The holiday season is nearing it's peak and as a mother to a spoiled first and only grandchild I know my son will be getting several gifts many of which may have to be returned. As a former customer service and supervisor associate for several major retail chains I have wonderful inside tips for returning and exchanging those holiday gifts. Tip 1: Wait a few weeks before you return your item. After the holidays many retail chains will open additional return lines. Even so, these lines can be very long and a hassle to wait through. How important is it to return the item right away? My first tip is to simply wait a few weeks for the lines to subside and go in on your lunch break and return or exchange the item. If your children want to exchange the item for something else and cannot wait, perhaps buy the new item that they want to exchange the old for and return the gift later.Tip 2: If you must exchange right away have everything you will need for the exchange before you wait in line. Before you get in your car to go to the store make sure that you have your gift receipt, your return with every piece and your drivers license. If you expect a cash refund over a store credit you will need to have a receipt for the item. If you do not have a receipt expect to get a store credit. If something you were given doesn't work make sure every piece of the item is brought when you return it. The associate will need every battery, instruction manual and screw that came with the item. If you haven't returned or exchanged anything lately then you would have no idea that you will probably need your drivers license or state issued identification for receipt-less returns. Many chains such as walmart will only allow you 3 receipt-less returns a year so keep that in mind when you do your returning. If you have several items that have no receipts return them all at one time.
Tip 3: Be aware that some items may only be returned in a specific amount of time.For most items you will only have 3 months to return them. This doesn't include those with an extended warranty. If the item is faulty and returned after 3 months you may have to go through the manufacturer to get a repair or refund. However many items you will only have a few WEEKS! Yes, only a few weeks, such as computers, lawn mowers and seasonal items. Be sure to find out how long you have to return certain items. Some items, such as firearms may not be returned at all. Tip 4: Don't be surprised if...1. You return something without a receipt and the item is now on sale. You will only get the amount that it is currently retailing for.*My Advice* Go ahead and take the loss if the item is clearanced out. Clearance typically means the item will not be reordered there for won't go back up in price. If the item is just "on sale" hold on to it to see if it comes off sale next week. 2. You can't find an item to replace your return. *My Advice* Many items are automatically reordered but during the holidays many items may become back ordered. Wait a month or so then return your item for the one you want or the size you need. 3. You have to wait for managers approval for a return.*My Advice* Smile and be patient. The person helping you to return your item is just doing his or her job many returns may need manager approval, this doesn't mean you are a naughty customer.. it's just store policy! Hope my tips have helped you! Happy Post Holidays! By Tashia M. Heath
Tip 3: Be aware that some items may only be returned in a specific amount of time.For most items you will only have 3 months to return them. This doesn't include those with an extended warranty. If the item is faulty and returned after 3 months you may have to go through the manufacturer to get a repair or refund. However many items you will only have a few WEEKS! Yes, only a few weeks, such as computers, lawn mowers and seasonal items. Be sure to find out how long you have to return certain items. Some items, such as firearms may not be returned at all. Tip 4: Don't be surprised if...1. You return something without a receipt and the item is now on sale. You will only get the amount that it is currently retailing for.*My Advice* Go ahead and take the loss if the item is clearanced out. Clearance typically means the item will not be reordered there for won't go back up in price. If the item is just "on sale" hold on to it to see if it comes off sale next week. 2. You can't find an item to replace your return. *My Advice* Many items are automatically reordered but during the holidays many items may become back ordered. Wait a month or so then return your item for the one you want or the size you need. 3. You have to wait for managers approval for a return.*My Advice* Smile and be patient. The person helping you to return your item is just doing his or her job many returns may need manager approval, this doesn't mean you are a naughty customer.. it's just store policy! Hope my tips have helped you! Happy Post Holidays! By Tashia M. Heath
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