Gift Returns-Making the Process Easier

The trouble is, your idea of the perfect gift may not be the same as your recipient's. Or maybe it is, but they already have one. In that case, they'll want to return it. And returning something can turn a fun shopping trip into a major hassle - especially if the store has very strict policies about returns.

Unfortunately, many stores are tightening their return policies, mainly because of the increasing amount of "return fraud." People steal items from one location and then return them to a different one. Or they "borrow" something - they buy it, use it, and return it. This used to be quite common with formal wear, but it's now happening with many other types of products, including computers and electronic games.

In the case of stolen items, there obviously won't be a receipt, and that can make the return process fairly complicated. But if the item's been "borrowed," there will be a receipt. That should make the return easier. But then the store is left with an item that is used and may even be damaged. It may not be possible to resell the item, or if it is, the store will have to seriously reduce the price.

This second type of fraud has resulted in some stores' making it harder to return anything, even with a receipt. And that doesn't help the person with a gift they can't use.

There are steps you, or the recipient of your gift, can take to make the return process easier. Here are a few:

- When you're first making the purchase, check the store's return policy. It should be easy to find, and may even be on the back of the receipt.

- Make sure the item is returnable. Many clearance or "special purchase," or "one of a kind" items may not be.

- Keep the receipt, and present it with the item. That receipt is the definitive proof that the item wasn't stolen.

- Don't unpack something you don't want. If you already have that item, or something like it, there's no point in taking it out of the box tape and removing the packing materials. If you try to take it back without all the packaging, the store may still accept it, but you might have to pay a "restocking fee" - which will be deducted from your return amount.

- If you're returning something that's damaged or doesn't work, obviously you'll have taken it out of its packaging and possibly assembled it, too. In that case, put it back in the box (preferably as close as possible to the way you received it), making sure you include all the accessories - for example, cords, remote control, keyboard, mouse, and the like. When you get to the store, make sure whoever's processing the return knows what the problem is. Not all stores ask for this information now; too many people just return something because they don't like it. But if the item is damaged, the store needs to know, so they can "write it off" and possibly tell the manufacturer.

- Return the item as quickly as possible. Some stores' return policies have time limitations. (The only exception to this would be if the item was purchased with a check. Checks take longer to clear, and if you return the item before the check has cleared you may have accept store credit or wait for a check from the corporate office. Store credit isn't a problem if you're just going to exchange the item for something else, but if you aren't, waiting for the corporate check will be annoying. The best way around this is obviously not to buy gifts with a check.)

Everyone wants their gifts to be used and enjoyed for a long time. But sometimes that just isn't possible. If you keep these tips in mind when you're buying - or returning - a gift, the return process will be much smoother, and you'll have a better chance of getting exactly the gift you wanted.