Face it, you're going to have to return or exchange at least one Christmas gift. But before you do, it pays to educate yourself about the return policies you'll encounter.
Every retailer, online or off, has different policies for gift returns.
Target stores, for example, have a nearly unlimited time frame on their return policy, said Shannon Dickey, executive team leader of human resources at the Target store on Gunbarrel Road in East Brainerd.
"It doesn't matter when you bring [an item] back," she said. "The big thing we look for is having a receipt or gift receipt."
If you don't have a receipt, a driver's license may be used to return some walk-up or online purchases, she said. In some cases a packing receipt can be used to return gifts purchased online.
Online retailers eBay and Amazon have their own rules.
Martin Cofer of LaFayette, Ga., said he does a lot of online shopping and has never had problems with returns.
"I have always been treated OK," he said of the two popular websites.
Amazon policies vary, based on items purchased, according to return rules posted on the website. You may return new, unopened items sold and fulfilled by Amazon.com within 30 days of delivery for a full refund, the website noted.
Nonrefundable merchandise includes computer laptops, desktops and Kindles more than 30 days after delivery; any product missing the serial number or UPC; downloadable software products and gift cards.
Returns on eBay vary according to the seller's policy.
"It's possible that some sellers may not accept returns," according to the website. "We require all sellers to state their return policy in their listings."
According to information provided by Darlene Starcher, Belk director of communications, full payment will be given up to 180 days of purchase with a receipt at the department store.
For returns without a receipt, or after 180 days of purchase, Belk will refund the lowest sale price offered in the last 30 days, credited to a Belk charge card or Belk gift card.
Continue reading by following this link to a related story:Article: Returns, gift cards in hand, shoppers back in stores
J.C. Penney will offer a full refund of the purchase price on the original method of payment, according to jcpenney.com. The receipt, though, must be dated within 90 days of purchase for a full refund. And there are exceptions to this policy.
Fine jewelry, for example, must be returned within 60 days of purchase, and you must have the original sales receipt. Special orders cannot be returned. Special-occasion dresses must be returned in original condition with the return tag in place. Visit jcpenney.com for policy details.
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