Pennsylvania
I purchased a book from my university bookstore's website. The book was advertised with a specific title, ISBN #, and year of publication. This information was unique to this book, and did not result in other such products when googled. Prior to ordering, I had called to inquire about the book and I was informed that the item was a special edition compiled by the publisher for this specific class.
The book that arrived had a different title, ISBN #, and year of publication. This was the correct book for the class, but was not the item advertised. This book is a mass-market book available elsewhere.
The store is willing to accept my return this time (they have a 1 day book return policy and we picked up the book up right before they closed yesterday). Yet, it is my understanding that this is common practice for this bookstore, and I may have to do business with them again. Since this situation may arise again, I want to know some general information about such situations, especially when a return is refused.
My questions are:
1a) What are my rights as a consumer regarding my demands for a refund in such a situation (assuming the item is in the same condition as it was when I purchased it)?
1b) If I have such rights, at what point do I have them? I.e., do I have the right to expect them to allow me to return the book for a full refund the moment I notice the book is not the one advertised? Do these rights come into play the moment they tell me directly it is one thing and then sell me another thing?
2) If they do not allow me to return the item, is it okay to dispute the charge through my credit card company/request a charge back?
3) If the company is at fault in this situation, what is it they are at fault for? I.e., is this "false advertising," "fraudulent charges," both, and/or something else entirely?
Thank you!
Edited for clarification/context
I purchased a book from my university bookstore's website. The book was advertised with a specific title, ISBN #, and year of publication. This information was unique to this book, and did not result in other such products when googled. Prior to ordering, I had called to inquire about the book and I was informed that the item was a special edition compiled by the publisher for this specific class.
The book that arrived had a different title, ISBN #, and year of publication. This was the correct book for the class, but was not the item advertised. This book is a mass-market book available elsewhere.
The store is willing to accept my return this time (they have a 1 day book return policy and we picked up the book up right before they closed yesterday). Yet, it is my understanding that this is common practice for this bookstore, and I may have to do business with them again. Since this situation may arise again, I want to know some general information about such situations, especially when a return is refused.
My questions are:
1a) What are my rights as a consumer regarding my demands for a refund in such a situation (assuming the item is in the same condition as it was when I purchased it)?
1b) If I have such rights, at what point do I have them? I.e., do I have the right to expect them to allow me to return the book for a full refund the moment I notice the book is not the one advertised? Do these rights come into play the moment they tell me directly it is one thing and then sell me another thing?
2) If they do not allow me to return the item, is it okay to dispute the charge through my credit card company/request a charge back?
3) If the company is at fault in this situation, what is it they are at fault for? I.e., is this "false advertising," "fraudulent charges," both, and/or something else entirely?
Thank you!
Edited for clarification/context
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