Christmas returns, not as easy as you think

MAT-SU — So, Santa Claus gave you something you do not like or does not fit. The simple process of returning gifts may frustrate some more than the hectic pre-holiday shopping.

Electronics, like many other expensive gifts, are subject to different rules and policies for returns. At Fred Meyer all electronics are available for return with “the product, packaging, accessories and sales receipt with(in) 30 days of your purchase for a refund, exchange, adjustment, or credit to Fred Meyer Gift Card,” according to the store’s exchange policy.

However, there are some stipulations in that rule. For music, software, video games, DVDs, VHS videos, and vinyl records, you may receive credit, cash or an exchange only if the items are unopened. For items that are opened, you may only exchange them for a new version of the purchased item.

Fred Meyer also insists that items “returned damaged or incomplete (missing accessories, packing instructions, etc.) will be subject to a 10 percent restocking fee on the purchasing price.”

This may seem inconsequential, but you may want to think twice before you return that 50-inch plasma flat screen you bought for $1,000 if you are only going to get reimbursed $900.

Other retailers, like Wal-Mart, have different return policies depending on when items were purchased and what they are.

“For these items purchased between Nov. 15 and Dec. 25, the limited return period will begin Dec. 26,” the return policy on the company’s website says.

This limited return policy shortens what is Wal-Mart’s usual 90-day return policy on several items. For computer parts, the limited return policy requires items be returned within 45 days. Cameras and camcorders must be back by 30 days and you only have 15 days to return a computer. DVDs, CDs, software and video games need to be returned unopened in order to be exchanged or refunded.

Wal-Mart helps customers who lost or forgot to bring a receipt by exchanging the item for credit or cash as long as the item costs less than $25.

Sears has similar policies to Wal-Mart and Fred Meyer. It will return any gift (non-electronic) with original packaging and receipt for 100 percent of its value by 90 days and any electronic gift that is unopened at 30 days. However, Sears has a slightly higher restocking fee of 15 percent for gifts returned without their original packaging and components.

So, if your children have not completely destroyed and manhandled the packaging when opening gifts or you have not thrown the packaging away, you should have little trouble returning your gifts, provided you have a valid receipt and are within the store’s time frame.

If you are wondering what your item’s return policy is, try simply looking at the back of your receipt. If it’s not printed there, contact the store where it was purchased.

Contact Lanier Hutcheson at lanier.hutcheson@frontiersman.com or 352-2265.

MAKE IT SIMPLY

Follow these tips to make your gift return experience as painless as possible:

• Keep the gift in good condition.

• Try to get a receipt. If you’re certain you won’t hurt the feelings of the giver, ask for a receipt and give a good reason why you want to return it.

• Know the store’s return policy. You can call or check the Internet to find out about specific policies. Few stores will give cash for a return, but most will be happy to give store credit or a comparable item.

• Be honest. It would be ideal whenever you return or exchange a gift to give the giver a heads-up. Also be honest with the store and don’t try to return an item purchased at one store at another.

• Don’t be greedy. Sometimes it’s more diplomatic to keep a less-than-perfect gift.

Source: eHow.com.