Individual Refund Policies & Disclosure of Refund Policies

(Mass. Gen. Law Chapter 93A, 940 Code of Mass. Regs. 3.13)

Under Massachusetts law, a seller is able to decide what kind of return policy it wants, i.e.: all sales final, exchange or store credit only, returns accepted only within 30 days of purchase, etc. However, the refund, return, or cancellation policy must be disclosed to the buyer clearly and conspicuously before the transaction is completed. This means that the seller must display a written return policy that the buyer can see and understand before making a purchase. This is usually done by means of a sign at the point of purchase. Printing the store's return policy only on the sales receipt is not sufficient, since the buyer only receives this after the sale. It is illegal for a seller to misrepresent or refuse to comply with its refund, return, and cancellation policies. If no return policy is disclosed, you may return the goods within a reasonable period of time.

Three Day Right to Cancel

(Mass. Gen. Law Chapter 93, Section 48)

While there is no general three day right to cancel all contracts, contracts for over $25 for certain personal or household purchases are cancelable by midnight of the third business day after the signing. However, this is a very limited right that only applies to health club contracts, timeshare contracts, certain mortgages, and contracts signed away from the seller's usual place of business. This does not cover contracts made over the telephone, or for auto sale contracts.

Implied Warranty of Merchantability

(Mass. Gen. Law Chapter 106, Sections 2-314, 2-316A)

You have the right to return an item if it is defective regardless of the store’s return policy. Under the Implied Warranty of Merchantability law, you have the right to replacement, repair or refund for a defective good.

Additional Resources:
* Office of the Attorney General