Returns and exchanges have become as common during the holiday season as Santa and his sleigh. Contrary to popular belief, the experience does not have to be a hassle if you and your gift giver are prepared before going back to the store.
Most retailers have a return and exchange policy, but the policies often vary from store to store. While some retailers offer full refunds, others may only offer store credit, or exchanges and others may state all sales are final. Therefore, it’s important to understand the specific policy for the store you plan to visit.
Before giving a gift it’s important to:
- Always ask for a gift receipt and enclose it with the present.
- Leave the UPC barcode on the tag and only cut off the price.
- Keep electronics or similar products in their boxes before wrapping as the original packaging may be required for a return. Some merchants charge as much as a 15 percent restocking or "open box" fee for returns of electronics products or large-ticket items.
-
Understand what the return policies are for on-sale and clearance items, which may be different than merchandise sold at full price.
-
Keep in mind some retailers have different return policies depending on whether you shopped online or in a store, so look for return policies when buying online or from catalogs. Sometimes merchandise can be returned to a store; otherwise, you may be charged a shipping fee to return or exchange an item.
- Some stores extend the refund and exchange period during the holidays. Ask the cashier at the time of purchase or look for a sign posted by the cash register.
After receiving a gift it’s important to:
- Determine if the return policy is available online or on the back of the receipt.
- Remember that you don’t have to fight the crowds the day after Christmas to return or exchange an item. Instead go at a later date, but don’t wait past the policy timeframe.
For more reliable advice from the source you can trust, go to www.arizonabbb.org.
About Matthew Fehling
Matthew Fehling is President and CEO of the BBB of Central, Northern and Western Arizona. BBB is a membership-based, non-profit organization funded by over 9,500 BBB Accredited Businesses and provides over a million instances of service each year. Before serving in Arizona, Matthew held positions with the BBB in Richmond, Denver and at the Council of Better Business Bureaus in Arlington, VA.