Customers whose post-Christmas plans include returning unwanted gifts should be prepared to consult their calendars, show a receipt and pay a restocking fee in some cases.
In an effort to combat return fraud and recoup the losses incurred from returned merchandise, a growing number of retailers have tightened their policies over the past few years. At no time does that become more apparent than after the holidays.
More than a third of consumers plan to return at least some of the holiday gifts they receive this year, according to data from the National Retail Federation.
Consumer advocate Edgar Dworsky, founder of ConsumerWorld.org, said most merchants’ return policies haven’t changed significantly from last year. Generally, receipts or gift receipts are required for returns. Merchandise credit is available to customers who return items without receipts.
Additionally, some retailers maintain different return deadlines for different categories of merchandise. Electronics, for example, are often subject to shorter return windows and may also include restocking fees.
Tips for easier returns
Know the retailer’s return policy before you buy. Most retailers have return policies prominently displayed, especially at this time of year. If you do not see the policies displayed, make sure to ask a sales associate.
Save your receipts and ask for gift receipts.
Provide all original packaging and all parts, including tags, when giving a gift. Keep the product in its original packaging, and don’t open it if you know you’ll be taking it back.
If you have a problem returning a gift, contact the store manager or customer service department. If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, a complaint can be filed with the state attorney general’s office or local consumer agency.
Source: National Retail Federation and ConsumerWorld.org
A look at retailers’ return policies
Here’s a sample of the time limits imposed and restocking fees charged by some popular retailers, based on the companies’ websites and ConsumerWorld.org.
Amazon.com: Items shipped between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 can be returned until Jan. 31 for a full refund. Opened computers are subject to a 15 percent restocking fee.
Best Buy: Items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24 can be returned through Jan. 24. Exceptions include camcorders, digital cameras, printers and monitors, which must be returned by Jan. 8. Desktop and notebook computers must be returned by 14 days after purchase. A 15 percent restocking fee will be charged on opened notebook computers, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, radar detectors, GPS/navigation and in-car video systems unless defective.
Circuit City: Items must be returned within 30 days. Digital cameras, camcorders, desktop and notebook computers, monitors, printers, scanners, projectors, PDAs, mobile video, GPS and radar detectors must be returned within 14 days and are subject to a 15 percent restocking fee if opened or in a non-factory-sealed box.
eBags: Items must be returned within 60 days. Shipping fee of $4.99 deducted from refund.
Kmart: Returns accepted within 90 days.
Kohls: No deadline with receipt.
Sears: The company is extending its 30-day return policy to 60 days for items purchased between Nov. 15th and Dec. 20th. The company charges 15 percent for home appliances, electronics, home improvements, household goods, lawn and garden equipment, sporting goods and automotive items not returned unused with full packaging.
Target: Returns accepted within 90 days. Restocking fee of 15 percent charged for portable electronics, digital cameras and camcorders. No returns without a receipt, but the company will search its system for one.
Toys R Us: Returns accepted within 90 days. Forty-five-day limit for unopened electronics and video products.
Wal-Mart: Most items can be returned within 90 days. Exceptions include computer hardware, GPS units, digital music players and portable video players, which must be returned within 15 days; camcorders and digital cameras, which must be returned within 30 days; and computer components and accessories, which must be returned within 45 days.
