Big Day For Returns

It?s the thought that counts but let?s face it, returning an awful item and getting something you actually want is ideal.

But there are some caveats to returning gifts this holiday season including rougher return policies.

According to the National Retail Federation, 83% of stores are keeping their return policies the same this year while 13% are tightening them particularly when the returns are on electronics.

Many stores continue to ?slice and dice? their return policies, creating complicated rules for different categories of items.

Electronic items may be subject to stricter rules than say, clothing.

Computers, digital cameras, and opened goods may be subject to limited return rights, restocking fees, shorter return periods, or no refunds at all.

How do you make a successful return? ConsumerWorld has these suggestions:

Don?t fight the crowds on the return lines the day after Christmas; grab some of the advertised bargains instead and go back a day or two later.

To improve your chances of getting full credit, provide a sales slip or gift receipt, return the item in new condition, unopened, and with all packaging material.

Returns without a receipt are subject to the posted return policy, which might result in your receiving only a merchandise credit for the lowest price the item has sold for recently, or possibly no refund or exchange at all.