Returning items to the store for exchange or refund can be a frustrating experience, especially after the holidays. You certainly won’t be the only person in line. In fact, the lines can be very long, and some people become cranky, which adds to everyone’s frustration.
Try going to the store at odd hours when things aren’t quite so busy, so you won’t have to wait in line as long. Super stores that are open 24 hours, don’t tend to be as busy early in the morning or later at night.
Returns can also be problematic if you are hassled. I only shop in stores that have good return policies. I refuse to be harassed if I want to bring something back for any reason.
What happened to the customer is always right?
Even if you only shop in stores that provide good customer service, you or a family member may have received a gift that was purchased in a store you don’t regularly patronize. You may find that your return is no longer worth the price paid for it, especially if you don’t have the receipt. If the item has now gone on sale (with all those post holiday half off sales), you’ll only receive the current sales price. If that’s the case, you may want to consider an exchange instead.
Ask if you must exchange for precisely the same item. Some stores will allow you to exchange for other similar merchandise for that price. Some store will also allow a better refund if you take it in the form of a store credit or shopping card. They want to keep that money in their till, not give cash that you can spend somewhere else.
If you just are not up for dealing with the return process, consider regifting the item if it’s simple not something you like or it’s something you know you won’t use. Just take care when regifting, so the original giver never finds out.