Are you in receipt of a ghastly gift?

DID you receive a present you really didn’t like for Christmas? Or maybe one that doesn’t fit? Here’s my guide to returning goods: 1. DO YOU HAVE A GIFT RECEIPT?

Nearly all retailers will require some sort of proof of purchase before they will refund or exchange goods. This can be in the form of a receipt or other proof such as a bank/credit card statement.

During the Christmas shopping period, many retailers pro-actively offer gift receipts – they show a description of the goods but not the price.

If the bearer of your gift also enclosed a gift receipt you’re in good shape.

However, if they didn’t, you will need to ask them either to return the gift for you or to l et you have the receipt. 2. WAS THE GIFT BOUGHT ONLINE OR IN STORE?

If t he g i f t was purchased online, the Consumer Contract Regulations law states that goods can be returned, with no questions asked, within 14 days of delivery.

However, this is within 14 days of the goods being delivered to the purchaser, not to you. So you will therefore need to check this date with the giver of the gift.

If the gift was purchased in-store there is no right to a refund or exchange if you simply dislike what you’ve been given. However, most retailers have provision in their terms and conditions for this and most have special returns rights when it comes to Christmas presents. So you will need to find out what these are to work out what rights you have to return the gift. 3. FAULTY GIFTS

If you receive a gift that is faulty you will have the right to a repair or exchange, as long as you can produce proof of purchase.

If the gift was purchased within the last 30 days, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides that you will be entitled to an automatic refund. 4. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

There is always a time limit for returning presents, so make sure you act quickly.