Tips for Exchanging a Holiday Gift Without a Receipt

Got a gift you can't use? Return it! Perhaps you received duplicate items. Maybe an article of clothing is simply not your size or color. Possibly, someone gave you a book you have already read or a CD that does not fit your musical taste. Often, a lovely gift may be cracked or missing essential pieces. What can you do?

Look inside the package.

More often than not, holiday shoppers request gift receipts for their purchases. These coded slips are handy for returns. Although they do not list the price for recipients to read, they contain identifying information for retailers. If you have a gift receipt, then you will know from which store your gift came, and the store will know how much to credit you for the return.

Often, we have found gift receipts taped to the bottom of gift bags or boxes, tucked under the decorative tissues. Sometimes, folks will stick them in pockets or inside product packaging.

If in doubt, ask.

Try to be tactful, of course. If you received the gift from a close friend or family member, it may be quite appropriate to ask for a sales receipt. However, if your employer or another acquaintance graciously presented you with the undesirable item, it may be more prudent to let it pass.

Examine price tags, if you can.

Look over the item carefully. Are there any hanging or sticky tags present? Even if the price has been snipped off or crossed out, you may discover useful tips. Perhaps a store name is still legible. Watch for red ink or orange stickers, which usually indicate an item was purchased at a discounted price. If so, you may decide not to bother returning it, unless you have multiple items from one store.

Keep item clean and pieces intact.

Certain commonly accepted rules apply for product returns. Cellophane seals should not be removed from CDs, DVDs, games, software and other proprietary products. Books should be pristinely clean, with pages still smooth and flat. Product stickers and labels must still be attached.

Clothing should be clean, neat and free from stains and rips. Garment tags should not be removed, if items are to be returned or exchanged.

Ship item back, if possible.

If you are certain about the identity of the seller, you can contact that company directly and ask about shipping the item back. They will likely give you a return code, and they may even offer a shipping account number. If not, you will have to pay the costs of returning the product to them. The seller will probably issue a credit, either towards other merchandise they offer or on your personal credit card account.

Check brand names.

Examine the item for logos or brand names. A sweater or shirt will usually bear a label inside the collar. A figurine or dish will probably have a manufacturer's name stamped underneath. If you can identify the producer, you may be able to find a company website on the internet. This will likely offer a link for finding local retailers that carry that maker's product line.

Visit possible retailers.

If you are not sure where the product was purchased, you can try to identify potential stores. Then you must take the item there personally and attempt to return it. If you have not receipt, then you will have to improvise. Explain to the store staff that the item was a gift.

Try to be as patient and polite as you possibly can with the store employees. Speaking quietly and cordially will help your case much more than making a scene. No retailer will give you the benefit of the doubt, if you make a public scene.

If they are willing to accept the merchandise, they will offer you credit for the lowest price that item has had in recent months. Even if your gift was purchased at full price, if the product went on clearance for even a day, you will only get the lower price without a receipt.

Without a receipt, most stores will refuse to offer cash refunds. Instead, they may grant you an in-store credit.

Be ready for surprises.

One year, I attempted to return a flashy holiday sweater to a local department store. I knew this retailer carried this designer brand, as I shopped there regularly. In fact, the item still bore a price tag from that store.

After waiting in the returns line, I was dismayed by what I discovered. The store would not accept the sweater. After running a computerized search on the product code, the clerk informed me that the sweater had likely been sold through a bargain-basement online clearinghouse, although she could not tell which one. The department store had offered that item three years earlier.

Be prompt with returns.

Many retailers issue a time limit for merchandise returns. This varies by store, usually ranging from 30 to 90 days. After that period, returns may be summarily rejected.

Also, after the holidays, prices tend to spiral downward, as sellers try to clear out Christmas and winter merchandise.

For these reasons, it is important to return items as quickly as possible.

If all else fails, try re-gifting!

Occasionally, it may be impossible to return or exchange a particular item. Perhaps the design is discontinued or outdated. Maybe it was handmade. For whatever reason, you may find yourself at an impasse. What can you do?

Find an appropriate recipient, and re-gift. Maybe you know someone who would really enjoy it. (Read my AC article on re-gifting for helpful tips. See links.)

Why not consign it?

As another alternative, you might consider placing your cast-off gift on consignment. Resale shops have grown quite popular these days. Perhaps you will make a little spending money from a well-placed item. (See links for information on consignment shops.)

Many happy returns to you!