Consumer purchase refund laws vary by state. Many state laws require that the refund policy of stores be provided to customers in a conspicuous manner. For example, some state laws require that signs be posted at checkout counters, on tags attached to merchandise, and/or at store entrances. Stores also post their refund policies on their Web sites, and many merchants also print their refund policy on sales receipts. Of course, information provided this way is unavailable until after a purchase is made. Refund policies often include the following: whether a cash refund or store credit will be given, the time deadline for returning merchandise, the types of merchandise covered, and certain requirements such as the need to produce a receipt to complete the refund transaction and the existence of a restocking fee for electronic equipment.

In your situation, you could ask to see the grocery store's refund policy or look for it online. If you want to pursue your complaint further, you might also look for contact information for the store's consumer affairs office (if it is a large chain) and contact them. You could also contact your state's consumer affairs agency to learn more about the refund laws that apply where you live.

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