Surviving the Gift Return Rush

As the holiday season gets set to hit full swing, shopping for gifts is again foremost on the minds of many. However, many of the gifts purchased will face an inevitable fate many gifts before and after them have faced and will face: the return bin.

As much a part of the holiday shopping tradition as long lines and limited parking, returns often require waiting on lines that are even longer than those before the holiday and parking lots that are somehow even more crowded this time around. But there are steps both shoppers and those making gift returns can take to make the process go more smoothly.

* Know the return policy. The more generous the return policy, the better the store, particularly when shopping for friends or family you don't see often. Be sure the store allows ample time to return a gift or make a hassle-free exchange. When purchasing online, know what steps must be taken for a return. Some online retailers make buyers liable for the cost of return postage. Others include a pre-posted package for anticipatory returns.

* Don't tempt fate. Fraudulent returns cost retailers billions of dollars per year, and many retailers have begun fighting back by targeting those areas that cost them the most, such as electronics. As a result, rules are far more strict for those returns. Bigger chains might charge a restocking fee for returned big-ticket items, such as opened computers, televisions, etc. Some may also limit the time consumers can make returns, or may only offer returns on purchases made during a specific window of time, e.g. Black Friday through December 24.

* Get a gift receipt. Gift receipts allow a gift recipient to easily return a gift with a receipt featuring a special bar code -- the cost of the items is not included on the gift receipt to maintain confidentiality. Without a receipt, some retailers may only offer an exchange at the current markdown rate, not the original purchase price, greatly diminishing the value of the return.

* Don't open anything and keep it tagged. If a return is even remotely a possibility, keep the condition of the item and packaging as close as possible to what they were upon purchase. All foam, bags, tags and packing material should be in place. Anything packaged in hard plastic should not be cut open. For clothing or fabric items, leave the tags on and try on items without wearing fragrance or makeup. If an item looks worn or ragged, a store may refuse the return.

* Don't rest on your laurels. The chance of finding something you like to replace the gift you're returning is greater the sooner you make the return. Returning gifts is now a holiday tradition, so others will also be out there looking for something good.

* Go easy on the retail staff. Few professions have it tougher than retail staff during the holiday season. Long, exhausting and stress-filled hours make their jobs quite difficult, and at the end of the season they deserve a break. Be courteous and patient when making returns and keep in mind it's not the staff's fault everyone decided to make returns on the same day.

* Let the gift giver know about the return. Gifts were purchased with you in mind, just as you select gifts thinking they'll be perfect for the recipient. Those planning on making a swap or a return should tell the person who bought the gift. But be courteous and wait a day or two. Don't simply open the gift and immediately deem it return-worthy.