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CUA Offers Tips for Hassle-Free Holiday Gift Return

Denver, CO - January 7, 2004 - Approximately six percent of the holiday gifts bought this season will be returned reports National Retail Federation. With $217 billion expected in holiday sales, that translates into plenty of returned merchandise.

To help the many gift recipients that received the wrong size, color or style, Consumers United Association offers the following tips to help ease the return process:

Returns to stores:

• A sales or gift receipt makes all the difference. The simplest return for a refund or exchange is one accompanied by a receipt. Note that not all stores will offer a refund; you may have to settle for a store credit or exchange. Also, be aware that some stores will refund the current price of the item and not the purchase price.
• No receipt? Keep items in original box or packaging and do not remove any tags. It is unlikely that you will receive a refund for an item without a receipt. However, if you are courteous and speak to a manager or other person in charge, an exchange or store credit should be simple enough. To save time, bring the item for which you would like to exchange to the counter at the same time you attempt the return. In addition, some stores can look up receipt information in their computer systems if you know the purchaser's information.
• Time is money. Many stores have time limits on returns. Limits vary from a few days to several months. To ensure you do not miss a deadline, return gifts as soon as possible.
• Credit card purchases may require card for refund. For those items purchased with a credit card, some stores require the card used for the purchase in order to process a refund.

Online returns:

• Check for gift form or card. Most online retailers ship gifts with a form or card that contains a transaction number and other information that you will need to return the item. Some retailers make it easy on you and include a prepaid UPS label to return items for exchange at no cost.
• Return to brick and mortar store if possible. Online stores that have physical locations prefer you to return items to those locations and as a bonus you will avoid shipping charges that you would incur returning to the e-retailer.
• Refund may not go to you. Many online retailers will not refund money to the gift receiver, but only to the gift purchaser. You will instead be offered an exchange or the refund will go directly to the purchaser.
• Be prepared to tell all. Some online stores will only accept a return that is arranged by the purchaser. So if you really want to return the item you will have to call Uncle Bobby and break the news that you want to exchange his gift!

No matter how you return an item, keep track of credit receipts and other documents to verify the return and make sure your accounts are credited.

Consumers United Association (CUA) is a nonprofit consumer advocacy association serving consumers in Colorado. Our mission is to improve the financial lives of consumers by providing financial education and advocacy. CUA offers services and resources to aid consumers in the resolution of consumer problems and provides a united voice for consumers in the legislative arena. For more information visit www.cuacolorado.org.