|| At "mom and pop" hardware store returning a $2.00 unopened
||bag of screws is a major ordeal.

That's ture in many small businesses. Trouble is, each transaction is a much
larger part of their livelihood. For HD that $2 is literally a throwaway. They
can return it to the vendor, or more likely, they got a deeper discount with the
condition that they not return anything. They know they will get back 1.4% of
the stuff that vendor supplies, so they squeeze him for 2% or more. That is not
available to the small businessman, unless he is part of a strong trade
alliance. But most good business people will cheerfully handle a return if
a) It's in as-sold condition, unopened, ready to go on the shelf
b) you are a regular customer
c) You ask nicely
d) you don't abuse the return privelege

Pick any 3

Texas Parts Guy