Kasz216 said:
Really? At my work we return merchandise all the time we can't sell. I know, i'm the one who sends it all back. We don't sell videogame consoles, but we do sell various software and hardware products like DVD players and computer programs/games. We've usually got a good 6 months to a year to return anything we can't sell. |
Stores can typically return defective merchandise to the manufacturer, but they have to have a good reason (i.e. it has to actually be defective). All the consoles are not supposed to be returned to the retailers at all, for this same reason (they don't like to rely upon the retailers evaluation of "defective").
Retail is about risk. If it was all effectively consignment, retail would be basically a risk-free form of generating income, and everyone and their dog would sell consoles. Usually the same thing applies to video games, DVDs, and music -- as a matter of fact, this is why the vast majority (if not all) of retailers will not allow you to return a game or DVD, except in exchange for another exact copy (then they return the one you brought back as "defective"). If retailers (like Target, Wal-mart, etc.) could simply return games to the manufacturer, without them being defective, you'd never see clearance items. Ever.
If you're returning non-defective games and DVDs, you're almost assuredly breaking your contract with the manufacturer who sold you the item in the first place. Usually a proof of purchase (and return) by a consumer is sufficient claim for an items "defective" status, from the manufacturer's viewpoint, even if its not actually defective. Its not usually worth the time to check, in the case of games. For consoles, it is worth the time... thus consumer returns are not supposed to go through retailers.