Receipts used to be the golden rule of gift returns: If you’ve got one, you’re set. If not? Store credit, ahoy! According to the National Retail Federation, 84 percent of stores are keeping their return policies the same as in 2009. But some retailers are shaking up their return policies this year, with 11 percent imposing stricter rules and just 5 percent easing them.
ConsumerWorld.org found that Toys ‘R’ Us is playing it both naughty and nice this year: The toy mecca is extending its online return policy from 30 to 90 days, and dropping its restocking fee on open electronics — but that’s because now such items can’t be returned if opened.
If your gift came via Walmart.com, the return period for cameras shrank from 30 days to 15. In stores, however, you can get up to $25 cash for returned items without receipts. If the sum is more than $25, expect merchandise credit.
Office Max, which also forbid returns of open cameras, is loosening up this holiday seasons: Open tech products are welcome back, although customers will have to pay a new 15 percent restocking fee.
Macy’s is extending its 180-day return policy to unlimited time for most of its products, so long as you have a receipt. Lost it? Check your Macy’s goods for a customer return label, which can be used in lieu of the crinkled-up paper slip.
Just don’t try to dupe Macy’s, or JC Penney for that matter: Both stores require its nicer dresses to be returned with the tags still on to prevent shoppers from “borrowing” an outfit for a Christmas gala, then feigning the wrong size come Sunday. –
Lisa Gartner
