Dear Editor:
There seems to be a wave of restocking policies practiced by many merchants within our country. I personally have come across several. You buy merchandise, which is guaranteed by the manufacturer, and it immediately is defective or inappropriate for its given purpose. When you attempt to return it, you are told that the store policy requires you to pay a restocking fee, which is an arbitrary fee, and can be anywhere from 10% to almost the total cost of the item.
I am questioning the content of the policy and what laws govern its inception and legal enforcement through a letter to Bayonne Mayor Doria, who never fails to come up with the correct information. However, in the meantime, ask about restocking, and read all restocking agreements, which you are asked to sign. This practice is prevalent in the cell phone, electronics and large ticket item business.
It would seem that honest merchants do need to protect themselves against customers who abuse, damage and destroy merchandise and then attempt to return it, but it is a policy that should be openly stated by the merchant and possible acknowledged in writing by the customer.
Lee Gerber