But It's Broken!

Now that we've cleared up return policies, what happens if you want to return an item, not because you don't like the color or it doesn't fit, but because it's broken? First, if the retailer tries to refuse your request to address the broken item because they have a "No Returns" policy,  politely state that their refund policy does not apply in this situation. Be sure to have your receipt and any other documentation with you. Know what the manufacturer's warranty is on the item. Ask the retailer to either repair  the item, replace it or refund your money. Generally speaking, the retailer has legal responsibility to sell you an item that is in working condition and is therefore responsible to make you whole if the item is defective. In addition, if you are fortunate to live in a state that has legally required "Implied Warranties", the retailer and the manufacturer have equal responsibilities to either repair/replace the item or refund your money. That is very helpful when the retailer tries to tell you to ship your defective item back to the manufacturer and deal with the situation yourself (as happened in a case I investigated where the retailer wanted the consumer to ship a large dining room table to the manufacturer! After a heated discussion over Maryland's Implied Warranty laws, the retailer succumbed to reason and fixed the table).

If you have purchased an item that is defective, don't just give up and throw it out. Know your rights and pursue the issue. Contact your local consumer protection office if the retailer won't help you. For more information on defective goods, see this article from Consumer Reports.