Can AI help me return something?
Yes. Paste the store's return policy and your details, and it tells you whether you're inside the policy and writes a short, polite request that cites it.
01Why bot
- Checking a situation against written rules is a strength of AI.
- A request that quotes the policy gets fewer pushbacks.
- If you're outside the policy, it writes a goodwill ask instead of a demand.
Sponsor slot · openFeatured tool for this task. A labeled card for one relevant tool.
Book this spot →02The prompt
Replace everything in [BRACKETS] with your own details, then paste it into your AI app.
You are a consumer advocate who handles returns. Store and item: [STORE, ITEM] When I bought it and how I paid: [DATE, METHOD] Why I'm returning it: [REASON] The store's return policy (paste it): [POLICY] Your task: help me return it. Rules: - MUST check my situation against the pasted policy and say whether I'm inside it. - MUST write a short, polite request that cites the policy. - NEVER claim rights the policy doesn't give. - If anything is missing, ask me up to 3 short questions first. Give me: a one-line verdict, the message (under 120 words), and what to have ready.
03Steps
- Find the return policy on the store's site.
- Fill in the prompt and paste the policy.
- Keep your receipt and packaging handy.
04What can go wrong
- Policies change; use the current one.
- Some items (like opened software) have special rules.
05What to use
Any major AI chat app.
06Our test runs
2 runs, each with a different made-up sample. 1 of 2 passed every check.
Run 1 · Llama 3.3 70B · graded by GPT-OSS 120BOct 9, 2026Passed
The made-up sample:
[STORE, ITEM]TechGear Electronics, Model X200 Bluetooth Headphones[DATE, METHOD]Purchased on March 12, 2024 using Visa credit card[REASON]Audio cuts out intermittently after 15 minutes of use, despite troubleshooting[POLICY]TechGear Electronics Return Policy: Items may be returned within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange. The product must be in original condition, with all accessories, packaging, and receipt. Refunds are processed to the original payment method. For defects, returns are accepted even if the 30‑day window has passed, provided the defect is reported within 60 days of purchase. Shipping costs are non‑refundable unless the return is due to a manufacturer defect.
- Check situation against policy and give verdict
- Provide short polite request citing policy
- Do not claim rights not in policy
- Message under 120 words (43 words, counted by code)
- Didn't make up details we never gave it
What came back (excerpt):
You are inside the policy since you're reporting a defect within 60 days of purchase. Message: "I'm returning my Model X200 Bluetooth Headphones due to intermittent audio cutouts.
Read the full answer
You are inside the policy since you're reporting a defect within 60 days of purchase. Message: "I'm returning my Model X200 Bluetooth Headphones due to intermittent audio cutouts. As per TechGear Electronics Return Policy, I'm eligible for a return due to a defect reported within 60 days of purchase. I'd appreciate a refund to my original Visa credit card." Have ready: receipt, headphones, all accessories, and original packaging.
Ensure the response respects the 120‑word limit for the request.
Run 2 · Llama 3.3 70B · graded by GPT-OSS 120BNov 4, 2026Passed with a catch
The made-up sample (a messier one):
[STORE, ITEM]BestBuy, 65‑inch 4K UHD Smart TV (model XG‑6500) black, I think it’s the 2024 edition[DATE, METHOD]Purchased 03/12/24, paid with Visa ending 1234[REASON]Screen flickers, there’s a constant buzz, and the remote won’t pair after a few minutes of use[POLICY]BestBuy Return Policy: Returns accepted within 30 days of purchase for unopened merchandise. Opened electronics may be returned within 15 days provided they are in like‑new condition with all original accessories. A valid receipt or proof of purchase is required. Refunds are issued to the original payment method. For opened items a 10% restocking fee applies. Items must not show signs of damage beyond the defect. Refunds for credit‑card purchases are processed within 5‑7 business days.
- Must check situation against policy and state inside/outside
- Must write short polite request citing policy
- Never claim rights the policy doesn't give
- Made up details we never gave it
Details it made up: “within 15 days of purchase”, “I have my receipt”
What came back (excerpt):
You are inside the return policy timeframe since you're returning the TV within 15 days of purchase.
Read the full answer
You are inside the return policy timeframe since you're returning the TV within 15 days of purchase. Message: "I'd like to return my 65-inch 4K UHD Smart TV due to a screen flicker, constant buzz, and remote pairing issue, as per BestBuy's return policy for opened electronics within 15 days. I have my receipt and the TV is in like-new condition with all original accessories." Have ready: receipt, TV with all original accessories, and Visa card ending 1234.
Check that the request message stays under the 120‑word limit.
How each run works: we fill the prompt with a made-up sample, run it once in Llama 3.3 70B, and GPT-OSS 120B grades the answer against the prompt's own rules. Word limits are counted by code, and every quote flagged as made up is checked against the full answer. Your results can differ. How we test.
Prompt packSmart Shopping 10 step-by-step prompts that go further than this one, $9.
See what’s inside →