How to return to sender

Dear Readers: Shopping online today is big business, and with all those sales, there inevitably will be a return or two that’s necessary. Fortunately for consumers, online reta i lers now have fairly generous return and exchange policies.

Many retailers provide a shipping label.

The cost of this return shipping may be subtracted from your refund (if the item is defective, there’s no charge), and some luxury retailers offer a paid label.

Time limits can vary. Decide if an item is a “go” as quickly as possible; 30-day return windows are common, but retailers like to resolve issues in a timely manner. Call the company, read the invoice or check out the website if you have questions.— Heloise

P.S. Pull the plastic shipping bag inside out to use for your return, and seal with good-quality packing tape. Masking tape can’t seal properly, especially if it gets wet. For larger items, cardboard egg cartons can be used as filler in a box.

MEMORY MAKER Dear Heloise: Years ago, my mom told me that she could remember the numbers on her license plates, but not the letters. I told her to pick a word for each letter, so “FJB” became “Fresh Jelly Beans.” What an easy way to remember the letters!— Kathleen M., Massillon, Ohio

A MEASURED APPROACH

Hi, Heloise: My hint is to buy an extra set of measuring cups so you can store them where you use them daily: I keep a 1/3 cup in the oatmeal, a 1/4 cup with the cat food, and I found spots for the rest of the set as well. —Jackie in Maryland