With Christmas now in the rear view many shoppers are making their way back to the stores to return gifts. Josh Planos with the Lincoln Better Business Bureau tells KLIN News while most retailers do offer refund and exchange programs, policies vary greatly from one store to another.
He says be sure to double-check policies, even if you are familiar with the brand, as stores can change their policies whenever they want. “Not all these retailers are providing cash back on products or goods and in some cases they are only providing store credit.” Planos says stores are not legally required to accept exchanges or give refunds unless the merchandise was defective or misrepresented.
Planos has some other tips to help make the return process run more smoothly. He says make sure you get the details on a product’s warranty. “Most electronics and home appliances come with warranties that are to be fulfilled by the manufacturer, not the retailer. Find out how the store handles returns and repairs if an item stops working or needs replacement parts.”
Keeping your receipt and packaging is also recommended. Planos says most stores will only accept returns and exchanges if you can present the item with its receipt and original packaging. Planos says make sure you bring your ID.
“Many stores ask to see your ID when you return an item to avoid holiday return scams. Sometimes retailers require you to bring your ID and the original form of payment. If this is the policy of the store where your gift is from, you may need the assistance of the gift-giver in order to be reimbursed,” Planos says.
If you are making and exchange or a return make sure it’s done in a timely fashion. “Almost all return policies are valid during a specific time period. Some stores modify their return period during the holidays, so don’t risk missing your chance to make your return. Take the item back to the store without delay.”
(Photo: Better Business Bureau )