The designer sweater at 40 percent off is a steal. The sale price on the cool fitness tracking bracelet? Hard to believe.
Way to score those holiday gift deals!
Not so fast. Before you run to the register doing the happy dance…
What if that sweater and the Fitbit are the wrong fit?
Before you buy (or return) those perfect presents, there’s something you should know: The store’s return policy.
The days are gone when people could take back an unwanted gift to practically any store carrying the item and get cash or store credit. To prevent consumer fraud, many chains have cracked down on accepting items without proof of purchase.
They’ve also set deadlines, especially on electronics.
Return policies differ greatly store-to-store.
Macy’s says: “We’re not happy until you’re happy.” There is no return deadline.
For the holiday season, Best Buy loosens up its strict 15-day policy and will accept returns until Jan. 15.
At Target, you have 90 days for most items, but only 30 days after Christmas for electronics.
Many stores will only give refunds in original form of purchase or by gift card. So forget about trading in that pricey perfume from your generous aunt for a wad of cash, even with a receipt.
Without that silky proof of purchase, the store calls all the shots. Many offer store credit, but typically at the lowest sale price. Some limit the number of returns from an individual, tracked through scanning a driver’s license.
One way to simplify is to shop online. Most online items can be returned to the retail outlet. Online purchases also leave an electronic paper trail.
Another option is to give cash. Wrap up an Andrew Jackson ($20) in a pretty box or put a bow on a Benjamin Franklin ($100). It’s win-win.
Here are a sample of stores that appeal to a range of budgets and interests.
Get going and, by golly, make sure you get a gift receipt. Policies can vary by location.
*Sources for return policies are the store websites.
BIG BOX
Store: Target
Return time: Most unopened items within 90 days. Electronics and entertainment items within 30 days; for items purchased through Dec. 25, the 30-day refund period will start on Dec. 26.
Receipt policy: With receipt, refund in original form of payment or store credit.
For more: www.target.com
Store: Wal-Mart
Return time: 90 days, most items, with holiday season purchases starting Dec. 26
Receipt policy: With receipt, refund in original form of payment or store credit. Without receipt, possible exchange or store credit. Might be denied if a customer has returned more than three items without receipts within a 45-day period.
For more: www.walmart.com
Store: Costco
Return time: No time restrictions on many items; 90 days for electronics such as TVs, computers, cameras.
Receipt policy: With receipt, refund in original form of payment or cash. Without receipt, item can be looked up through member account information.
For more: www.costco.com
DEPARTMENT
Store: Macy’s
Return time: No limit on most items.
Receipt policy: With receipt, refund in original form of payment or store credit. Without receipt, store credit.
For more: www.macys.com
Store: Kohl’s
Return time: No time restrictions on most items.
Receipt policy: With receipt, refund in original form of payment, store credit or even exchange. Without receipt, even exchange or store credit.
For more: www.kohls.com
Store: Sears
Return time: Varies by item: 30 days, electronics; 60 days, holiday merchandise; 90 days, clothing, accessories.
Receipt policy: With receipt, refund to original form of payment, exchange or store credit. Without receipt, possible store credit.
For more: www.sears.com
ELECTRONICS
Store: Apple
Return time: Items purchased November through Dec. 25 can be returned through Jan. 8, 2015.
Receipt policy: With receipt, refund to form of payment. Without receipt, provide serial number or way to look it up.
For more: www.apple.com
Store: Best Buy
Return time: November and December purchases can be returned through Jan. 15, 2015. Other times of the year, most items must be returned within 15 days.
Receipt policy: With receipt, refund to form of payment or store credit.
For more: www.bestbuy.com
HOME
Store: Home Depot
Return time: 90 days.
Receipt policy: With receipt, refund to original form of payment. Without receipt, store credit.
For more: www.homedepot.com
Store: Lowe’s
Return time: 90 days.
Receipt policy: With receipt, refund to original form of payment. Without receipt, store credit.
For more: www.lowes.com
SPORTS
Store: Cabela’s
Return time: 90 days.
Receipt policy: With receipt, refund to original form of payment. Without receipt, exchange or store credit.
For more: www.cabelas.com
Store: REI
Return time: Replacement or refund within one year of purchase.
Receipt policy: With receipt, refund to original form of payment.
For more: www.rei.com
TOYS
Store: Toys ‘R’ Us
Return time: 90 days for most items.
Receipt policy: With receipt, refund to original form of payment or store credit.
For more: www.toysrus.com
Tips for givers and receivers
- Get a gift receipt.
- Save tags, packing slips, boxes.
- Don’t open games and movies unless you are positive you want to keep it. Most stores won’t take opened entertainment and software items, unless defective.
- Ask about gift card expiration dates.
- Most online purchases can be returned to the retail outlet.
- After the holidays, some stores will make exceptions and issue refunds or exchanges on a case-by-case basis.
- Be nice and stay calm.
- If all else fails, re-gift the item.
Andrea Brown: 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @reporterbrown.
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