You’ve given your niece the gift she pined for. The problem is, it’s the wrong size. Or it doesn’t work. Or it cost you an arm and a leg because you didn’t receive the rebate promised on the package. Plan ahead to prevent the following costly mistakes:
Mistake #1 -- The gift can’t be returned.
Solution:
Ask about the return policy before you buy. Some stores won’t take items back or may sell certain products, such as lingerie, that can’t be returned. Those that do offer refunds generally specify a time period within which gifts must be returned. Companies usually also require proof that an item was purchased in their store -- the original sales receipt, price tags and/or original packaging.
Check the policy on marked-down items. Sometimes the regular return policy doesn’t apply to items labeled “as is” or “final sale.”
Keep the receipt. This is proof of exactly what you paid. Unless you have one, stores may choose to redeem the gift for its current price -- which may be less than the price you paid. Or they may just offer a store credit that’s redeemable only within a certain time frame.
Don’t cut off tags, and keep the packaging. You may need them in addition to the receipt before a store will provide a refund.
Warn not to open items to be exchanged. Ask people not to open the sealed packaging of items such as toys, CDs and home electronics they don’t want to keep. Many stores won’t take them back or may charge a “restocking” penalty of 15 percent or more to return these items if the package has been opened.
Request a gift receipt. Many stores now offer gift receipts that don’t reveal the price. Instead, the amount you pay is embedded in a printed bar code so if the recipient wishes to return the item, a store clerk will be able to scan the receipt and provide a full refund. Alternatively, you can include a regular receipt in a sealed envelope marked “open if you wish to exchange.”
Mistake #2 -- You have trouble returning a gift bought online.
Solution:
Keep a record of the transaction number. Some companies will only refund gifts bought online if you can provide the original confirmation number they sent you at the time of purchase.
Find out if they have a local retail outlet. Unless the company you’re ordering from has a local retailer you can take it to, you may have to pay shipping charges or postage costs to return a gift bought online.
Keep all the papers and packaging. These may include some or all of the following:
- the order confirmation number
- information on how to return the item
- an 800 number you can call to exchange the item quickly
- a pre-paid, self-addressed label to mail the item back to the company
- the address to which you’ll need to send the item
- information on whether the merchant will pick up the item
- the address of the nearest retailer who will accept the return.
Mistake #3 -- You give a gift certificate that’s never used.
Solution:
Give cash: While giving a gift certificate may seem like a great idea, it’s something recipients all too often misplace and forget about. Plus, if they can’t find something they like in the store of your choice, they most likely won’t be able to get a cash refund.
Check for an expiration date: If you’re absolutely certain that the person who gets a gift card will use it, make sure to give one without an expiration date and without any fees beyond the cost of the card itself.
Mistake #4 – There’s no warranty.
Solution:
Ask before you buy. When purchasing expensive electronic toys or other gifts that are prone to breaking down, always check that they come with a warranty.
Read the fine print: Find out what’s involved in getting a refund or exchange, and what kinds of damage are covered.
Mail in the warranty. It’s often a good idea to mail in the warranty yourself rather than leaving it up to the recipient -- especially when giving gifts to children. It may also require information be filled in that only you know --such as the purchase date and store location.
Mistake #5 -- You don’t get the advertised rebate.
Solution:
Note all requirements. Be careful to completely fill in the required rebate form and send in everything the company asks for. This often includes a portion of the original packaging that has the item’s serial number and bar code.
Mail it in by the due date. The deadline to mail in your proof of purchase to qualify for a rebate is often very tight. To be sure it arrives on time, you may wish to send it by certified mail. And keep copies of the original receipt, the filled-in rebate form and all other information in case it fails to arrive and you need to make a complaint.
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