Prime Time Money

Electric Shavers Are Horrible - Return Reminder and 5 Tips

This is just a quick reminder to return all those gifts you received or purchases you made over the holidays that you are not using.

One big example for me is the electric shaver I purchased in late November of 2007. Prior to this purchase I’d used only disposable blade razors (you know…the Mach Turbo 20,000 Jet Blaster types). I always figured the electric versions weren’t worth a flip and found them to be too expensive. But I found a Philips Nivea shaver on sale for around $100 at Kohls that you could use in the shower. It came with shave gel that shoots out from the blades. Sounds awesome right? Well, it wasn’t. While it didn’t hurt my face, it took too long (circles and circles) to shave and it just didn’t get close enough. In my opinion…a big waste of money. Some would argue that disposable razors are a waste too though.

Inside the shaver’s user manual was information on the 60-day money back offer. I think most electric shaver companies offer this since the shaver is such an expensive investment. I knew this was there and so after I’d discovered the shaver wasn’t for me, I put the shaver and all the equipment it came with aside with plans to return it.

Well, almost two months went by and I hadn’t returned it. Last night I finally got the motivation. After realizing I had the receipt from Kohls (my wife had shrewdly stowed it away), I simply went up there and got my money back. $113.25 to be exact. Can’t tell you how good that felt. I treated myself to a Big Gulp of Mountain Dew.

So, let that serve as a reminder to gather up all those new items you aren’t using because they either didn’t fit or because you just didn’t like, and return them. This includes that ugly shirt you got as a gift from Mom.

Tips for what to do with that new stuff or gift you just aren’t using:

1. Use the receipt that came with it (or gift receipt, if a gift) and simply return it.

2. No receipt? Try the store you know or think the gift was purchased at OR call whoever gave you the gift and ask where they got it. Go there and get money or a store credit for the item.

3. No luck at the store? Check the manufacturer’s website and see what their return policy is. Consider writing a letter along with your return that explains why the item wasn’t for you. I’d bet most companies would honor the effort.

4. If #2 is too tacky for you or #3 doesn’t work, consider EBay-ing or Craigslist-ing your item.

5. Don’t want to fool with #3 or #4? Drop the item by Goodwill or similar donation place and let someone else get some use out of it.

Bottom line: Don’t be like me and have stuff in your house you don’t use; return it quick so you can get some money back.

Share your best return stories or tips below in the comments.