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.
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“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.
Unwrap Smartly
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.
Know Your Online Shopping Rights
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.
Returns Without a Reason
When the gift is perfectly fine but just not your style (looking at you, lime green onesie), you’ll need to rely on the shop’s goodwill.
Receipt Required: Most shops will offer an exchange or credit note without fuss.
No Receipt? Some retailers will accept a card or bank statement as proof of purchase, but policies vary, so check their website for specifics.
If the person who bought the gift doesn’t mind stepping in, ask them to return it for you.
When There’s a Fault (or False Advertising)
If the gift is damaged, faulty, or not as described, you’re standing on solid legal ground.
Under the Consumer Rights Act, the purchaser is entitled to a full refund, repair, or replacement.
Even without a receipt, proof of purchase (like a bank statement) will often suffice. “Just make sure to arm yourself with the retailer’s returns policy before heading into the store, just in case,” Fred says.
Turn “What Were They Thinking?!” Into Cash
If your gift is a bust and returning it isn’t an option, selling the item online is your next best bet. But just as not all gifts are created equal, neither are online marketplaces.
YOUR RETURN RIGHTS EXPLAINED
THE SUN’S Head of Consumer, Tara Evans, explains your return rights:
YOUR right to return items depends on where you purchased it and why you want to return it.
If you bought an item online then you are covered by the Consumer Contracts Regulations, which means you can cancel an item 14 days from when you receive it.
You then have a further 14 days to return the item, once you’ve notified the retailer that you want to return it.
If an item is faulty – regardless of how you bought it – you are legally able to return it and get a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.
Most retailers have their own returns policies, offering an exchange, refund or credit.
Shops don’t have to have these policies by law, but if they do have one then they should stick to it.
Got a barely-used gadget? eBay’s got your back. That weirdly retro sweater? Depop’s hipster crowd will love it. For bigger items, like furniture or appliances, Facebook Marketplace lets you offload locally and avoid horrendous shipping fees.
“If you’re selling something quirky—think novelty mugs or obscure collectables—Etsy or specialist Facebook groups might be the jackpot,” says Fred. “Trust me, there’s a buyer out there somewhere for everything.”
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