Hate your Christmas presents? My top tips will help you get your money back and what to do without a receipt
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AMONG an amazing haul of festive goodies, there’s usually at least one gift that doesn’t quite hit the mark. Whether it’s that questionable sweater from your aunt or the third waffle maker you’ve received in as many years, there’s always a wildcard in the pile.
“Regifting might be tempting, but it’s often easier to just return the item—if you can navigate the maze of refund policies, that is,” says Fred Harrington, the CEO of Coupon Mister. Now, Fred gives you the lowdown on all the ins and outs of Christmas returns, so you won’t be stuck with anything to throw away in January.
Before you gleefully shred through wrapping paper like a sugar-fuelled gremlin, pause for a moment. A gift receipt could be tucked inside, and that’s your ticket to a hassle-free return - you don’t want to shred it, too!. Unlike a regular receipt, a gift receipt spares the giver any embarrassment by leaving out the price. With it, you can often exchange the item, snag store credit, or—if you’re lucky—get a full refund.
If the gift was purchased online, you’re in luck! The Consumer Contracts Regulations give buyers (or you, with their blessing) a 14-day window to return items for a full refund. Here’s how it works: The 14 days start from the moment the item arrives.
Inform the retailer within this time, and they’ll process the return. Be aware: refunds go to the purchaser’s original payment method, so you might need to have an awkward conversation with the gift-giver. Feel a white lie brewing? Use the classic “duplicate gift” excuse. “Loads of people buy the same thing for the same person, so it’s super believable, and no feelings will be hurt,” says Fred.
