Friday, April 26, 2024
GIFT RETURNS: The month of January is known for returns, and it has also become an annual tradition for consumers.
As Christmas ends, another holiday tradition begins — gift returns.
Maybe you loved all of your Christmas presents, or maybe there were a couple you would prefer to return in exchange for something you absolutely want or need.
You’re not alone.
The month of January is known for returns, and it has also become an annual tradition for consumers.
A recent survey conducted by TopCashback.com found that 86% of Americans shopped online this holiday season. According to Commercial Real Estate Services and Optoro, a complete return solutions website, two-thirds of consumers will return at least one gift this holiday season.
The weeks leading up to Christmas can be daunting for people trying to find the right gift for that special someone. But the weeks following Christmas can be just as stressful if returning a gift — whether it’s exchanging clothing in a different size or returning an appliance for store credit.
Luckily, consumer expert Rebecca Gramuglia from TopCashback.com has some tips on how to make the return process easier on both you and your wallet. Check them out below:
• Understand return policies and deadlines. Make sure to collect all of the necessary items and paperwork and research the return policies and deadlines before heading to the store.
• Steer clear of peak return times. Avoid returning gift items during peak times, like right after Christmas or on a weekend. The best times to return items are early mornings or weeknight evenings (after 7 p.m.).
• Be bold — ask for the gift receipt. Before making a return, don’t be afraid to ask your gift giver for the receipt as this will help to ensure you get a full refund for the item.
• Stay organized. Holiday return overload? Try making a list of all of the items you need to return and where. For more tech-savvy individuals, there are apps like ReturnQueen that can handle the return process by connecting to your email and will then give you reminders on each item’s deadline for making a return.
