’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the mall, shoppers were wide-eyed, finishing off their haul. The store windows were decked out in their finest décor, with tinsel and teddy bears and electronics galore.
Out of the corner of his eye, did a tired man spy,
Godzilla slippers for the wife – he heaved a great sigh.
To the counter he fled, nary a second glance,
Pulled out his wallet and did a little dance.
“Pardon me, sir” a heavy hand touched his back,
“please think before you buy – I don’t mean to give flak.”
The man turned around to see who had spoke,
’twas a white-bearded fellow, a jolly sort of bloke.
“The retail industry is not regulated in BC –
see, shops and stores set their own policies.
Ask ’bout refunds and returns before laying down cash,
and check out your receipt – mistakes happen in a flash.”
“Why…why thank you,” said the man, his slippers did tremble,
“I guess it’s true – you can never be too careful.”
“That’s right,” said the bearded man, a smile on his face.
“One more thing, gift cards: for this you may brace.”
“See they’re not created equal, mall cards can have fees,
they can also expire, so be a consumer that’s savvy –
read all the fine print on anything you sign,
it all starts with you – now isn’t that divine?”
He let out a chuckle and turned on polished heel,
and into the crowd he went – it was all just surreal.
But out of the bustle, a voice boomed with great might,
“Merry Christmas to all consumers, and to all a good night.”
More information about retail sales can be found on our website and throughout our blog. Read more below.
ADDITIONAL READING:
Dear Consumer Protection BC: returns and refunds
The truth about returns
What’s your refund policy?
Lady buys 3 pies 16.99
Next day returns because pies went on sale 12.99 and buys 4 more at sale price
Supervisor says no refund not allowed refund family