Returns policy for vendors

Summary: Procedure provides guidance on return policies for titles received from vendors.

General rule

If a title was received less than 3 months before a return is requested, we will try to return it to the vendor. The selector will be asked to make a decision on what to do with titles not returned. If the title was received more then 3 months before a return is requested, special cases may be considered.   

Exceptions to the general rule

• If a title costs less than $25.00 and is a result of our error, we will generally not try to return it to the vendor. It will be processed as an add-copy or sent to MSU Surplus.
• If a title costs less than $25.00 and is over 3 months old, we will not try to return it to the vendor. It will be processed as an add-copy or sent to MSU Surplus.
• If the title is an Africana purchase, please send the material to J. Lauer.
• If the title came on approval (except for shelf-ready approvals), it will be returned without asking for permisison to return.
• If the price of the piece is over $175 and was received more than 3 months ago, we will make a case-by-case judgment. This is particularly true if it is a vendor with whom we do a lot of business. A letter requesting return will be written.
• If the piece is defective, we can return the piece regardless of timeframe. No letter will be written. If the publication date suggests that another copy may not be available, a telephone call or letter will be written to be sure we can get a perfect copy before returning.
• If the wrong piece is sent, it will be returned but no letter will be written. If the wrong piece is not in the Libraries collection or on order, we will check with the bibliographer to find out if they want to keep the wrong piece. The 3 months standard still applies.
• If a duplicate shipment is sent, it will be returned but no letter will be written. The 3 month standard still applies. 

Individual vendors

• In most cases it is necessary to request permission to return materials.
• BH : There is no permission needed to return material with the following 2 exceptions 
  1. It is our error AND it is over $150.00 OR
  2. It is a non-returnable item which is indicated on the invoice by an asterisk (*) next to the line-item dollar amount.
• COUT : We are not allowed to return firm ordered books.