Release date 12/07/2010
YONKERS, NY — Socks again? As consumers scramble to purchase gifts this holiday season, shoppers also need to keep in mind that nearly 20 percent of Americans plan to return at least one holiday gift, according to a Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll conducted last year.
And though most shopping policies are more lenient than they were before the recession, some companies have fought fraud and abuse with stricter policies. But there are ways to prepare for a hassle-free return process with the least amount of headache, according to the January issue of Consumer Reports on newsstands December 7 and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.
“Return policies are a moving target so you always have to be sure to read the current fine print,” said Tod Marks, Consumer Reports senior editor and resident shopping expert. “Start by purchasing gifts from retailers with flexible return policies, like web merchants that include free prepaid return shipping labels with purchase.”
Return rules to live by
Retailers might have different return requirements for items that are bought in their stores, through their website, or by mail order. Gift recipients probably need the receipt, the box the gift came in, and the retailer’s enclosed mailing label. Call or visit the merchant’s website for specifics, such as whether something that was purchased online can be returned to a walk-in store. Consumer Reports also recommends shoppers keep these tips in mind:
Major retailers’ policies vary
If flexible returns are a priority, it’s best to know the details on what the major players require and offer when it comes to returning or exchanging an item. Here’s the fine print of some heavy-hitters’ return policies:
Outlet | Time Period | Requirements | Exceptions | Restocking Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|
Amazon | 30 days for unopended books, CDs, DVDs, video games, and software; partial refund after 30 days on other items | Packaging | Kindle can't be returned after one-month trail | |
Best Buy | 14 days for computers, monitors, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, and radar detectors; 30 days for other products | Original receipt and a photo ID are required | Table cell 4 | 15% for opened notebook computers, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, radar detectors, GPS, and in-car video systems; 25% for special orders and appliances |
Target | 90 days | Receipt required (unless purchased with a credit card, debit card, check or gift card); items much be unused and packaged | Opened music, movies, video games, and software can't be returned unless defective | 15% for many portable electronics |
Walmart | 90 days for most items; 45 for computer companies; 30 for camcorders and digital cameras; 15 for computers | Returned without receipts are accepted, but 3 or more such returns in 45 days will trigger a red flag, and the return will have to be approved by a manager | Music, movies, and software must be unopened | |
Costco | Open-ended for most products; 90 days for cash refund for TVs, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, MP3 players, and cell phones | A receipt is not essential because a membership card is linked to every purchase | ||
Home Depot | 90 days; 30 days for air conditioners, gas-powered equipment, and holiday-décor items | Receipt, unused, original packaging; receipt might not be necessary for check, credit-, or debit-card payments | Live goods such as holiday trees, plants and cut flowers are not returnable unless damaged | Special orders and order cancellations subject to 15% fee |
Sears | 90 days; 30 days for home electronics, mattresses, air conditioners, gas-powered equipment, jewelry, and watches | Receipt or e-mail conformation and original packaging required | CDs, DVDs, computer software, and sports/toy collectibles must be unopened | 15% on electronics returned used, without original box, or lacking original packaging and accessories; mattresses, built-in appliances, sporting goods, lawn and garden items, and automotive mechandise |
Toys "R" Us | 90 days for most items; 45 days for unopened/factory-sealed video systems, games, and accessories; computer software; VHS cassettes; DVDs; music; electronics; radio-control items; trading cards; collectibles; and consumer electronics | Receipt or online packing slip | Online purchases returned to store are refunded with a merchandise credit |