Unwrap the secrets to stress-free holiday returns

(InvestigateTV) — Many shoppers end up making at least one return after the holidays because a gift doesn’t fit, doesn’t work or they already have one.

Melanie McGovern with the Better Business Bureau said return rules can vary widely by retailer, so it pays to know the policy before you buy and before you try to bring it back.

“It’s really important when you’re purchasing the item to look for that return policy, to look for that exchange policy,” McGovern said. “You know, when you order on some of the platforms, it’ll say you can return in store or pick up in store. So knowing if you can do that, really important.”

If you bought the gift, McGovern said to keep that receipt handy.

“Keeping everything that comes with the package, whether it’s the plastic bag that it comes in or any kind of packing slip, keep the emails that are associated with the payment to say, okay, here is my proof of payment, here is the item, keep the tags on everything before you decide, ‘Okay, I’m going to keep this item,’” McGovern said.

She said those tags matter, especially in households with kids who want to help open everything.

“Tell them to stop just so that there’s that opportunity that if something doesn’t fit or if it’s not the right thing for the person, or if it’s a duplicate item, that you are able to return it by having all of those things in place before you make that return,” McGovern said.

McGovern said don’t wait – start the return process as soon as you know something isn’t right. Most stores only accept returns within a set window, and some retailers adjust those deadlines during the holidays.

If you bought the gift online, know the return rules before you ship it back, she added, including any requirements for packaging, proof of purchase or return shipping.

“So, reading, even asking questions, a lot of websites have that little AI chatbot in there that you could just throw in the in the chat,” McGovern said. “’Hey, can I return this if something doesn’t work out?’ They’ll give you, you know, you have 30 days, 90 days, 60 days, whatever, original packaging, original receipt.”

McGovern also warned consumers to watch for return scams, including fake return policies or suspicious third-party return services that promise to handle returns.

To stay safe, use the retailer’s official website or customer service channels, and be careful about sharing payment or account information.

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