The world is changing and what is local is now becoming on-line. On-line software and much more efficient logistics and shipping make it more efficient for smart companies to operate with a wide market. So “buy local” won’t exist in many less populated places except at a price premium, unless one of your local suppliers is able to establish a viable larger scale on-line business based in your town with a store front. A few people have bought things on eBay from Searayman13. I view him as “local” in a way.
And every company can set its own rules in a free capitalist world. So like everything, its on the buyer to understand the terms of a transaction when you buy. If the seller does not disclose the terms or violates their own terms, then that is a problem. But if they do, and you don’t like the terms, shop elsewhere.
I have a bit of sympathy for stores and companies that take returns because I will bet there are more unethical buyers out there than there are on-line retailers. Lots of people buy, and use things, and then return them, despite the sellers policies. And everyone slags retailers on-line, but retailers don’t have the ability to slag unethical buyers in a public way.