We're now in the biggest week of the year for returns and exchanges.
And most stores make it easy right now...Even if you don't have a receipt.
But Consumer Reporter John Matarese shows when a store may refuse your return. So you don't waste your money.
It's now return season, when all those gifts that looked so great turned out to be not so much.
But before you run back to the store. Especially with multiple returns, we have a caution.
Stores have loosend return policies in recent years. In most cases giving you 30 days after Christmas to make a return.
But don't count on that!
Last Christma, Anna Isgro was denied a return on holiday slippers because "They said they couldn't take it back because it was a seasonal item."
It it's seasonal, hurry, or they may not want it back.
Bob Trainor found another problem: his return was denied because he had returned too many thing in one year!
"The first transaction got a warning. The next return was denied and he couldn't do anything about it."
He has been flagged as a "serial returner."
So from the doesn't that stink file.
Why you need to be careful making too many separate returns to one store.
The retail equation collects return data, USA Today saying their clients include:
-BEST BUY
-HOME DEPOT
-JC PENNEY
-VICTORIA'S SECRET
--NIKE
-BATH AND BODY WORKS
-AND SEPHORA.
Get turned down like Bob or Anna and you'll say doesn't that stink?
Remember, sooner is better. Especially with some stores giving just 15 days for electronics returns.
Bottom line: Don't wait to make returns.
And try not to make too many to a single store. So you don't get on their bad kids list and you don't waste your money.
I'm John Matarese FOX 47.
