According to the Better Business Bureau, nearly one-third of Christmas gift recipients will return at least one of those gifts. If you’re planning to join the clan of Returners, here are some “Dos and Don’ts” to make all those holiday returns go a little bit smoother.
Don’t Open It. If you’re unsure about whether or not you love your new gift, keep it in that factory-sealed box; especially when it comes to electronics. Otherwise, you might be paying a re-stocking fee of up to 15% of the purchase price. Ouch.
Do Have Your ID. In order to limit fraud and the return of stolen merchandise using counterfeit or forged receipts, many stores now require some type of identification.
Don’t Lose it. Most stores are more lenient with returns after the holidays, but you almost always will need a receipt (or the credit card you used to make the purchase), if you want a full refund. If not, you may only get store credit or a gift card. Use the FREE App, Return Guru, to keep track of your purchases and returns. Just take a picture of the receipt and they’ll send automatic reminders before it is too late to return an unwanted purchase.
Do Wait. If you can hold off on making your returns until the first week of January, you’ll avoid all those after-Christmas sales – and the crowds and slow customer service that come with it!
Do Use Your Manners. Yes, you’ll probably be tired and annoyed while standing in a long “Returns” line, when you’d rather be home eating leftover Christmas ham, but be nice. Politeness will get you better customer service, plus you’ll be a bright spot in someone’s day.
Don’t sweat it. If all else fails, consider selling the unwanted item on eBay or Craigslist, or stash it away in your gift closet…just be sure not to accidentally “re-gift” it back to the same giver next year! Can you say, embarrassing?
Did you know? $1 Billion in unredeemed gifts cards are floating around in wallets or shoved in junk drawers. Sell your unwanted gift cards for cash at Cardpool and get up to 92% cash back!
Also, while you’re a busy little elf shopping for your loved ones, keep in mind this list of stores on my “Naughty or Nice” list for their return policies.
Nice List
Kohl’s – Their website states “return any item, anytime, for any reason.” Even if you don’t have a receipt, you can get a full exchange or store credit. Love that! Read more HERE.
Nordstrom – Well-known for their great customer service, Nordstrom also offers FREE shipping, and FREE shipping on all returns, all the time. Read more HERE.
Costco – No receipt is necessary because all purchases are tied to your membership card. They also have a 90-day return window on electronics. That’s much better than most competitors. Plus, if you make your purchase online, Costo will refund you all shipping and handling charges. What the what??? That’s awesome!
Target – Has risen in ranks over the years when it comes to returns. They used to be on my naughty list for only allowing two non-receipt returns of up to $35 each year. But now, you can return up to $70 per year without a receipt. After that, you will only be allowed to exchange your item from the same department as your item and based on the current price. If you make on online purchase at Target.com, they will pay for return shipping and REDcard holders get an 30 extra days to return items.
Zappos – This discount shoe retailer accepts returns up to one year after purchase. Even better, they pay for the return shipping!
Walmart – For items that normally have a limited return/exchange period that are purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, the limited return period will begin Dec. 26. This includes items such as TVs, cameras, computers, DVD and music players that usually have a 15-30 day return period.
Amazon – Items purchased November 1 – December 31, 2014, may be returned until January 31, 2015, for a full refund.
Naughty List
Sears – It’s stated in big bold letters on their website: “REFUNDS AND EXCHANGES WILL NOT BE GIVEN WITHOUT RECEIPT.” OK, OK, we get the message: No receipt. No luck. So, if you tend to lose receipts, you should probably shop elsewhere. And even if you do have your receipt, their return policy is hard to understand with a complicated tiered system having items fall into certain categories, with different return windows.
Best Buy – The most interesting thing about Best Buy is the time frame for returning something depends on whether or not you’ve joined the My Best Buy™ program and how much money you’ve spent with the store over the last year. With each purchase, you earn points to help you reach Elite and Elite Plus status, thereby receiving an extended return and exchange period of 30 or 45 days, instead of 15 days.
Sports Authority – If you make an online purchase at Sports Authority.com, they will not accept returns in-store. Boo. Hiss. No, thanks.
Daily Deal Sites – Websites like Woot, Zulily, 1Sale and others, all have intricate return policies, so read up before you buy.
And what are the most returned gifts…
Image Source: WCVB TV
