let their own words speak for themselves (the quotes are verbatim from their site, the names have been removed to protect the guilty) items in italics are mine (couldn't resist).

- Store 1 -

Returns Policy- We will accept returns and credit your credit card for the amount of the merchandise minus a 10% face value of the merchandise as a re-stocking fee or we will exchange goods with no restocking fee. We will not refund the shipping costs to you or the shipping costs for you to return the item to us. This return policy is only for items that are returned in unused condition.

Exchanges-We will charge you a second return shipping charge to get the item(s) to you. You will also have to pay for the shipping of the items back to us. There will be no 10% re-stocking fee.

- Store 2 -

Any item that is defective in workmanship will be exchanged or repaired. A store credit will be issued on items returned in unused and new condition for any other reason.

- Store 3 -

At our option we will charge a 15% restocking fee for returned or exchanged items.

Exchanges are permitted provided items are not worn or damaged. Clothing items may be exchanged for any other merchandise in the online store. Items for exchange must be returned within 15 days of delivery. To qualify for an exchange in this category, you must notify us at XXX within 15 days of the date that it was delivered to you (delivery date is based upon the date provided by our postal vendor's tracking system). All exchanges must be returned within 15 days of the date you contact us regarding the defect and must be accompanied by its original packaging.

- Store 4 -

Please order carefully. All sales are final. If you have any questions, please contact us!

Once an order has been submitted your credit/debit card will be charged immediately. Our ordering process is streamlined so your order will immediately be sent to processing and then shipping. Due to the high volume of orders (oh please, Mary) we receive we will be unable to cancel an order after submitted. Please order carefully.

- Store 5 -

Exchanges will be handled as new orders. means you have to pay their high freight fees all over again.

- Store 6 -

Due to the nature of the products we carry, we do not accept returns.

All of our products are guaranteed against defect. If you receive a product that is defective, you may email us within 3 days of receipt (so you better have your play dates lined up for when your items show up) and your item will be exchanged for the exact product being returned but please email us and let us know you plan on returning the product.

Defective products will be replaced with same. (LOL - I don't think they really mean that).

There will be a 25% restocking fee for any items returned without defect or packages refused. Cancelled orders are subject to a different fee depending on which credit card company you used for the original purchase and when the order is actually cancelled.

Can I cancel my order? Because of the speed my orders are expedited, sometimes that is not possible. If you call me and talk to me or email me and I read the email before your credit card is actually charged (5pm eastern time), I can cancel the order at no charge. If your credit card has been settled (the charge is actually posted) I must charge you for the credit card charge I pay to both accept and refund your payment. This charge will be from 5% to 10% depending on which card type you use (this is bullshit, no credit card company charges 10%). If the package is refused upon delivery, an automatic charge of 25% of the total invoice will be deducted from your refund.

- Store 8 -

You must return the merchandise in the same condition in which it was received. All returns are subject to a 15% handling and restocking fee. Refund will be given to original purchaser only. Proof of purchase will be required. Please read our instruction below about how to return merchandise to XXX.

- Store 9 -

No refunds. Returns accepted only with prior authorisation from XXX, for exchange or store credit valid for 1 year. A 10% re-stocking fee will be applied.

- Store 10 -

Returns for catalog and on-line orders are for credit or exchange only. Returned merchandise deemed salable must be free of defects and not worn, and will be subject to a 10% re-stocking fee.

- Store 11 -

How do I cancel an order? An order may be cancelled only if that item is out of stock. Any order submitted through the website, if in stock, will ship immediately and cannot be cancelled. You may return your merchandise when you receive the package DO NOT open it. As long as the package is unopened only (ONLY?) a 20% restocking fee will be deducted from your credit. Shipping charges are nonrefundable.

Opened packages are considered used (so you better not look to see if the product is any good before you decide if you want to keep it). A 50% restocking fee will be deducted from your credit.

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So there you have it boys and girls. Like your lawyer friend always says... "It pays to read the fine print."

Jim