Advance Planning Can Help - Avoid Post-Holiday Frustration

St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 23, 2009 – No matter how hard we shop for the perfect gift, the reality is that sometimes what we bought is the wrong size, a bad color or otherwise doesn’t meet the recipient’s desires or needs.

To minimize the hassle of post-holiday returns, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises shoppers to remember that retailers’ return policies vary widely. Retain receipts until you’re certain the gift is right.

Some stores give refunds, others only issue store credits while a few consider all sales to be final. A store is not legally required to accept items for refund, exchange, or credit unless the merchandise is defective or was misrepresented.

The BBB reminds shoppers to know their return rights before attempting a gift return.  The following tips can help shoppers avoid post-holiday frustration:

• Know the return policy. Can a customer obtain a refund, a store credit, or exchange unwanted merchandise? How long is the period when returns are allowed? Some stores have extended return periods for gifts, while others limit returns to a week or less after the item is purchased.

• Gift receipts make it easier to return. Don’t remove electronics or similar products from their boxes before wrapping. The original packaging may be required for a return.

• Do not assume that regular return policies apply to sale or clearance items. Some merchants consider the sale of such items to be final.  If you are the gift recipient, do not assume you have the right to return or exchange an unwanted present. Like the shopper, you are bound by the merchant’s return policy. Health regulations, which can prohibit the return of hats and intimate apparel, also may apply.

• Remember restocking fees. Some merchants charge a restocking or "open box" fee for returns of electronics products or large-ticket items. A restocking fee can be as high as 25 percent of the purchase.

• Determine online shopping return policies. If returns are permitted, ask what procedures and time frames need to be followed. Find out whether shipping charges are charged for returning items and whether shipping costs or restocking fees are deducted from the price of returned items.

• Take your receipt. Keep items in their original packaging and leave tags on clothing. If you remove the price or black it out on the tag, try to leave the item number or bar code visible as it will make it easier for a store to process the return.

• Time your returns to avoid hassles. Return lines can be lengthy the day after Christmas, but don’t wait too long to return items. Pick a time when the store is unlikely to be crowded, and be polite when talking to customer service clerks. If you are a regular customer or have a store credit account, mention that as you discuss return options. Merchants are usually willing to accommodate loyal customers.

Following these tips can help you to keep the holiday spirit a little longer!

Check with the BBB for a Reliability Report before doing business with a company by calling 314-645-3300 or by going online to www.bbb.org.

Contact: Michelle Corey, President & CEO, 314-645-3300, mcorey@stlouisbbb.org or Chris Thetford, Director of Communications, 314-645-3300, communications@stlouisbbb.org