(Memphis) It seems even cold temperatures and icy roads didn’t keep shoppers from heading back out to the stores. Some were spending Christmas money, but most were returning unwanted gifts which isn’t as easy as you might think.
“We kind of figured we would come in and get right out. It’s busy, even with the snow,” says Austin Smith, who we spoke to while in the return/exchange line at Bass Pro Shops.
The store was so busy with returns, it opened up separate “return only” lines as a convenience to customers.
Marquel Parram told WREG while at Best Buy, “I came to return my tablet that I got yesterday for Christmas.”
Donna McMillen has it down to a science, “Always have my receipts,” she says.
There are other tips to follow for hassle free returns :
- Not all stores take back online purchases
- Some gift cards are not returnable
- No gift-receipt might mean no return
- Outlet purchases might be final sale only
- Beware of restocking fees.
Best Buy eliminated re-stocking fees two years ago, and some more good news, the store has an extended return policy for the holiday season.
“Anything purchased prior to December 25th, you will have to January 24th to do a return, exchange,” explains Best Buy’s Jason Callonas who offers one more piece of advice.
“Make sure that you bring all the items back in the box, that came in the box, and make sure the item is in like new quality.”
Here’s a quick round-up of some retailers’ policies:
Amazon.com
Items shipped by Amazon.com between November 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012, may be returned until January 31, 2013, for a full refund.
Best Buy
Gift purchases made between November 4, 2012, and December 24, 2012, can be returned through January 24, 2013.
Kohl’s
Customers with a receipt are offered full refund and exchanges. Customers with a gift receipt are offered an even exchange or merchandise credit. Customers without a receipt will get a merchandise credit.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club will refund purchases in full with a receipt. Customers without a receipt will be refunded the latest selling price of an item on a shopping card. Most electronics must be returned within 90 days of the original purchase, and with a receipt.
Target
Target requires a receipt for all returns and exchanges and most returns must be made within 90 days.
Walmart
For items that typically have limited returns or exchanges, such as TVs, cameras, computers, DVD and music players, if purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, the limited 15-30 day return period will begin Dec. 26.
