Tips for Almost Hassle & Stress Free Christmas Gift Returns

So you don't like the gag tie Aunt Beth gave you, or the countertop Pizza oven/Espresso machine combo that Uncle Fred sent you from Odd Lots liquidation. Is there a hassle free way of returning those Christmas gifts that you really don't want or need?

When I worked retail, December 26 was the biggest return day of the year with thousands of customers flooding the store in hopes of getting cash in exchange for their tacky gifts. Unfortunately, getting a refund isn't that easy! Gift merchandise typically doesn't come with receipts or identifying tags, and unless the item bears the label of a "house brand," the clerk isn't even sure the item came from the store in the first place.

So how can you make those returns as hassle and stress free as possible?

Timing is everything

Wait until early January to return the item. Stores are chocked full of customers in the days immediately following Christmas, and department managers might not be so available to identify your merchandise. Our customers often had a 30 minute wait in line to return their items, and then another 15 minute wait for a floor supervisor who could identify the item. Wait to return your items until after the post Holiday rush and save yourself the stress of standing in line.

Figure out on your own where the item came from

To get the best refund, the item must be returned to the store where it was purchased from. Most stores will give you a hassle free refund on their own merchandise (even if purchased out of state) and perhaps even well known designer labels that the store carries. They will not however, give you a refund on an item that clearly is not carried by their store.

How can you figure out where your item came from? If it's a house brand, a search of Google will quickly match you up with the right department store. For other odd brands, store clerks might be able to help. Again, it's best to wait until after the post Holiday rush when the clerks aren't so rattled and can give you the proper time and attention.

Be prepared to receive a discounted price or "in store" credit