Better Business Bureau offers tips for holiday returns and exchanges

This holiday, you may have to return or exchange an item you’ve received. While there is still time before you give or receive gifts, it’s best to have a plan in place before you make any returns in the coming weeks.

Be prepared for other shoppers also making returns and exchanges after the holiday season. At least 10% of orders were returned each week from November 2022 to mid-January 2023, per Salesforce data, as

John North

U.S. shoppers returned more — and earlier — than in the previous holiday season. With many customers making returns and combining it with retailers making strict policies for returns and exchanges, it can be an overwhelming experience.

To help make the process smooth, the Better Business Bureau offers these tips:

Keep the original receipt and packaging.

Understand the store’s policy and how it works ahead of time. Store policies are usually posted at the check-out counter or printed on the back of receipts.

Ask the seller if they offer cash refunds, exchanges or only store credit.

Find out if you need to pay a restocking fee.

Determine if the retailer accepts returns or exchanges if you’re shopping online and who pays for the shipping when an item is returned.

Consider returning items bought online to the local physical store so you don’t have to pay return shipping fees.

Find out how the store handles returns and repairs if an item stops working or needs replacement parts for warranties. Some repairs may need to be done by the manufacturer, not the retailer.

Bring your ID as sometimes retailers require it and the original form of payment.

Make returns in a timely manner. Almost all return policies are valid during a specific time period.

Always include a gift receipt with items you give and hold on to any gift receipts you receive.

Keep in mind if you use the item, it’s less likely a store will accept your return.

Don’t assume regular return policies apply to sale or clearance items. Some merchants consider the sale of such items to be final.

Be wary shopping at seasonal stores. Ask if they will be open after the holiday, how long they plan to stay open and if they will accept returns after the holiday season.

Be kind, it can go a long way in the return process.

It’s important to remember stores aren’t legally required to accept exchanges or give refunds unless the merchandise was defective or misrepresented. While most retailers do offer refund and exchange programs, policies vary greatly from one store to another.