GIFT RETURNS GUIDE
Here’s what to do with those gifts you really DIDN’T want . . .
THE presents may still be in the wrapping paper, but you can bet that lurking amongst the pile are one or t wo t urkeys. Almost everyone receives at least one unwanted gift at Christmas – adding up to millions of pounds of wasted spending.
A new survey by children’s charity Barnardo’s says disappointment is likely to be hardest to hide for those who find a selfie stick under the tree. Some 45 per cent of those polled named it as the least desirable gift, followed by musical socks (43 per cent), bathroom scales (34 per cent), a set of saucepans or animal slippers (26 per cent).
Rather than simply consigning these knick-knacks to the dustbin or back of the wardrobe, follow our tips for giving a spurned gift a second lease of life.
RETURN IT SHOPS are not obliged to accept unwanted items unless they are faulty, not as described or proved ved not to be fit for purpose. Even then en a refund will normally only be given if they are returned within n 28 to 30 days.
Otherwise, it depends on an individual retailer’s returns policy, which might only accept the item in return for an exchange or credit note rather than a refund.
Many shops offer a bit more re goodwill at this time of year and nd will allow returns until the end of January. James Walker, of online complaints service Resolver, says you should check a receipt or retailer’s website for details of its returns policy.
A refund is easier to obtain with a receipt – even a gift receipt – especially if the item is in its original packaging.
Harder to achieve, without getting the giver involved, is to show the original card with which the purchase was made. This has the advantage of a refund being made directly to the card used to buy it.
Retailers are entitled to reject a request though many will allow an exchange or issue a credit note. If the sales have started, then any credit note will be for the sale price.
The rules are different for faulty goods. If your cuddly Furby fails to operate tomorrow (after you have installed the batteries) consumer law says it can be returned for a refund even without a receipt.
You also have six months in which to take a faulty gift back to be repaired. The gift buyer may need to do this for you.
BOUGHT UNSEEN ITEMS purchased online – or by phone or post – have greater protection because the buyer has not been able to inspect them up close.
The law says a purchase can be cancelled within 14 days of receiving the item even if it is not faulty. This arrangement excludes certain items such as DVDs where the seals have been Gifts bought by credit card get protection broken, perishable items such as food and flowers and custom-made goods. Online returns usually require a return postage fee unless the item is faulty. EXTRA PROTECTION GIFTS bought with a credit card get extra protection. If they cost between £100 and £30,000, shoppers can try for a refund from their card company under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This makes the card company jointly liable with the seller and is particularly useful if a supplier goes bust. But the act can be found wanting if the purchase was made via a third party. That might include a concert ticket purchased through an agency website.
SELL IT ONLINE marketplaces are the obvious place to sell spurned items for cash, though factor in postage and commission costs. Consider eBay, eBid, Preloved, Gumtree or a local Facebook group.
You can also trade in computer games for cash at retailer Game, either in store or online.
SWAP IT FIND someone who wants your gifts in return for something you want. Try websites such as Swapz. Book lovers can join BookMooch. Alternatively, for more informal swapping, arrange a gift swap party and ask friends to bring their unloved items and switch them for ones they prefer.
Consider giving away gifts free on websites such as Freecyle or Freegle.
GIFT CARDS THE attraction of gift cards is that you can select your ideal item – so long as the giver has picked a retailer that you like.
Many people are obviously underwhelmed – or perhaps merely forgetful – as the balance on unspent cards amounts to an estimated £300 million a year.
The message is to spend as soon as you can, as many cards impose spending deadlines – some as short as 12 months. The cards cannot be cashed in for money but unwanted cards can be traded on websites such as zeek.me or zapper. You will get less than its face value and there will be selling costs on top.
RE-GIFT IT IF an item is good quality but just not to your taste then keep it in a drawer for emergency gifting in future – such as for next year’s office Secret Santa.
As many as one in four of us redirect gifts to others according to i nsurer Policy Expert. Other options include saving them for the local school or charity raffle.