Keep your receipts (and pay by credit card if you think you might return something)!

Posted on by quiltedl

Why?

It makes returning items a lot less hassle!!  

It provides proof of purchase in case you need to request warranty service!!  

It documents the original purchase price in case you decide to take advantage of a retailer’s trade-in or trade-up policy!!

EASY PEASY RETURNS:   I decided to return a machine to Wally World that I’d purchased thinking my niece might like it as a replacement for her dearly departed Hello Kitty machine. Well, Miss A. had better luck with a different machine and took that one home.  As nice as this machine sewed, I didn’t need another sewing machine.  Fortunately, I was within the 90 day return policy. I dutifully packaged up the machine and accessories (sans original packing material), grabbed the receipt and headed to Wally World.  The retailer’s policy states that you have to have the original packing material and receipt to get your money back.  Otherwise, you get a gift card.  I was pleasantly surprised (more like thrilled) when the cashier credited the amount back on my credit card.

TRADING UP:  After a year of teaching kid sewing classes, I discovered that I really only need a couple of student machines. (FYI – I have FOUR – one personal, two donated and one purchased.)  Most students BYOSM in my area.  I actually purchased one sewing machine specifically for kid classes a few months ago.  Seriously considering taking advantage of the machine dealer’s trade-in policy. Machine now sells for less than I paid for it. Having receipt will give me $30 more in trade-in credit toward the purchase of a new machine – a serger, coverstitch or embroidery machine for the business – or that big ironing press I’ve been considering to cut down on time spent prepping t-shirts for t-shirt quilts.

REPAIR:  Being able to prove that I purchased the machine from a dealer meant that my sewing machine was repaired under warranty (at no charge to me).

I keep all of my original purchase receipts for big ticket items in a special binder.  You may decide to put them in a file folder, coffee canister or teapot that sits high on a shelf.  The only thing that counts is that you are able to lay your hands on the receipt whenever you need it.  Of course, paying by credit card serves as a back-up since many retailers can look-up the receipt via UPC and your credit card number – but having the original receipt is always best.