Connecticut BBB Offers Tips to Avoid Getting Scrouged When Returning Holiday Gifts

Dec. 20, 2010 - PRLog -- Now is the best time to start preparing to return or exchange holiday gifts – before the gifts have even been purchased.  Connecticut BBB advises gift givers to help streamline the returns process by providing gift receipts.

Gift receipts provide proof of purchase but don’t reveal the dollar value of the item.

This is also a good time to research returns/exchange policies at retail outlets and websites where gifts are purchased.  Though merchants are not obliged to accept returned gifts, most do.  These policies however, can vary considerably from one seller to the next.  

Returns and exchange policies deal with many issues, including limitations on the time window during which articles may be exchanged, who pays return shipping costs or penalties in the case of online purchases and whether there are any “re-stocking fees.”  Re-stocking fees of up to 15 percent of the value of a gift may be charged if packaging is damaged and the item can no longer be sold as new.

Connecticut BBB offers several tips to help gift givers and recipients avoid unpleasant surprises in the customer service line:

Keep all paperwork and packaging: Most retailers insist on receipts for returned items.  Help gift recipients by including a gift receipt or other proof of purchase.

Not all items will be accepted for return: Find out in advance whether sale or clearance-priced gifts will be accepted.  Such sales may be considered final and not covered by stores’ returns policies.

For health reasons, certain garments such as hats and swimwear are not accepted for exchange or credit.

Delivery dates are guaranteed by federal law: Consumers have the right to cancel a purchase and demand a refund if orders placed by mail, online or by telephone are not shipped by the date promised.  If no delivery date was specified, the item must be shipped within 30 days.  Consumers also have the right to return gifts if the seller misrepresented the item, or shipped the wrong size or color, or sent items that were misrepresented or defective.  

Sellers’ policies ultimately determine whether a consumer may cancel a purchase, exchange an item or receive a store credit or refund.  Time invested researching returns policies can prevent loss of time waiting in line at the customer service desk, in some cases, only to discover that a specific gift may not be returned or exchanged.

Consumers can find advice on staying safe online and in stores at www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-holiday, in addition to reports on thousands of retailers at www.bbb.org.

# # #

Founded in 1928, Connecticut BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org.