Marjorie received a Christmas gift from her sister from Sports Authority, and needs to take it back. No big deal: that’s why her sister included a gift receipt. The problem is that the item’s price has dropped, likely because it’s on clearance, and they want to give Marjorie $77 when her sister paid $101. That’s funny, because that’s against the chain’s stated holiday season return policy…on the web site. In retail stores, who knows?

The policy for items purchased online during the holiday season (November and December) is a little longer online.

During the busy holiday shopping season, we’re making things a little easier on you. Our normal 30-day return policy has been extended for all holiday purchases made between November 1 and December 31, 2012. The retail store, though, seems to be holding her to a stricter and unrealistic timeline during the holiday season 30-day return timeline.

Marjorie writes:

For Christmas I received a gift from Sports Authority that I needed to return. I had the gift receipt and when I returned it to the store I received a gift card for $76.50. I spoke with my sister who purchased the gift for me. She had the original receipt that showed she purchased the items for $100.70.

The real test is this: what does it say on the back of the receipt, or posted on the store wall? If the policy says that the receipt should be good, go back to the store and angrily wave it in their faces. If it doesn’t, consider it a $24 lesson learned. If the store still won’t budge, consider contacting the chain’s customer service manager.

PREVIOUSLY: (and maybe out of date)
9 Confessions Of A Former Sports Authority Manager

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