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A lot of products make big promises. There's the cellulite cream that promises to leave your thighs as smooth as a 17-year-old's. There's the tomato sauce that advertises a zesty and spicy taste. And what about that shampoo that has you believing you'll come out of the shower with thick, shiny locks?

What do you do when such products don't deliver? If you're like most people, the answer is, probably nothing.

Well, the Shopping Bags got tired of doing nothing. Oh sure, we all feel fine about returning the toy that didn't work or the sweater that didn't fit. But what about the products we consume? Can you take those back too? The Shopping Bags say yes.

Using a hidden camera, our Mystery Shopper routinely returns items that disappoint and almost always leaves the store with a refund, a replacement or a store credit.

Not pleased with your purchase? Here are some tips to keep in mind when you try to take it back:

• Take the unused portion of the product with you.
  
  
• Take the receipt if you've got it. But if you don't you might still get a refund. Explain that you threw away or lost the receipt - some retailers are lenient in this department, especially if their own products are easily identifiable.
  
  
• Point out what the product promised and how it failed.
  
  
• Be nice. You might be pushing it a bit when asking for a refund or credit when you've already opened that package of pantyhose or eaten some of the so called "mild" salsa.
  
  
• Be clear about what you want. Is it a refund or a replacement or a credit note?

There are also a few things to remember before you actually make the purchase:

• Deal with reputable companies. They are more likely to stand by their products and offer some sort of compensation if you're not satisfied.
  
  
• Ask about the return policy before you buy. If they say "no way, no how", you might want to reconsider making the purchase in the first place.
  
  
• Pay for big-ticket items with a credit card. That way, if you lose the receipt, you'll still have the credit card statement as proof of purchase. Plus, if the store gets up to some funny business, you'll be able to dispute the charges through the credit card company.

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