Ethics

I didn't see that post...but I guess it boils down to personal beliefs.

For me, heck yeah, I would return it. If the store's return policy allows you to return it, then there is nothing wrong with that. You are within the law and policy to do so.

I don't see a problem, either. Inform them of your intentions and they might just credit the difference back to you. Saves everyone the hassle of shipping, wait time, etc. And the seller doesn't end up with another "open box" unit he may have to sell at a deep discount since it isn't "new".

What I have a problem with is people who buy things with the intent of returning them later. Like the guys who buy big screen TVs for the super bowl or Daytona 500 knowing they'll return it after they've impressed all their friends.

Or conniving wenches that buy expensive jewelery to wear for a one time event only to return it and intended to do it from the get go.

I was also wondering about the ethics of the store.
Can the store really not know that the article they are advertising for $100 less than it was last week will be $120 less than it is this week?
i.e. $220 less than it was 6 weeks ago?

I'm having "Ethical Problems".
Help me!

been me. 30-40 days return, no problem here. I posted that it wasn't right to buy a GPS from Costco, keep it nearly a year, and then return it for another just because they have a broad return policy. I think it is kind of cheap for someone to do that. I bought a 660 about a year ago. What was they going for then, and what are they going for now? Myself, I wouldn't think of returning it.
But then again, it may have not been my post.

Thanks Robert.
But I have major problems with profits generated by retail stores.
How much money will Garmin lose if I return the current GPS, which I bought 35 days ago, and buy the identical model, from the same retailer for $120 less?
I don't think Garmin will lose a penny.
What say you?

I think the way to answer if it's ethical in your mind is 'What would your feelings be if the roles were reversed ... you owned the store and they were the customer returning an item they used for 35 days".

Although the maximum I've seen for price match is 30 days; that's probably the road I'd take ... would be worth a shot.

RT

I think it is a VERY clear cut situation.
Ask the store if they will issue a credit for the difference. If they will not, then as far as I am concerned if the unit functions correctly, I bought it, I own it. To due anything else might be within my rights, it is never the less unethical to return it. Remember the item was purchased at a price both parties felt was fair at the time of the transaction, so why should it be OK to return it just because of a subsequent price reduction.

If you buy a house and 15 days after you close and take possession the house becomes worth 20% less because the two houses on either side went onto contract for 30% less than yours, you bought it, you own it. If you went back to the previous owner of the house you now own and asked for a credit, your reply would be laughter at best.

"Satisfaction Guaranteed" is what the stores go by. But sooner or later, they would realize that they are losing money due to their policy and will change it.

Bought a TV at Costco in February 2006 and it died last August 2007. It will cost me $200 for the part and another $100 for the labor to have it fixed. I was looking for my receipt to claim warranty against the credit card since they double the manufacturer's warranty. Couldn't find my receipt, so I went to Costco to see if they could reprint the receipt. A supervisor asked me what do I need it for and told her the reason. She answered "You can return it". I was shocked and she said it again "Yes, you can return it". Went home, gather up the remote, manuals and cable brought it back to Costco and got my refund. Now their policy for TV, Computers, MP3 players is only 90 days. The policy changed last March '07.

I went home and researched the TVs that Costco sells and went back the next day to buy a new one. And I spend more than the refund that I got.

I have not returned anything with the purpose of upgrading because like you said that was the agreement.On the other side of the coin I have taken items back within a 30 day period when it sales for less at the same store.Not sure now but Circuit City had the policy at one time that they would refund you the difference if they had a lower price within that period and they would also let you buy merchandise from them at a competitor price if you had a copy of the add.Wal mart will also honor competitors prices as well as finding a cheaper price at their store within 30 days.I purchased a camera in Arz at Wal Mart after breaking mine on a trip and when I got back to Va I saw the same camera in Wal Mart at a cheaper price and they refunded the difference.That was the policy so I see nothing wrong in doing that.

everyone needs mo money!

The public is their oun worst enemy. We used to have something called a GUARANTEE. That is gone now, and is replace by alimited warranty. The abuse by consumers always leads to their oun demise over time. There is no doubt that a generous return policy will come to and end for the same reason.

If you don't lie and conform to the return policy there shoudn't be any ethical problems.