BBB Holiday Return Tips
By: Big 2 News Staff
Updated: December 26, 2011
MIDLAND -- During this season of giving, it's almost inevitable that you will
receive a gift that either doesn't fit, is the wrong color, wrong style
or that you just don't like. While most stores adjust their return
policies during the holidays and allow for a longer period of time to
return an item, you must also keep in mind that a business is not
obligated to accept items for refund, exchange or credit. To put you in
the best position for a happy return or exchange, Trish Powell with
Better Business Bureau is here with some helpful advice.
Graphic: Tips for a stress-free holiday return
1. Know and understand the seller's return policy
2. Keep original packaging
3. Bring identification and credit cards
4. Don't expect cash back
5. Read the warranty first
6. Don't delay
Tips for buying a pet:
Know
and understand the seller's return policy.
Most return policies will be listed on a company's website or on the
back of the receipt. Make sure to fully understand what's required for
a return or exchange, and if you have questions, call the store
directly and ask about your specific situation.
Keep
original packaging. Some stores may require products be returned in original purchase condition, unused or un-opened.
Bring
identification and credit cards. Some retailers will ask for identification when making a return, as well as the credit card used to purchase the item.
Don't
expect cash back.
If you don't have the original receipt for the item you're returning,
chances are you will only receive store credit or be allowed to
exchange the item. Even with a gift receipt, many stores will only
offer store credit.
Read
the warranty first. If a gift you received is damaged or defective, read the warranty.
In
some cases, warranties exempt retail stores from product liability and
require consumers to mail the product directly to the manufacturer in
order to receive monetary refunds, credit or product replacement.
Don't delay. In almost every case, a store will require an item be returned within a specific time frame. If you wait too long, you may miss your chance at returning the
