What to know about holiday gift returns

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If you got a gift this holiday season that wasn't quite right, you may be looking to return it. Here’s some advice to help make the process go more smoothly.

Check out store policies. Return and exchange policies vary by store, and many stores won’t take returns or exchanges after a certain time — like 30 or 90 days. Policies and deadlines are often printed on the back of receipts. Don’t delay in returning your undamaged item to have the best chance for a refund, exchange, or store credit. You might have to contact the manufacturer to return a defective or damaged product after the seller’s return deadline.

Understand return shipping costs. If someone bought your gift online, search for the seller’s return policy. Pay attention to who pays for shipping. If you have to pay, you might be able to save on fees by returning the item to a local store.

Use gift card exchange websites with caution. These sites let you sell or swap cards, as well as shop for discounted cards. But always read about an exchange website before selling or buying a gift card. See what others have to say — and make sure the exchange has a post-purchase guarantee that ensures cards are legitimate.

Gather receipts. Returning or exchanging an item in-store often requires documentation, and maybe an ID. Take the item, receipt, and original packaging to the store. No receipt? Expect a store credit, often for the lowest sales price.

Ask to speak with a manager. If you have a problem, a supervisor or customer service representative will likely have more flexibility and authority to resolve the issue.

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