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know you are keeping the gift, even though you’re not legally obligated to send a letter, to prevent the merchant from sending you repeated bills, or to help clear up the mistake. It would be wise to send the letter by certified mail and keep the return receipt and a copy of the letter to help you establish that you didn’t order the merchandise.
Two types of merchandise may be sent legally without your consent: 1) free samples that are clearly marked, and 2) merchandise mailed by charities asking for contributions. In both cases, you may keep the shipments. These companies know you have the right to keep any merchandise they send without paying for it.
The Best Steps to Take When You Receive Merchandise You Didn’t Order
1. Although you have no legal obligation to notify the merchant, it is a good idea to write a letter to the company stating that you didn’t order the item and, therefore, you have a legal right to keep it for free. This may discourage the merchant from sending you bills, and it may help to clear up an honest error. Send your letter by certified mail, and keep the return receipt and a copy of the letter for your records. You may need it later.
2. If the unordered merchandise was the result of an honest shipping error, write the merchant and offer to return the merchandise, pro- vided the merchant pays for postage and handling. Give the mer- chant a specific and reasonable amount of time (say 30 days) to pick up the merchandise or to arrange to have it returned at no expense to you. Tell the merchant that you reserve the right to keep the mer- chandise if the merchant has not had the merchandise picked up or made arrangements to have it shipped before the specified time has passed.
3. When you participate in sweepstakes or order goods advertised as "free," "trial," or "unusually low priced," be cautious. Read all
When You Receive Merchandise You Didn’t Order