I have never had issues exchanging items until now.

The number of items were the same for what I was exchanging and what I was purchasing, which should have been a wash. Robert seemed to be having complications with the concept along with his superior that was assisting him. They insisted I owed them $2.02. I stood firm on the idea that it should have been a wash.

Then they made up the concept that I owed them for tax and said because I bought taxable items at first, and was exchanging for food that isn't taxable, I owed them tax.... the face on the man behind me said it all with his wide eyes and grin as he turned away.

I tried to slow down for them and said "I paid tax on all the first items, correct" as I hovered my hand over the bag, and then I am purchasing the food that you admit is not taxable, so why would I pay more tax? If anything, you would owe me money."

I am well aware that their policy is exchange only, but I was trying to make a point. They reassured me they would not be giving me money back, haha. I then said I am not expecting the money back and that I realized I would basically be losing out on the tax I paid, a cost of doing business if you will, and that the government is not going to be mad that additional tax was remitted.

I mentioned that I do accounting for a living and Robert the "accountant" said he does too. Before having an accounting degree, I could do basic math as well - impresssive I know (sarcasm). The number of items I purchased would not have been $2.02 even if I had to pay tax on all of the items.

They then switched it up again and said that if a taxable item is purchased you can only exchange it for another taxable item. Same goes for if you buy a non-taxable item. It would only be exchangable with a non-taxable item. They claimed it is their policy. I said no, your policy has always been an exchange and it doesn't state that on the receipt either. The poor man behind me was getting irritated but did chime in and said that has never been an issue for him either. He told the lady behind him, who happened to be my Mother, that he didn't think they knew what they were doing.

They became so flustered that they said "just take it" because every scenario they created was a bust. I took my bags and walked out.

Point being, some training needs done especially on the management side. Poor Robert had the worst guidance and tried to even take the blame for not letting me know about the taxable for taxable exchange. It isn't his fault the woman who approves the exchanges is clueless. They also didn't really look at my receipt, nor did they cross off the items I returned.

So, Dollar Tree, your inventory is going to be off. I am attaching 2 photos to try to be helpful, even if you don't see it. The photos are the front and back of the items I ended up with - final purchase. The items I returned are small wooden boards that look like charcuterie boards or TV trays. There were also some wooden mermaid clips and small glass bottles inside of a plastic bag - 4 or 5 in each bag. These can all be located in your craft area.

I will not be doing any exchanges here in the future.