Seal and Protect Unethical Return Policies Atlanta Georgia

I recently purchased two 5-gallon buckets of stain from Seal and Protect. After looking at several photos online, I realized that the color would be too dark. I contacted the company to let them know, and worked with them to find a better color option, which I purchased separately this week.I am now trying to return the initial buckets that are still sealed in the box. From their website, I understand that the customer is responsible for return shipping charge. However, the company is now telling me that I am also responsible for a 20% restocking fee on each item.

When I asked why I would be charged a restocking fee, they said it was to recoup their initial shipping charges. As with all major companies who rely on heavy shipments, Seal and Protect uses Fed Ex as a preferred vendor who gives them excellent shipping rates that customers do not receive when they have to pay for return shipping. Their website clearly states, "all returns and cancelled orders are subject to a 20% restocking fee". This language is ambiguous and leads the customer to believe that if they package the original unopened items safely, and insure the boxes (if they don't the company will refuse the return), then they will not be assessed the 20% restocking fee. This is clearly a false statement and should be revised to say that ALL items will be assessed a 20% restocking fee. This will help the customer understand the full amount of loss if they choose to return a product. The fact that this company does not state their true policy upfront, makes them unethical and greedy.