Return Policy Questions

Alright, so I've searched these forums and Apple's forums and I can't find the answers to my questions...

I was thinking about buying an iPod touch about at a mall that is far away from where I live.

If I buy one from an Apple store and it has problems, can I exchange it online (has anyone had any experience with this?)? Will i have to pay a restocking fee (assuming that I opened the box and returned it with everything)?

Any help would be greatly appreciated...

you can go onlne to get help, but you have to make a phone call to get an exchange under way.

I was told at the apple store if the box is open there would be a restock fee if I returned it.