Final answer:
A sales associate should offer a refund if the customer returns a laptop within 10 days with the receipt. If the laptop is returned after 10 days with the receipt, the customer is eligible for store credit.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a customer bought a laptop last week and is now trying to return it with the receipt in hand, the sales associate should check the date on the receipt.
As long as it is within the 10-day period from the purchase date, the associate should proceed to offer a refund. If the return attempt is after 10 days but still accompanied by the receipt,
the associate should let the customer know that according to store policy, they would be eligible for store credit instead of a refund.
It is important to handle this situation professionally and friendly, ensuring the customer understands their options based on the store's return policy outlined on the receipt.