Guarantees for a no-hassle "post-holiday" store return | News

Not everyone likes the reindeer sweaters or pink-&-chartreuse ties you doled out this holiday.

Here's how you can guarantee they -- and you -- can return them for something you really want, according to the Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South:

• • Know and understand the seller’s return policy. There’s no such thing as a “standard” return policy. Most return policies will be listed on a company’s website, printed on the back of the receipt, or displayed in the store. Make sure to fully understand what’s required for a return or exchange, and if you have questions, call the store directly to ask about your specific situation.
  • If you are the gift-recipient, do not assume you have the right to return or exchange an unwanted present. Like the shopper, you are bound by the merchant’s return policy.
  • Don’t assume the regular return policy applies to sales or clearance items. Some merchants consider sale items to be final, so ask to be sure. And health regulations may prohibit the return of hats and intimate apparel.
  • Ask about restocking fees. Some merchants charge a restocking or “open box” fee for returns of electronics products or large-ticket items.
  • Keep original packaging. Some stores may require products be returned in original purchase condition, unused or unopened.
  • Bring identification. Because of return fraud, some retailers will ask for identification when making a return. If you’re returning or exchanging a gift that you bought, bring the credit card used to make that purchase.
  • Read product warranty first. In some cases, retail stores are not liable if the product turns up defective or damaged. They may require consumers to mail the product directly to the manufacturer in order to receive monetary refunds, credit or product replacement.
  • Don’t delay. In almost every case, a store will require an item be returned within a specific time frame. If you wait too long, you may miss your chance at returning the item.

  Store receipts are the keys to a hassle-free return. Because of retail theft, many retailers will not accept a return without a receipt.

• You should also expect either a straight exchange or a store credit instead of cash. Again, that is standard policy because of retail theft.