Returning Gifts Need Not Be a Pain

publication date: Dec 27, 2007

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author/source: Roswell Beacon

Shopping for gifts is traditional during the holidays. So is returning them — and it can be a tedious process featuring long lines and busy store clerks.

“It’s not too early to start thinking about returning those Christmas gifts,” says Nancy Friedman, the self-proclaimed Queen of Returns.

Here are tips for minimizijng the discomfort of making returns:

• Know the store’s return policy. When purchasing gifts for friends and family, seek out stores with a generous return policy. You want to be sure they have ample time to return a gift or make an exchange without a hassle. When purchasing online, know what steps must be taken for a return. You may be responsible for the cost of return postage to send items back. Other online retailers include a pre-posted package for returns.
• Fraud puts the pinch on returns. Some people cash in on the holiday season by returning gifts fraudulently, so some retailers are more stringent in security policies.
  
  Return fraud costs retailers about $16 billion a year, according to the National Retail Federation. So retailers are targeting areas that cost them the most — primarily electronics — and they are setting more rigid rules for those returns. Best Buy and Sears charge a restocking fee for returned big-ticket items, such as opened computers, televisions, etc. Some may also limit the time you have to make returns, or may only offer returns on purchases made during a specific window of time.
• Ask for a gift receipt for items you purchase. A consumer-friendly trend is the offering of gift receipts. That allows a gift recipient to easily return a gift with a receipt featuring a special bar code — the cost of the items is not on the receipt. Without a receipt, some retailers may only offer an exchange at the current markdown rate, not the original purchase price.
• Don’t open packages or remove tags, if possible. If you anticipate returning an item, make sure the item and packaging are as close as possible to new. All foam, bags, tags and packing material should be in place. Anything packaged in hard plastic should not be cut open. For clothing or fabric items, leave the tags on and try on items without wearing fragrance or makeup. If an item looks worn or ragged, a store may refuse the return.
• Make returns promptly. You have a better chance of finding something you like as an alternative if you make returns shortly after the holidays. Just keep in mind that other people will also have the same idea, so expect the stores to be busy.
• Be patient. Soon the holidays will be a distant memory and you’ll be able to relax. Keep in mind that many retail clerks and cashiers are overly stressed and working long hours to meet holiday-season needs. Therefore, be courteous and patient when making returns.
• Be honest about gifting. If you buy $20 gifts from Wal-mart and package them in Lord & Taylor boxes, stop doing that. Recipients need to know where you purchased their gift to avoid embarrassment if they choose to return it later.