The presents are unwrapped and all the last-minute shopping is done. Now it’s the time for returning those gifts that didn’t fit, didn’t match or you didn’t want.
Retailers are expected to ring in the New Year with more than $46 billion in returned gifts.
On Monday, Haywood Mall in Greenville was crowded with shoppers bringing in bags of unwanted items.
"It's kind of a hassle sometimes being elbow to elbow in the stores,” said Ryan Todd.
Todd was one many shoppers trying to exchange gifts the day after Christmas that didn’t work out.
According to the Better Business Bureau, most retailers have tried to make returning items hassle-free. A national survey found that 83 percent of stores are keeping their return policies the same this year.
However, it’s still important to review the rules for every retailer to making sure your gift exchanges go smoothly.
Industry experts recommend:
- Save every receipt or ask for a gift receipt at time of purchase.
- Keep the original packaging.
- Be mindful of restocking fees when returning items, which could affect your refund.
- To avoid long lines for returns, wait a few days after Christmas, but make sure you know how many days you have to return an item (this can be found on the receipt).
- Know whether you will receive store credit or cash back. Every store has a different policy on returns and while some will give you cash back, others will only give you store credit. If you receive store credit, be sure to check how many days you have before the credit will expire.
- If returning gifts purchased online, check with the return policy to see if it can be taken back to the store where it was purchased from or if you will have to mail the item. The process may be more laborious if you have to return gifts online, so allow extra time.
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