Take the 'Bah Humbug' Out of Returning Gifts
November 23, 2006
As the holidays roll around, one of the first things that come to mind is shopping for gifts. What revelers may not immediately be thinking of is the often tedious process of returning items they don't want or need.
"It's not too early to start thinking about returning those Christmas (Holiday? Hanukah?) gifts," says Nancy Friedman, president of Telephone Doctor and self proclaimed: "Queen of Returns." Returning gifts is as much a part of the holidays as purchasing them. This process also involves waiting in long lines and dealing with busy store associates.
Just as there are pointers for reducing holiday-shopping stress, there are also ways to minimize the discomfort of making returns.
- Know the store's return policy. When purchasing gifts for friends and family, seek out stores that have 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 anticipatory returns.
- Fraud puts the pinch on returns. Because there are people looking to cash in on the holiday season by returning gifts fraudulently, some retailers are more stringent in security policies. According to a 2005 report by ABC News, retailers say they're not trying to be the Grinch, but return fraud is costing them an estimated $16 billion a year, according to the National Retail Federation. So they're targeting those areas that cost them the most and setting some rigid rules for those returns. Some stores like 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, e.g. Black Friday through December 24.
- Ask for a gift receipt for items you purchase, and hold onto that receipt if it was included with your gift. A consumer-friendly trend is the offering of gift receipts with purchase. This allows a gift recipient to easily return a gift with a receipt featuring a special bar code - the cost of the items is not included on the gift receipt, to maintain confidentiality. Without a receipt, some retailers may only offer an exchange at the current markdown rate, not the original purchase price. This could be up to 50 percent off.
- Don't open packages or remove tags, if possible. If you anticipate returning an item, make sure the condition of the item and packaging are as close as possible to what they were upon purchase. 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, especially the day after Christmas.
- 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.
- Don't keep it a secret. Gifts were purchased with you in mind, just as you select gifts thinking they'll be perfect for the recipient. If you're planning on making a swap or a return, tell the person who bought the gift - just not right after you've torn off the wrapping paper. Otherwise, this person may be continually looking to see if you're wearing that "lovely" argyle-pattered sweater or displaying that novelty coffee mug.
- Be honest about gifting. Who hasn't purchased a $20 gift from Walmart and packaged it in a Lord & Taylor box? Make sure recipients know where you purchased to avoid embarrassment should they choose to return later.
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