No matter how diligently you hunt for the perfect gifts, some recipients just won’t be into the sweaters and gadgets you so carefully select for them. Returns are an inevitable part of the holidays, so be a thoughtful giver by making sure your family and friends can get what they really want, with minimal hassle.
The first rule of returns is that there aren’t really any rules.
“Under Massachusetts law, stores can have any type of return policy they want,’’ said Edgar Dworsky, operator of consumer information website Consumer World. “You can’t assume [that] no matter where you buy, the gift recipient will always be able to take it back.’’
The state requires products to do what they are supposed to do — your blender has to blend — but otherwise does not require retailers to accept returns or exchanges. So make sure you know a retailer’s return policy before the cashier rings you up.
In fact, consider buying from stores with special holiday-season policies. At Best Buy, for example, items purchased in November and December are returnable through Jan. 15, an exception to the store’s standard 15-day return window. But not all stores make these policies obvious, Dworsky warned, so it might be necessary to search online or ask store management.
“Find out the policy — don’t assume,’’ he said.
Gift receipts are also essential for easy-exchange gifting. These individual slips allow you to include receipts with each gift that don’t advertise the price you paid. Without a receipt, your recipient might get back only the lowest price for which the item has sold, rather than the actual price paid. In some cases, these receipts also allow gift-getters to return items for a longer period. For instance, Barnes and Noble usually enforces a 14-day return policy, but with a gift receipt, you can bring back an unwanted item for as long as 60 days after purchase.
“Emily Post should add a new rule of etiquette that every gift giver needs to add a gift receipt to the box,’’ Dworsky said.
Definitely do not remove any wrapping around products or break the seals on the box. Most stores accept returns only if items are still in their original packaging. Leaving part of the price tag or sticker visible can also help smooth the return process.
Have a consumer question or complaint? Reach out to Sarah Shemkus at seshemkus@gmail.com.
