After-Christmas gift return policies appear to be very liberal at some stores, rather strict at others. A few are offering extended return timeframes during the holiday season.
Walmart, in general, accepts returns within 90 days of purchase, according to Walmart spokeswoman Latoya Evans.
Evens told Consumer Press “Walmart, for several years, has accepted returns without a receipt, even though many of our competitors require receipts for all returns. Walmart gives customers the option of a cash refund (if the purchase was under $25), a shopping card for the amount of the purchase (if it was over $25), a credit to the customer’s credit card (only with receipt) or an even exchange for the product. Also, as applicable, we follow any manufacturer’s warranties.”
She did note several exceptions to their standard return policy, including: Computer components and computer accessories must be returned within 45 days; defective pre-owned (refurbished) video game software can be returned within 90 days with a receipt and the original packaging, defective units may be exchanged for another unit of a different title if original title is not available; computers, camcorders, digital cameras, digital music players, e-tablets, e-readers, portable video players, GPS units, video game hardware, pre-paid cell phones, and post-paid cell phones must be returned within 15 days with a receipt; Prerecorded music, movies, and software products must be returned unopened.
Evans also said that “as an added convenience for customers, Walmart has adjusted its return policy for the holiday gift buying season for items that have a limited return/exchange period (15 days, 30 days, etc.). For these items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, the limited return period will begin Dec. 26. This includes items such as TVs, cameras, computers, DVD and music players which can have a 15-30 day return period.”
Home Depot has a 90 day return policy. Home Depot spokeswoman Katherine Ellison told us “most items may be returned within 90 days from the original date of purchase. Returns within 90 days of purchase and with a valid sales receipt will be exchanged, refunded in cash, credited to your account or refunded via The Home Depot store credit.” Additional details are available here.
Target released a Q&A for media regarding their return policy. In it they state that Target requires a receipt for all returns and that most returns must be made within 90 days. There are some exceptions on some returns, and the return information will be included on the receipt for those.
In the case of a lost receipt, Target says they can look up receipts if the purchase was made with a credit, debit, check or GiftCard.
Target does have a different return policy for purchases from their Neiman Marcus collection. Those purchases can only be returned until January 5th, 2013, and they must be returned to the store if they were bought there, and Target.com if they were purchased there.
Macy’s general return policy is very liberal. They do not have a specific time requirement, but say shoppers with a receipt can “bring it back any time and receive a full refund in original form of payment, regardless of the original purchase date.” Those without a receipt can receive a refund if Macy’s can access the receipt through the shopper’s account number, a Customer Return Label or Gift Registry number.
The also take returns without a receipt, and issue a store credit.
Though Macy’s does have many department specific return requirements. They are listed here.
Best Buy has a 30 day return policy and requires a receipt. The do have an extended holiday return policy on gifts. Purchases made between November 4, 2012, and December 24, 2012 can be returned until January 24th, 2013. Best Buy has a number of requirements, they are listed here.
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