A new study from LegalShield finds many shoppers are frustrated with new return policies.
Nearly half of consumers who planned to make returns say they ended up keeping defective items simply because the return process was too difficult or expensive.
Some retailers have added stricter return policies or fees.
The study found some shoppers were hit with unexpected restocking or shipping charges, while others had returns rejected because the item was marked as a "final sale."
Before you buy, always check return windows and watch for those fees.
Also remember that a store's return policy does not always override consumer protection laws.
If a product is defective or not as advertised, you may still have the right to a refund, repair, or replacement. And, always keep your receipts.