Dec 27, 2021

Return policies play a role in gift buying

Posted Dec 27, 2021 10:45 AM

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —If you believe it’s the thought that counts, then you won’t be offended if the recipient of a present you’ve given can’t use it for whatever reason. And if you’re given something that isn’t quite the right fit for you, you shouldn’t feel guilty about returning or exchanging it for something different. Returning gifts is always the easiest if you purchased it locally in your hometown. 

According to Consumer Reports, some retailers have flexible return and exchange policies all year long, and others are a bit stricter. But many retailers often extend their return windows around the holidays, especially this year. With ongoing shipping delays presenting major issues this holiday season, most stores offer more generous return guidelines for holiday purchases.

According to the 2021 Deloitte holiday retail survey, 36 percent of shoppers consider return policies when buying gifts, a modest 4 percent increase from last year.

If you ordered from Amazon you can return gifts as well. You have 30 days to return any new, unopened items. The company provides shipping labels for mail-in returns, or you can take items to any of the company’s over 18,000 drop-off locations. This includes Amazon Lockers, which can often be found at Whole Foods and Walmart, as well as UPS stores and Kohl’s.

For the holiday season, Amazon extends its return window. Most items purchased between October 1 and December 31 can be returned up until Jan. 31, 2022.

Items purchased through third-party sellers may be subject to different return policies. As always it is best to have your receipt with you when you return any gift if possible.

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