Attorney General Mark Barnett Gives Holiday Shopping Tips For Consumers 

(Pierre) – South Dakota Attorney General Mark Barnett is encouraging shoppers to know their rights this holiday season.  Barnett warns that during the busy shopping season it is especially important to be familiar with refund policies and your rights as a consumer.

All retailers, including on-line businesses, are required by law to ship orders within the time their advertisement states. If a time frame is not stated, the company must ship the goods within 30 days of receiving the order.  If the company is unable to ship the order within the time frame given, it must alert the consumer and give them the option to cancel the order.

Refund policies can vary greatly from one business to another. If a business’s refund policy is not displayed, ask for information about it. In the event the “perfect gift” doesn’t turn out to be perfect, it can then be exchanged or returned.

Refunds and returns can also be made easier by keeping records of your purchases. Barnett suggests keeping your receipts and keeping printouts of any online sites you order from.

If you are not satisfied with your shopping experience, you are encouraged to contact the retailer you are dissatisfied with.

If you believe the company has taken advantage of you or is breaking the law, contact the Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection Office at 1-800-300-1986.

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