The holiday rush is behind us, but a new type of rush is about to begin: the race to return gifts. Close to $60 billion in merchandise will be returned after December 26 according to logistics provider, Optoro. What’s more, the National Retail Federation estimates that nearly 50 percent of those shoppers will hit the stores this week, and that’s just shoppers returning merchandise to brick and mortar stores. Online retailers were the big winners for holiday, seeing double-digit growth between Black Friday and Christmas Eve. The digital purchasing frenzy also means heavy trans-Atlantic volume when it comes to returns. UPS expects to handle an estimated four million returns during the first week of January.
But don’t let the numbers scare you. Returning items shouldn’t be a major burden on your time, effort and most importantly your wallet. Here are five tips to keep you organized and focused as you head out to the stores or go back online:
1) Make sure you check the return policy: Some stores have revised their return policies to accommodate the rush of holiday returns. Those policies can run anytime between Black Friday to the end of January or end as soon as January 4. According to RetailMeNot, when it comes to electronics and other big-ticket items, retailers tend to put additional return requirements in place. They have to be returned within a shorter time frame than most other products, so make it a point to return those items first to not miss the deadline. Not checking the policies could potentially cost you hundreds of dollars in presents you do not want.
2) Digitally document your gift receipts: If you are fortunate enough to have gift receipts included in your presents, make sure you take a picture of them or scan them into your computer. Holidays can get crazy and receipts can get lost in the madness and most stores require you to have a receipt when returning items if you want a full refund. If you don’t have your receipt, you may only get store credit based on the return policy.
3) Hit the stores during the earlier part of the day: Fun fact: Stores tend to have the most traffic between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. when most people have days off. To beat the rush, try and do your returns right when the store opens. You will be able to zip in and out of the store in no time. Also, store employees tend to be more attentive and willing to help when you catch them at an early time. To ensure you get the best service try and go before the store’s rush hours of and hit the retailer during the first days of the week. Going toward the end of the week means you may encounter fatigued sales people who just want to usher you out of the store.
4) Don’t be afraid to negotiate: The United States is one of the only countries where the consumer doesn’t negotiate at the point of sale in stores. If you don’t have your receipt and you are past the deadline of when you can return your gift, don’t be afraid to negotiate other terms so that you may get something you actually like. If you are nice (read: do not come in there with an entitled attitude expecting a refund or freebies) you may be able to get a gift card for the store or something that has the same value.
5) Beware of restocking fees: Stores often require you to pay a 20 to 30 percent restocking fee to return an item, especially electronics, which means you aren’t getting the full value back for the item you are returning. This can be frustrating. But in some cases, if you are willing to get something at the store for the same value of the gift you are trying to return, you won’t have to pay the restocking fee. If you ask nicely and are willing to accept a gift card to said retailer, then more than likely you won’t have to pay this fee. Likewise, if there’s an item you’re even thinking of returning, don’t open it. For clothing, keep the tags on. According to RetailMeNot, you have the best chance getting a refund or the full value of in-store credit for items that are unopened and in brand new condition.
Holidays tend to bring out the best in people and it’s often expressed in gift giving. While the thought behind the gift is most important, you also don’t want to have a pile of unused gifts piling up in your home, apartment, car or office. By staying focused, you can get everything you want on your gift lists and extend those warm vibes well into the New Year!
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The Smart Way to Return Gifts originally appeared on usnews.com
