The weeks after Christmas are the busiest time of year when it comes to returns.
But you don't want to show up unprepared, and unable to return that ugly sweater you received.
So we decided to check with the biggest stores, to find out which have the easiest....and which have the toughest policies.
Also, you should know about some shorter return periods for 2011, which could catch you if you wait too long.
Gift receipt? No problem!
The trick to ensuring many happy returns is to always get a gift receipt. It seems obvious, but you may get a seasonal employee who forgets.
Have a gift receipt? Then there's no time limit at the following stores, which top our list of the easiest stores for returns:
- Kohl's
- Nordstrom
- Bed Bath and Beyond
- Macy's
Nordstrom and Macy's are very return-friendly, even without a receipt. At Macy's you have 180 days to make an exchange, even if all you have is the tag.
Big Box Stores: Good and not so good
Walmart, surprisingly, scores well for returns on most lists. Just don't expect to make a return without a receipt or a credit/debit card number, as the retailer has a big problem with theft. It's not Nordstrom.
But with a receipt or gift receipt, Walmart is fairly flexible.
Sears is trickier. The time limit for returns varies on the item and department. Clothing and clothes dryers fall under two completely different return policies, so be sure to check.
Then comes Target, which year after year tops the list of tough return policies in blogs and magazines.
In the past, you couldn't get anywhere without a receipt. Target has now loosened that rule a bit, allowing you to return without a receipt, though with some catches:
- You get the lowest sale price of the year.
- You can make only two non-receipt returns in a year.
- And if you are setting up a bridal or baby registry at Target, do some online research first: returns can be tricky.
For 2011, Target has shortened its return period for electronics, from 90 days to 45 days. Other items are still 90 days.
However, the good news is that it has eliminated restocking fees for electronics.
Meijer
At Meijer, you must have your receipt to return an electronic item, and it must be within 30 days of the purchase.
However, you have 90 days for other departments, so its overall return policy is average for big box retailers.
Beware short return windows
At Steinmart, hurry. You've got 60 days or until the end of January if it was purchased early for a Christmas gift.
Dillard's is tricky too: You have 30 days after Christmas
Toys r Us gives you 90 days to return something with a receipt , but just 45 days if it's an electronic item.
Burlington Coat Factory gives you 30 days with receipt or gift receipt. After that, store credit only.
And Best Buy tops the complicated return policies list.
- Normally, you have just two weeks for computers, digital cameras, and camcorders, if you simply want to return them because you don't want them. They are extending that until January 31st this year, after many complaints, however.
- You have 30 days for most products (or until January 31 on Holiday gifts).
- Opened video games, DVDs, and computer software can only be exchanged for the same exact item (most retailers now have this policy).
Now a kudos to Best Buy: it has eliminated restocking fees for the 2011 holiday season. Its 15% restocking fee for electronics was a source of many complaints.
Overall winners
So our overall winners for the stores with the easiest return policy:
However, if you have a receipt or gift receipt, and don't wait forever, all stores will let you make a return, so you don't waste your money.
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Don't Waste Your Money is a registered trademark of the EW Scripps Co.
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