Doing homework now saves gift-return headaches later

December 5th, 2007 at 02:31pm Deborah Austin

One of your most important holiday gift shopping strategies could be researching the store’s return policy, says the Better Business Bureau.  Some study tips:

* Most stores have a return policy. But while some offer full refunds, others only give store credit or exchanges. Make sure you know who offers what.

* Always ask for a gift receipt and enclose it with the present — or at least, leave the price tag on with the price cut off.

* With on-sale and clearance items, return policies may be different than for full-priced items. Check before buying.

* Don’t take electronics out of their boxes before wrapping. Original packaging may be required for a return. And some merchants charge a restocking or “open box” fee for returns of such items.

* Pay attention to differences in return policies when you’re shopping online, from catalogs or in a bricks-and-mortar store. If ordered merchandise can’t be returned at a store, you may be charged a shipping fee for returns.

* Returns of some personal items such as intimate apparel and hats may be prohibited by health regulations.

* Make sure you know what the time limit is on returns. Many stores only offer a limited time frame from the date of purchase.

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