Merry Christmas and Many Happy Returns

No matter how carefully we Christmas shop for others, or they meticulously shop for us, there will always be some reason to return gifts. Christmas gifts may be the wrong size, the wrong color, a duplicate of something already owned, or something that we have no use (or place) for. And let's face it--who really wants a light up Reindeer sweater? Then there are all those tricky gadgets that just don't work. Christmas gift disappointments abound, and yet it's encouraging to know that we can return the item for a refund or a replacement. But so many times we lose out, because we just can't bear to think of all the hassles of returning Christmas gifts. We envision long lines, grumpy customers and salesclerks, screaming children, and waiting, waiting, waiting. If you think the week before Christmas is a horror, the week after Christmas is truly a nightmare. Everyone rushes out to get a Christmas gift exchange or refund, or to buy something wonderful, with their recently acquired Christmas gift cards.

First things first. When it comes to happy Christmas gift returns, there are a few basic rules to follow. If you know that you don't want an item, then leave the box unopened. This makes gift returning and restocking a simple activity. Keep in mind that many retailers will not accept returns on opened video games, CDs, software, or DVDs. If you have opened the box on other gift items, save all the original packaging. Most stores require items to be returned in the original box. Always have your gift receipt in hand, and be sure you know the store return policies, before you approach the desk. And remember, some retailers have different policies on electronics, than for other gift items. Many will even require a restocking fee. This can be as high as 20% of the original cost of the gift item, and that can be quite a lot if you're returning a television, computer, or other high priced electronic gifts.

Some stores will allow you to get a merchandise credit, if you've lost the original receipt on a gift item. And even better, some retailers now have computerized receipt tracking, connected to your phone number. But be warned, if a gift item has gone on sale since its purchase date, some grinches will only refund you the current sale price, if you've lost that precious gift receipt. And can you believe that some stores actually track "serial returners?" Too many returns, and you're put on a blacklist.

And ladies, if you're thinking of wearing that evening gown to the office Christmas party, and then returning it, you'd better think again. Many stores require that special occasion and holiday clothing be returned with the tags still in place. This is a good policy, because fraudulent returns effect business, and ultimately result in higher consumer prices.

Keep in mind also, that if you are an early Christmas shopper, you need to know how many days you have to return merchandise. Sometimes stores have a strict 30 day return policy, so if you shop in October, you're out of luck, if the item needs to be returned after Christmas.

Remember, as much as possible, to include Christmas gift receipts with your presents. That way if your little nephew, Bonzo, has gone on a huge eating binge in the past year, and the jeans you bought him for Christmas don't fit, his mom can get him something that does, with no hassles.

And don't forget, if you're the one standing in line for a Christmas gift return or exchange, a little patience goes a long way. Yelling at the salesclerk doesn't help, as they do not make store policies, and are helpless to change them. And you might even want to smile, because according to the Direct Marketing Association, 65% of the population will be standing in line with you. So Merry Christmas and Many Happy Returns!

Sources: http://money.cnn.com/2003/12/26/news/companies/holiday_returns/?cnn=yes

http://money.cnn.com/2006/12/06/news/companies/gift_returnpolicies/index.htm

http://www.chiff.com/a/returning-gifts.htm

http://www.thinkglink.com/After_Christmas_Holiday_Returns.htm

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66333489.tip.html