Above / Sales days for bargain hunters now are in full force for many happy returns and exchanges. (PN File Photo)
A news report this weekend noted that “National Returns Day” refers to the day when Americans return the most packages back to retailers. For the 2019 holiday season, National Returns Day is expected to be Thurs., Jan. 2, 2020.
While many stores were filled with customers exchanging or returning holiday gifts the day after Christmas, the process may not be seamless; especially, if folks aren’t prepared. Consumers can make it a lot easier by following a few tips from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) throughout the return season that usually runs its course by the end of January.
And even though gift cards are good for five years, remember to keep them handy to use sooner rather than later.
Early gift purchases could reach ‘Point of No Return’
“Each retailer may have different return and exchange policies,” said Naperville resident Steve Bernas, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Stores aren’t legally required to accept items for refund, exchange or credit unless goods were defective or misrepresented, and it’s up to consumers to be aware of all the individual terms and conditions before attempting to return or exchange a gift,” he added.
For happy returns, consider tips from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)…
- The store’s return policy: Ask what specific return policy applies. Some stores provide refunds, while others only issue store credits. A few stores consider all sales to be final. Seasonal or “pop-up” stores may have limited hours after the holidays, making it difficult to return unwanted items.
- Time limits to returns: Stores may also have a time period to return items which make gifts bought far in advance impossible to return.
- Save your receipts: They are usually needed for returns. Some stores offer gift receipts, which allow people to return items without showing what you paid for the gift. Make sure to bring whatever receipt and packaging that was provided with the gift.
- Keep the original packaging: Don’t remove electronics or similar products from their boxes, as the original packaging may be required for a return.
- Know the online return policy: If making an online return, find out whether shipping fees are charged for returning items and whether shipping costs or restocking fees are deducted from the price of returned items. Many online retailers provide pre-printed labels that can make returns easier, but be sure you understand whether shipping costs will be deducted before you get money back.
- Returns are a courtesy: 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.
- Understand unusual policies: Ask about exceptions, such as sale or clearance items or intimate apparel. Although some stores offer extended return periods during the holidays, you can’t assume every store or website will offer it.
- Time your returns to avoid hassles: If braving the crowds the day after Christmas was not your choice, don’t wait too long to return the item. Pick a time when the store is not likely to be crowded.
Better Business Bureau of Chicago & Northern Illinois
BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois is a nonprofit organization that has served both consumers and trustworthy businesses for over 93 years and is a part of the IABBB. We help protect consumers from scams and provide an extensive free database for consumers to see business ratings and reviews. We help promote trustworthy businesses and strive to provide tools to help businesses of integrity excel.
The International Association of Better Business Bureaus (IABBB) is the network hub for BBBs in the US, Canada and Mexico. Like BBBs, IABBB is dedicated to fostering honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers — instilling consumer confidence and advancing a trustworthy marketplace for all.
For more information that includes some of the latest scams, visit bbb.org.
Be scam-free in 2020
For many years, PN has featured dozens stories about scams via the mail, internet and telephone, too. Click here for some of the bogus offers that just keep returning year after year after year.
Time to use gift cards is now
Meanwhile, consumers need to remember to use gift cards and gift certificates before they forget that they have them. With stores now packed with bargains galore amid after-Christmas special sales, now just might be the best time to shop to redeem gift cards.
Also, be mindful that about $1 billion in popular gift cards (somewhere between 6 and 10 percent of the value sold annually) will be unspent nationwide this year. Use them now for shopping, dining and entertaining at locations throughout Naperville. Be sure to check out all the end-of-year deals on Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve, in downtown Naperville, too.
Also take note of the expiration date because once it has passed, the retailer or restaurant is no longer bound to honor the card. (Note, however, that the Credit CARD Act of 2009, in effect since August 2010, legislates that expiration dates must allow at least five years from the date the card is issued, so those gift cards hanging out in the bottom of your pocketbook or winter coat pocket likely are still good.) Nonetheless, the expiration date doesn’t matter when a consumer fails to use a gift card year after year.
Note: PN editors also contributed news from the weekend to this story.
