most large companies, maybe, but small-to-medium-sized businesses can and will tell you to take a hike. there are no consumer protections in the US regarding returns beyond the goodwill of the company
That's why they are dying (those who tell you to take a hike). Why would I buy from a small business without a possibility to return if I can buy from Amazon with guaranteed 30 days? It's your choice. Honestly, I bought enough stuff from small to medium companies and most of them allow returns. If not, it's my choice not to buy. Not everything should be a law, and laws are not free, somebody has to pay (just like for 30 day return). Guess who pays? Well, it's ... you.
> Why would I buy from a small business without a possibility to return if I can buy from Amazon with guaranteed 30 days?
Perhaps because you don't want all retail to be Amazon?
> laws are not free, somebody has to pay
Isn't that a bit hyperbole? That law is written once, and delivers its effects afterwards. In contrast, millions of buyers have to investigate return policies every day without such a law. Is that really a better use of time?
It's not a hyperbole. Generous return terms means you are paying more for goods, everybody does. Where do you think goods returned to Amazon go to die? They are sold at discount, and Amazon is not dumb, they are not working at a loss, so you pay more for new goods. The less risk, the higher the price. If you have a law, that means no matter where you buy, you pay a premium as it's already included. I would prefer to have a choice.
And you don't have to buy on Amazon, most companies in the US accept returns in this way or another. Some ask you to pay a small premium for returns, it's up to you to pay it or not. Those who don't accept back damaged goods (no matter what policy is) usually got chargebacks which are commonly approved by the banks, and it's pretty expensive for sellers. So there are many ways to regulate returns, law is not the only one.
As it should be when you buy a product IMO. It only works out in high-trust societies and the business model is ruined by scammers. REI is a great example, some people would buy shoes, wear them out, then return them years later because the policy accepted it. It's obviously not a way to keep a company in business, but people just don't care because the reward for them is just too good to pass up.
There's a lot of overlap between protecting consumers and enabling scammers.