Returning Items for Credit

Items purchased from the NIU Stores Catalog or the non-stock vendor catalogs, when ordered in error or found to be defective upon delivery, may be returned for credit.

Returning non-stock items:

E-mail CentralStoresOrders with the following return information: Order Number (obtained from either the Confirmation Number, Packing List, or Billing) and the Catalog Number of the item being returned. Indicate why the return is necessary. If the item being returned is small enough, return via Campus Mail; otherwise, call 753-6280 and request a pick-up. A copy of either the Packing List or the Billing must be included with the return.

Central Stores will process items returned as damaged or defective for replacement, unless the ordering department indicates otherwise.

Returns will be processed as soon as possible after both the paperwork and the items being returned are received in our office. Non-stock items must be returned in the original packaging. Credit for non-stock items will be given after Central Stores receives credit from the vendor. Credit can only be issued for the current fiscal year. In some cases, a restocking charge will be assessed. All returns are subject to approval by Central Stores Management.

Our current non-stock vendor (OfficeMax) has the following return policy:

Office supplies may be returned for credit within 30 days of the original purchase date.

Ink/toner, if unopened, may be returned for credit within 30 days of the original purchase date.

Software, if unopened, may be returned for credit within 14 days of the original purchase date. Opened software can only be returned for exchange for the identical title.

Technology products may be returned for credit within 14 days of the original purchase date. If opened, a restocking fee may be applied. Defective technology products, if exchanged within the 14 day period, will not be subject to a restocking fee. Technology items consist of, but may not be limited to, computers, monitors, digital cameras, hard drives, business machines, networking equipment, projectors, cash registers, digital picture frames, shredders, telephones, computer peripherals and accessories.

Furniture may be returned for credit within 14 days of the original purchase date. Special order, manufacturer-direct, custom, and preassembled furniture is not eligible for return.

Returning stock items:

Provide a copy of either the Packing List or Billing, noting what is to be returned. If the item being returned is small enough, return via Campus Mail; otherwise, call 753-6280 and request a pick-up.

Stock items returned because they are no longer needed by your department will be accepted for credit providing they are still currently available from the NIU Central Stores Catalog, have not exceeded their recommended shelf life (or are deteriorated due to age), and are in the same condition and packaging as when originally purchased from Central Stores. Credit can only be issued for the current fiscal year. Items purchased in a previous fiscal year cannot be returned for credit any later than 30 days into a new fiscal year.

Items that are no longer carried by Central Stores and are no longer needed by your department can be returned to Central Stores for no credit. We will then distribute these items, for no-charge, to departments who can use them.