Christmas day has passed and all the presents are now unwrapped. But if you're the family member whose interests are often misinterpreted by others — you keep receiving gifts that you don't really like — then you're probably wondering what the best option is for you, whether by gift return or item exchange.
Understanding the return and exchange policies of different stores may help get you the best value for those cringe-worthy or duplicate items you received over the holidays. Save yourself the headache brought on by inadvertently disqualifying yourself from an item return or exchange program and follow our advice.
Things To Remember
1. DO NOT UNSEAL. The first thing to remember before you even think about returning or exchanging an item is that, if you're sure you don't want it, don't even think of opening the case or unsealing the item because doing so will not only decrease its value, the retail store may also give you a difficult time because of it.
It's not that store employees will argue with you or turn you down but there is a possibility that if you unseal an item, instead of being eligible for a refund or an item exchange of the same value, say $200, you'll only be allowed to exchange for an item $180 and below or just be given a gift card of a lower value. It's also possible that the type of items you may exchange it with will be limited. Why? Well, because you unsealed the item and decreased its value. This is of utmost importance for electronics devices and DVDs, Blu-ray and music CDs.
2. DO NOT FORGET THE RECEIPT. If it is a gift there's a chance that the store would issue a gift receipt, but if not don't hesitate to ask the person who gave you the gift if you can keep the receipt, especially if, for instance, they didn't know that you already own a copy of a game or CD. If they do not have the receipt, ask them which store they bought your present and ask the store first if they have a return or exchange policy and also inform them that you do not have a copy of the receipt.
3. In case you don't have a receipt, DO NOT FORCE A RETURN OR EXCHANGE, especially if the store's policy is that a receipt is needed in order to complete an item return or exchange. Sure, you may not like your gift but don't forget that just because someone said "the customer is always right" doesn't make it correct. Store policies are set in order to make sure that neither the store nor its customers take advantage of the other, that is, if the store abides by the government's regulations. Just because you are an upstanding customer doesn't mean everyone is, but if you're a loyal customer, do mention it to the store clerks. You never know, the store may just adjust the policy a little for its loyal customers.
4. BE AWARE OF THE STORE'S POLICIES. Each retailer has its own policy so just because Target offers a certain return and exchange policy doesn't mean Amazon offers the same. Likewise, an item bought online may have a different policy for return or exchange with an item bought from an actual store, even if it is the same item and the same retailer. A store's return and exchange policy can usually be found in its website or you can call its hotline directly to make sure that you won't just be wasting your time by going there and coming home with no results.
5. In connection with the previous, be aware that YOU MAY HAVE TO SHELL OUT MONEY FOR A RETURN OR EXCHANGE. Why? It is possible that the store's policy is it will not pay for shipping fees so if you want an exchange or return, you'll have to pay for shipping. Likewise, you may be charged a restocking fee for some items.
6. KEEP AN I.D. OR TWO IN YOUR POCKET. Some stores require customers to present an Identification Card with a photo when returning or exchanging an item. As mentioned before, some customers tend to take advantage of holiday store policies so keeping a file is a way for the store to separate the customers who just really need to return or exchange a gifted item and those who are taking advantage.
Now that you've got everything in order, take a look at some of the stores with special holiday policies for returning or exchanging items.
Amazon: The typical return and exchange policy for Amazon is 30 days but for some items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 customers have until Jan. 31 to contact Amazon about the possibility of exchanging an item.
Apple: Not the iPhone or iPad model you wanted? Be quick because Apple usually abides by the 14-day return policy but, for the holidays, Apple will give customers until Jan. 8 to return or exchange items bought between Nov. 1 and Dec, 25.
Best Buy: Except for electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets with carrier contracts, most items may be exchanged until Jan. 15.
Target: The 90-day return or refund policy applies for unopened items. However, for electronic gadgets, a 30-day policy has been placed for items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25. The 30-day countdown begins Dec. 26.
Toys R' Us: An item must be returned in the original packaging with every single part and manual accounted for and must be in new condition. In short, just remember the first reminder and don't open the packaging if you're planning to get an exchange anyway. You need a receipt for an exchange or return to be refunded to the person who purchased the item in the original form of payment and, depending on the item, it may only be returned within 15 or 30 days so be sure to read up on the store's policy.
Gift Cards: If you received a gift card you know you won't use, you can check out websites that allow gift card exchanges so it won't rot away and you wouldn't have wasted the money of whoever gifted it to you.
As a last reminder, BE RESOURCEFUL. If you really don't want a gift and you can't exchange it, there are other ways to you can get what you want in exchange for it. For one, there is E-Bay's holiday outposts, if you live near a Westfield Mall. Your other option would be to be a Good Samaritan and donate it or you can always pass it on to someone whom you think would appreciate the item more by regifting it.
