Gift return policies | What shoppers should know
The good news for many shoppers is that you likely have until the end of January to return your gifts.
ATLANTA — With the holiday season now behind us, many consumers are facing the all-too-familiar task of returning gifts. Whether it’s the wrong size or color or simply not quite what you hoped for, millions will soon stand in line to make returns. But before you head to the store, it’s important to understand that return policies can vary greatly—and some retailers make the process easier than others.
11Alive News partnered with experts from Consumer Reports to explore the best and worst return policies and offer tips on how to improve your odds of a smooth return process.
The good news for many shoppers is that you likely have until the end of January to return your gifts.
“Many retailers extend their return windows around the holidays,’ Samantha Gordon from Consumer Reports explains. “Most offer 60 days. If you have a store card, you might have more time, like 100 days. Costco, for example, doesn’t have a time limit on most items.”
But heads up: returning electronics can be more nuanced.
“If you’re returning an electronic, you probably have a shorter window and need to return it soon,” Gordon cautions.
Gordon said it can also cost you to mail back an item. For instance, if you’re returning an item to a store like L.L. Bean, you could be charged up to $6.50 per package to mail it back—unless you used Bean Bucks or an L.L. Bean credit card for the purchase. GameStop also charges a $8.99 mail return fee.
On the other hand, retailers like Amazon make returns a little easier.
“If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can ship it back for free,” Gordon points out. She said Walmart and Target, along with many other retailers, also offer free return shipping.
According to the National Retail Federation and the company Happy Returns, returns pose a significant cost for the industry. The groups estimate nearly 17% of annual sales will be returned in 2024, representing
$890 billion. NBC News also reports on the environmental cost when returns don’t get returned to the shelves for re-sale..
As such, there are re-stocking fees to be aware of when it comes to certain purchases. Best Buy, for example, charges a 15% restocking fee on certain items, including drones and some digital cameras and lenses if the original packaging has been opened. For activatable devices like phones and tablets, the restocking fee is a flat $45.
While many retailers have clear-cut return policies, some, like Nordstrom, take a more flexible approach.
“Nordstrom has no formal return policy; returns are handled case by case,” Gordon said. “No receipts are required. There are no time limits, and no original tags are needed.”
Tips for Hassle-Free Returns
To make your return process as smooth as possible, Consumer Reports recommends a few simple strategies: Save your receipt, return the item as soon as possible, and, if you can, avoid opening the box. Be prepared that you may also be asked to provide your ID when making a return. So, it’s best to be prepared to show proof of purchase and follow the store’s return guidelines in order to ensure a better chance of getting your money back without hassle.
