UNDATED (WKZO-AM) — This isn’t what is meant when someone wishes you “many happy returns” but if you want to stay happy during the process of returning that undersized sweater, or the fifth toaster you have received, there are some things you can do.
The National Retail Federation says about 8% of all merchandise is returned these days. That number is down because of gift cards and smarter shopping.
Retailers have also tightened up their policies because of fraud and theft involving shoplifters, who were using the stores as fences and tricking them into buying back their own stolen merchandise. As a byproduct, it’s discouraged some from even attempting returns.
Different retailers have different rules and you may want to scan their websites and do your homework before making a needless trip. For instance, Costco has a generous 90-day return window, no receipt required. In contract, Best Buy gives you 15-days, and they request you bring the receipt, the credit card you used to make the purchase and photo I.D. and there can be a restocking fee.
Most stores allow 30-days but not all of them and there is a wide range of policies depending on the retailer. Online merchants also have their own rules which are also generally posted at their websites.
