Before you buy tech on Black Friday (Nov. 27) or Cyber Monday (Nov. 30), find out whether you can return the item for a full refund and who pays for shipping or restocking fees. That is the first thing the Federal Trade Commission tells shoppers to check, and the store’s own return policy is where that answer lives. If an order ships late or never ships, federal rules give you a clear right to cancel and get your money back.
Check the return policy before you click buy
A discount is no help if you are stuck with a laptop you cannot return. The FTC’s advice is to ask a simple question before paying: can you return the item for a full refund if you are not satisfied? Then find out who pays for return shipping, and whether there is a restocking fee.
Take a screenshot of the policy on the day you order. Stores can change their pages, and a dated screenshot is your proof of what the terms were when you paid. Pay attention to three details that often differ on tech purchases:
- Return window. Count it from the delivery date or the order date, and write down which one the store uses.
- Opened items. Look for the word “opened” in the policy and see whether it changes the terms.
- Refund method. Check whether you get money back on your card or store credit.
If you are still deciding whether a deal is real, our guide to checking a price history before you buy takes a few minutes, and the Black Friday scam checklist covers fake stores.
What happens if your order ships late
The FTC page explains that sellers must tell you about shipping delays and offer you the right to cancel with a full refund. It also says sellers must give refunds when they do not ship the merchandise at all, not just a gift card. The agency says a seller should ship within the time stated in its ads or on the phone, and if no time is promised, you should expect shipment within 30 days.
The FTC page points to an example from the agency’s own cases. It alleges Fashion Nova used gift cards instead of refunds for merchandise it never shipped, and a $9.3 million settlement will compensate people who received gift cards instead of their money back. The takeaway for you: if a seller offers store credit for an order that never shipped, you can insist on a refund.
During the Black Friday rush, delays are common. Save the order confirmation, the promised delivery date and any emails about the delay.
Pay with a credit card if you can
The FTC recommends paying by credit card because the Fair Credit Billing Act covers the transaction. The agency says the law lets you dispute charges in certain situations, and while your card company investigates a disputed charge you can temporarily withhold payment of that amount.
That gives you leverage if a seller goes silent. Before you dispute, try to solve the problem with the seller first. The FTC suggests that route, and your dispute is stronger when you can show you tried.
Step by step: when something goes wrong
- Gather proof. Order confirmation, screenshots of the ad and the return policy, tracking pages and every email or chat transcript.
- Contact the seller in writing. Email or the site’s support form leaves a record. State what you want: a refund, a replacement or a cancellation.
- Set a deadline. Give the seller a reasonable date, such as five business days, and say what you will do next.
- Contact your card company. If the seller does not respond or refuses to fix a covered problem, ask about a dispute.
- Report it. The FTC asks consumers who cannot resolve a problem with the seller to report it at ftc.gov/complaint.
Habits that save money on returns
Buy from retailers whose return policy you have already read. Keep the box, packing materials and accessories until the return window closes. Test the device in the first days, and do not wait until day 29 of a 30-day window to find out the screen flickers. And if you order from several stores, keep one note with order dates and return deadlines, since Black Friday orders arrive in a pile.
Frequently asked questions
Can I return something just because I changed my mind?
That depends on the store. The FTC’s advice is to check whether you can return the item for a full refund and who covers shipping or restocking fees before you buy. Read the policy and screenshot it.
What if the store says it will send a gift card instead of a refund for an order that never shipped?
The FTC says sellers must give refunds when they do not ship merchandise, not just a gift card. You can ask for your money back.
How long can a seller take to ship?
The FTC says a seller should ship within the time stated in its ads or on the phone. If it promises no time, expect shipment within 30 days. If the order is delayed, the seller must notify you and offer a cancellation with a full refund.
Is a credit card safer than a debit card?
The FTC recommends credit cards for online purchases because the Fair Credit Billing Act covers the transaction and lets you dispute charges in certain situations.
