BBB on Gift returns

So what do you do with that sweater you got for Christmas that’s three sizes too big or that bottle of cologne you just hate? 

 

Holiday returns aren’t always easy! 

 

And we don’t mean the part where you explain to your mother why you returned the sweater she gave you. 

 

Stores are not legally required to accept exchanges or give refunds, unless the merchandise was defective or misrepresented. 

 

While most retailers do offer refund and exchange programs as a courtesy to their customers, policies vary greatly from one store to another. 

 

Add to the mix warranties, which are usually fulfilled by the manufacturer, and holiday returns can get confusing. 

 

So the Better Business Bureau offers a couple of tips to help make your holiday returns run more smoothly.

 

First, know the store policies. 

 

Before you make a purchase, find out if the store has a return policy and, if so, how it works. 

 

Also, understand online store return policies before you buy so the person you’re buying that gift for can return it or exchange it if needed.

 

Some online stores, like Amazon have a box you can check if the purchase is a gift and they will include a gift receipt with the package. 

 

And if you’re buying  a gift with a warranty, get the details on a product’s warranty so you can make sure that’s included with the item. 

 

Make sure the item you’re returning has a receipt or gift receipt with it and bring your ID.

 

Sometimes retailers require you bring your ID and the original form of payment. If this is the policy of the store where your gift is from, you may need the assistance of the gift giver in order to be reimbursed.

 

Make returns in a timely fashion. 

 

Almost all return policies are valid during a specific time period. 

 

Some stores modify their return period during the holidays, so don’t risk missing your chance to make your return so you might not want to wait to return those gifts.