An accidental click can be very expensive. For example, letting your child order 70,000 Dum Dums. If you're wondering how serious such a mistake can be, here's how return policies work for online purchases.
"I wanted to throw a carnival"
An eight-year-old boy used his mother's phone to order about 70,000 lollipops. He explained that he wanted to throw a carnival and thought this was the appropriate amount of Dum Dums to give away as prizes. This is all perfectly logical behavior for most 8-year-olds.
Not so much to parents. The mother discovered the purchase when she checked her bank account and, alarmed, immediately called Amazon. It was too late to cancel the order.
Amazon recommended she refuse the package upon delivery, but no one came to the door: they simply left the boxes at the entrance.
The woman contacted the media, who asked Amazon for an explanation. Shortly after, the company refunded her money.
What If This Happens to You?
It's not just children who can click where they shouldn't. Return options depend on the product, the seller, and the platform. The good news is that in most cases, you can return it, as long as you do so within the specified timeframe and following the stated conditions.
The conditions sellers typically set for product returns include:
- Limited timeframe from the date of purchase
- Specific return points or delivery services
- Return costs
- The condition of the product, which must be as received
- Proof of purchase, such as a receipt or order number
There are also return restrictions depending on the type of product. For example, Amazon specifically lists the following items as non-returnable:
- Perishables
- Products that may pose potential health and safety risks once sold
- Products with shipping restrictions
- Custom products made specifically for you
- Redeemable products
- Amazon Pharmacy products
- Pet medication products
- Certain digital products
- Automobiles
They also exclude any products that say "final sale" or that specifically say "no returns."
Do Any Laws Protect Me From Mistaken Purchases?
While there are a number of consumer protection laws at both the federal and state levels that prohibit companies from taking advantage of you, most sellers are generally not required to allow a product return simply because the consumer or buyer has changed their mind. There are some limited exceptions, such as if you made the purchase at a trade show or from a door-to-door salesperson.
At the state level, there are regulations governing returns, and it is common for retailers to prominently display their refund policy, especially near the checkout. However, when it comes to online purchases — especially if the seller is located in another state — the rules can vary and are not always clearly defined.
For example, California requires sellers to display their return policy unless they offer a full refund, exchange, or store credit within 7 days of purchase. Florida requires retailers to disclose if they do not accept returns. If they do not, the customer has the right to return the product and receive a full refund within 30 days.
What Can I Do?
The first step is to contact the merchant. In the case of the boy who ordered thousands of suckers, his mother was right to contact Amazon directly.
If the problem is due to a "surprise" in the fine print and the seller doesn't respond or refuses to accept the refund, you can contact your credit card company and dispute the charge.
If you believe that, regardless of your error, you are entitled to a refund and they are denying it, you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
If the disputed amount is high, consider speaking with a consumer protection attorney or a consumer fraud attorney. Many offer free or low-cost consultations, and it can make a difference.
And as always, it's best to be safe:
- Review your order carefully before confirming.
- Protect your devices with passwords.
- Log out of platforms like Amazon or eBay.
And yes, even if it's tedious, read the terms and conditions. Sometimes, that's the key to avoiding surprises.
Related Resources
- Judge Rules Retailers Will Face Lawsuit Over Tainted Baby Food (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- Big Brother May Be Watching, But Amazon Will Always Be Listening (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- In Win for Banks, House Ends Overdraft Limit Rule (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
