Name: Return policy caution: Retailers getting stingier with returns
Uploaded: 2025-12-22T10:20:34.224Z
Duration: 1 min 54 s
Description: Retailers have tightened return policies, shortened return windows, and added return fees in recent years. What you need to know.

Retailers have tightened return policies, shortened return windows, and added return fees in recent years. What you need to know.

Cincinnati

Retailers are increasingly imposing stricter return policies during the holiday season, with some shortening return windows and introducing return shipping fees. Shoppers are encouraged to pay close attention to each store's specific policy, especially for electronics and furniture, to avoid missing out on refunds or exchanges.

Experts recommend keeping items in their original packaging, retaining gift receipts, and considering loyalty programs that may offer extended return periods. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to understand whether they are eligible for refunds, exchanges, or may face restocking fees before making purchases.

Return policy caution: Retailers getting stingier with returns

After the holidays, stores and malls fill up again as shoppers return what they didn't want. But keep in mind, return policies change during the holiday season and making that return may not be that simple. Holiday shopping season is about to turn into holiday return season. Cindy King plans to wait for crowds to die down. No, I don't like to do returns, no. But don't miss the return windows, especially with electronics and furniture. Earlier this year, Brenda Reynolds told me she was denied a return on her defective couch because she waited too long. They said we only had three days to report a problem, otherwise they could not refund or replace the couch. Douglas Bowman, professor of marketing at Emory University, explains how holiday returns hit retailers' bottom line. They have to have labor kind of waiting for the stuff to come in. I got to potentially discount the item. Most retailers offer free in-store returns, but many now charge for return shipping. Take Macy's, for example. Unless you're a Star Rewards member, return shipping is $9.99. Before you buy in-store or online, the Better Business Bureau's Melanie McGovern says know a retailer's return policy. Knowing if you're going to get your money back, if there's an even exchange, if there's a restocking fee. For smooth returns, include gift receipts. It's not too late to request one. Keep items in original packaging. Don't remove tags. And pay attention to return windows, which vary by store. Loyalty programs can also help. For example, My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members get longer return windows. Walmart shopper Scott Egan hopes he doesn't have to return too many things. You don't want to come back here the day after Christmas? No, absolutely not. Hopefully you can avoid the lines, too, so you don't waste your time or money. John Mattarese, Scripps News Group.

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