Store won't take back stuff bought by boy, 14

DEAR HARRY: I have a precocious son who is 14. About a week ago, he apparently went to some kind of electronics store and bought about $200 worth of stuff he calls electronic parts. I call it junk. I insisted that he return everything. Unfortunately, the store operator said that these were all "special sale" items and not returnable. Our son now admits that what he bought was not usable except on some pretty sophisticated equipment. I tried to get the refund and again was refused. Harry, this was a kid browsing in a store who got hot for some stuff he'll never be able to use. It's all new, bubble- wrapped, and untouched. Neither he nor I can take the loss lightly. I don't make big bucks and he's just a student. Help!

WHAT HARRY SAYS: Let's talk to the operator of the store once more. This time, tell him that a sale to a minor creates a voidable deal that the minor may disaffirm. At the very least, this will cause him to contact his lawyer to see that he must refund the money for the disaffirmed deal. Most retailers are aware of this rule to protect minors and they handle minors with caution. A minor may disaffirm the sale all the way to a reasonable time after he reaches age 18. In many cases today, there are "carding" episodes before a sale is made.

write to him at Daily News, 801 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Harry urges all his readers to give blood. Contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-Red Cross.