1. Gift Receipts- Make sure to give your recepient a gift receipt for the present. It makes it a lot easier for them to exchange the item for something else. If you're the one making the return, bring along your gift receipt. It makes the process faster because the store doesn't have to look up the item and make you fill out extra documentation.
2. Bring ID- Be ready to show your ID for your returns. With return fraud estimated at 14.8 billion last year, according to the National Retail Federation, retailers are pushing towards ID for all returns.
3. Know the return policy- Pay attention to the policy of the retailer. Some items are exchange only while others offer no refunds at all. Also, some stores set a limited time for which you can make your returns. Thus, if you miss the deadline, then the item is forever yours...So read the receipt or call the retailer directly to find out when you have to make the return by.
4. Go early- Personally, I have experienced better and faster service when I go to the store as soon as they open. There tends to be less crowds in the morning and the cashiers aren't burnt out by the time it's your turn in line to be helped.
Those are just a few tips to make those holiday returns go more smoothly. Remember, you can't avoid the returns so you might as well make the best of it. Goodluck
