Might be part of the explanation but I'm surprised every time I see European anecdata online like: > The product wasn't what I wanted but I can't return it to

Might be part of the explanation but I'm surprised every time I see European anecdata online like: > The product wasn't what I wanted but I can't return it to the shop because it is not defective. Maybe the retail environment in the US has developed higher margins that better accommodate returns.