Not every gift is going to be perfect for its recipient. You may need to return some items after the present exchange.
Return policies
Stores have varying deadlines for returns. You need to know about them so you don’t try to return an item months later and find out you’ve missed the deadline.
Retailers often give consumers at least 30 days to return an item, and some allow more time. Certain stores give you 60 or 90 days, but there's usually a cutoff for getting cash back – after that, you’ll probably receive a gift card.
Some stores extend their return deadlines during the holiday season. Look for special return dates for purchases made in November and December. Apple, for example, usually gives you 14 days for returns. However, if you order your items online between Nov. 15 and Dec. 25, you’ll have until Jan. 8, 2020, to return them.
Receipts
Hopefully, your Christmas delivery will come with a receipt. Or, you’ll keep your receipt if you buy the gift in a store. If you don't have a receipt, you may be able to return an item and get store credit. However, some retailers will reject your return if you don’t have the receipt.
No returns
Retailer have varying policies, but really exclusive items, used items, and final sale products probably can’t be exchanged or returned. Remember to read the fine print or check the return policy before you ask for a return for these items.
Identification
Some retailers request a valid ID when you ask for a return. That’s because shoplifters are less likely to return an item for cash if they have to give their names. Plus, it helps retailers track irregular return patterns.
DealNews, a comparison shopping website, offers the following return policies for well-known stores:
