How to exchange or return an unwanted gift in US stores

Let's face it: not all gifts are what you dreamed of and what you have long wanted, writes Wired. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with exchanging them or handing them over and receiving in return a more suitable product or money.

Фото: Depositphotos

Whatever the reason for the return of the gift, you are not alone. According to estimates by the National Retail Fund, in 2018 goods worth about $ 369 billion were returned, which amounted to about 10% of total sales. On holidays, approximately two-thirds of consumers return the goods.

“Consumers are really used to returning their products,” says Larissa Summers, senior vice president of marketing and e-commerce at Optoro. Optoro is a platform that helps retailers like Target and Staples refund the cost of returned items. “I think a lot of consumers don’t know how difficult it is for retailers.”

You might think that the returned goods replenish the shelves from where they came from. But Summers says this only happens in half the cases. More often, goods are sold to other retailers or, worse, thrown away. Optoro estimates that 5 million pounds (2268 tons) of returned items are dumped annually.

Therefore, if you intend to return holiday gifts, do it wisely and rationally.

Information

First: you have more time than you think. Although "30 days after purchase" is a common store policy, most retailers adjust their return periods at this time of year to allow people to return items after the holiday break.

Make sure your product is packaged as best as possible with all tags, accessories and original packaging. If you are not exchanging a defective product, make sure the item is in good condition. Summers says that items returned in their original packaging and condition are much easier to resell. Without the original packaging, there is a greater chance that items will be thrown away.

Got a check? As a rule, this makes the task easier and increases the likelihood that you will receive cash or save a loan for your return. Some stores will work with you to collect order information if you have lost your receipt or did not receive it with a gift. In other stores you will not receive anything. In some stores you need to present an identification card, so be sure to bring it with you.

On the subject: 7 retailers to whom you can return your purchase in a year or even later

Summers encourages consumers to explain why they are returning the product. Retailers take this kind of feedback seriously, as it helps them potentially reduce the number of returns next year.

Lastly, be aware of the individual store rules. Some stores will adjust their rules for opened or unpacked goods, while others will only accept returns and exchanges at stores. An example is the policy of some of the most popular retailers.

Amazon Return Policy

Most likely, you have received at least one gift from the Internet retail giant. Amazon.com will support the return and exchange of goods shipped from November 1 to December 31 of this year, provided that you return them by January 31, 2020. Pack the product and log in to your Amazon account to start return. You will need to enter an “order ID” with a packing slip. Print and label the package. When the item is received, you will receive a refund in the form of an Amazon gift card.

All this applies to products from Amazon.com. If the product was purchased from a third-party seller, you (or the person who gave you the gift) will need to return the goods directly to the seller. If you do not want to worry about sending your package, you may be able to go to Kohl's and send your refund to Amazon for free.

Appliance stores: Apple, Best Buy, Target, Walmart

Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), will only accept returns for items purchased from the Apple Store or the Apple website. If you received a new product from November 15 to December 25, you must return it or exchange it before January 8, 2020. Refunds are refunded with an Apple Gift Card. Exchange can only be done at the Apple Store.

Log in your account, select “Return a Gift,” and follow the instructions on the page. If you are returning an iPhone or iPad, be sure to contact your wireless service provider to make sure the service has been canceled.

Best Buy accepts most products purchased from November 1 to December 31, 2019, provided that you return them by January 14, 2020. Process your refund at the store or by post with a prepaid return label and receive it as a store credit. Caution: For gifts returned by mail, Best Buy will send an email notification to the donor.

Target will pick up new and unopened items from you if they are returned within 90 days from the date of purchase. They also accept returns and exchanges for "electronics and entertainment products" purchased from November 1 to December 25; You have up to 30 days from December 26 to return them to the store or by mail.

Bring a check or packing slip. If the purchase was made with a non-Target credit card, you will be refunded to your card. You can accept a return with a gift card.

On the subject: What to do if your package arrived damaged or did not come at all

Walmart will accept returns and exchanges for items that were posted from October 24 to December 25, 2019. For items with a 15- or 30-day return window, time starts on December 26th. For example, cameras and computers must be returned within 15 days from December 26, so you must take care of this before January 10, 2020. For products with a 90-day return period, there are no extended terms.

Gifts must be returned at the store. Refunds can be made using a gift card or in cash, and be sure to bring a check to ensure a quick refund. If you don’t have a check, bring your ID, order number or email address of the sender and try to process the return with a Walmart employee.

Other stores: REI, Patagonia, The North Face

The North Face Allows returns by mail in exchange for store credit. Pack your product, log in, fill out gift return form, then attach the packing slip and the prepaid return label to your box.

Patagonia accepts return gifts in the store and by mail in exchange for store credit. Make sure the item is new with labels attached, then fill out gift return form and follow the instructions on the page. If you do not have an order number, fill out the return form and bring it with the goods to the Patagonia store.

REI accepts most returns and exchanges within a year of purchase, excluding outdoor electronics. Returns can be made by mail or in store; exchanges must be processed in store. If you request a "gift recipient return", your refund will be issued in the form of a check in the mail. If you don't have a receipt, don't worry—REI can help identify proof of purchase if you can fill out a form with more details about your purchase. You can find this proof of purchase form and gift recipient return form here.

What if I cannot return the gift?

You may have stopped reading e-books or lost a check in a black hole. If your item is no longer refundable, there are many more scenarios.

Sites like eBay и Decluttrmay help you resell used goods. If you sell a phone, these sites will pay you the most for it. If you cannot return or resell, consider donating. Instead of destroying unwanted items, give them to your local Goodwill.

And next year, just ask for a gift card.

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