No refund policy
EDITOR: Allow me the privilege to address a matter of public interest. It has to do with a “no refund policy” adopted by several business houses. Whether this practice is legal or not, one thing is certain; it presents a serious challenge to customers. A challenge that on more than one occasions has resulted in heated arguments.
Case in point. A gentleman purchased a vehicle part at an auto business place, only to realize sometime thereafter that the part was not the correct one. As expected, he took it back. The item was in the same condition that he got it: new, no damage, no bruise, no stain, no defect. When he asked to be refunded, he was informed by the attendant that they don’t do refund.
And as if to add insult to the man’s frustration, he was told with a breath of indignity that he could take something else. He had absolutely no interest in anything else save and except for the part that he needed.
The result was a back-and-forth argument between him and the attendant. But for the man’s ability to temper his emotion, allay his frustration and exercise self-control, only heaven knows what could have transpired.
Are owners of businesses duty bound to inform customers relative to the policies that govern their business operation?
One would assume so. In the case under review, the man seemed not to have been informed or have any knowledge of the no refund policy. That said, he felt entitled to a refund. After all, why not?
Whether or not a “no refund policy” is legal, from an ethical and moral perspective, it is unfair, unreasonable and lack appreciation. Further, it places the customer at a disadvantage and makes him vulnerable and prone to exploitation.
Who knows if the money the man used to purchase the item was all that he had?
What does a business owner have to lose by refunding a man his money for a wrong item sold to him; provided of course, that the item is not damage? What’s wrong with been reasonable, understanding and considerate? It goes without saying that business owners themselves ask for refund on wrong items sold to them; how much more should the ordinary man? Sometimes one wonders if the saying, “the customer is king” is really true. Because this “no refund policy” was designed to benefit the merchants and conglomerates, it will continue to be a vexing proposition to customers.
TheWatch Dog
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