With Black Friday and the broader holiday shopping season upon us, the State of Hawaiʻi is taking proactive measures to safeguard consumers. The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is issuing a reminder for both retailers and shoppers, emphasizing the importance of understanding refund and exchange policies before making purchases. This guidance is particularly critical as Hawaiʻi residents prepare for increased online and in-store shopping activity.
KHON2's recent report highlights the OCP's advisory to familiarize oneself with return policies. This includes understanding the specifics of each store's guidelines regarding returns, exchanges, and warranty information. As consumer lawyer Denise Nurse explained, shops must take an item back if it is faulty or not as described. However, there is no automatic right to a refund just because a customer changes their mind, though many businesses offer this as part of their policy. For online shoppers, it is crucial to know that online retailers must offer a refund within 14 days of receiving goods. AOL reports on a misconception about refunds in shopping.
Beyond return policies, the OCP also warns of a surge in holiday shopping scams. MyKeeneNow reported that phishing emails impersonating major retailers jumped significantly last year during the late November sales rush. The Department of Commerce and Consumers Affairs Office of Consumer Protection advises consumers to refrain from sharing personal details unless absolutely sure of the recipient and to avoid businesses using unusual payment methods.
Understanding consumer rights is crucial for both businesses and shoppers in Hawaii. By staying informed about return policies and remaining vigilant against scams, both retailers and consumers can navigate the holiday shopping season more confidently.
