Can you return Smart Home cameras to the store? Here’s how
A new security camera or similar home security device can prove to be a much-needed addition to your home, but sometimes they can be more than you bargained for.
You may realize that you don’t want to pay a subscription for a particular camera or system, or that it isn’t as compatible with your smart home as you had hoped. You may decide you paid too much, or perhaps you received an appliance as a gift and it just doesn’t fit.
In these cases, you’re probably thinking about returns and refunds. Let’s break down exactly what you can expect.
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Can I return devices such as security cameras to major stores for a refund?
If you bought a security camera from a big box store like Best Buy, Target or Walmartyou’re probably wondering if you can drop in a security camera or system there. Fortunately, that’s usually possible, but you’ll need to follow the store’s specific policies regarding returns.
For complex electronics, such as security equipment, this usually means you have 30 days to return the product and get some form of refund (standard items are 90 days, but for home electronics the period is shorter). Bringing in the receipt can help, but it is not always necessary to complete the return and stores have different policies. Some stores shorten this time frame: Best Buy, for example, limits the return period to 15 days unless you have an account with it.
Important note: These return rules may change around the holidays. For stores like Best Buy and Walmart, if you buy in November or December, your returns period will be extended until January 15.
Do I have to return the security equipment in person or can I send it by post?
If you or someone else purchased the device from a physical store, you will need to return it to that store or to a store near you. If you purchased online, you will need to visit the exact website where you purchased the product and request a return. This also works for Amazon, which, like the other major stores, has a 30-day return period.
There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you receive a damaged item from Walmart.com, you can return it to Walmart at a physical store.
Returns at Amazon are particularly easy.
How about bringing back security technology to their branded websites?
Usually this is possible, although they may have unique processes. Luckily, brands love it Arlo, Lorex And Ring still maintain the 30 day period from the shipping date to request a return. You can find return options by contacting customer service or completing an online form.
Please note that website returns are not interchangeable just because you are online. That means if you bought a device from Ring’s Amazon store, you can’t return it on Ring’s website: you’ll have to use Amazon’s standard returns process.
Can I get a full refund for purchased devices like these?
That depends. When you return in person, it matters whether you have opened the security camera box. If the box and seal are untouched, you will likely get a full refund. If you have already opened the box and/or attempted to use the device, a restocking fee will be deducted from your return. Usually this is about 15% of the purchase price.
If you are online, you will receive a printed label with which you can return the product. Sometimes you can make other arrangements, such as dropping off the product box at a local shipping store. In most cases you will have to pay the shipping costs, but otherwise you will receive a full refund.
Refunds work via chargebacks, but you can also send money to brand accounts.
How are these types of refunds processed?
Generally, the company will initiate a chargeback on your card and the refund will be credited to the credit or debit card (or bank account) you used for the purchase. Some websites may offer you the option to add the funds to your account for faster processing. Amazon offers this alternative if you shop there regularly.
How long would it take to get my money back?
That varies depending on the product and time of year, as well as how much money you’ve spent. During busy times it may take a number of weeks for a return to be processed. If necessary, you can contact customer service to try to expedite processing. As we mentioned above, a much faster option is to transfer money to an account you hold with the company.
What should I do if I receive the security device as a gift?
Everything still applies except the chargeback will be on the issuer’s card used to purchase the security device. For convenience, it is often best to have the donor handle the return themselves, as he/she may need to use their own online account.
You may also be able to return shipped goods at shipping stores or certain kiosks.
What about entire security systems?
Normally you have a return period for entire systems that is similar to that of individual products, also known as a trial period. You can return within this trial period for a full refund, although you will likely have to pay shipping costs. The exact period may vary: ADT gives you 30 days, SimpliSafe gives you 60 days, Residence is 30 days and so forth.
Do I need to clean the camera before returning it?
Yes. If you have a security camera or similar device that you have set up and tried to use, you will need to do a full factory reset which will erase the device. You can usually find this option in your account or settings menu. It helps protect your privacy, and is often required as part of the returns process anyway.
Does this also work for other smart devices?
It should work for most smart home devices you buy or give as gifts. Keep in mind that return times for electronics are almost always shorter than for other items and there is nothing to worry about.
For a complete overview of managing your smart home devices and costs, check out the best cams without a subscription, how to get professional home monitoring extra cheap, and the best security systems for renters.
