Many happy returns — and exchanges — this holiday season

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans spent over $658.3 billion in 2016 during the holiday season. They reported 10 percent of returns made annually are made during this time. Stores are not required by law to have refund and exchange policies or to keep the same policy year-round. In fact, some stores give refunds, some issue store credits only and some consider all sales to be final. Health regulations prohibit the return of certain merchandise, such as hats, bathing suits or other intimate apparel.

BBB offers these tips to help keep you happy this holiday season when making returns and exchanges:

• Understand retailers’ refund and return policies before making purchases. NRF states 24.6 percent of retailers change their return policy during the holiday season.

• Do not assume the regular return policy applies to items that are on sale or clearance. These sales may be considered final.

• Check to see how your item could be returned if need be. Will you be able to exchange the item for a similar one? Will the store give you credit for the value of the item? Or, will you be given your money back?

• Some retailers may charge a restocking or open box fee for returns of high value items, such as electronics.

• Ask for gift receipts and enclose them with presents. Keep original copies of receipts for yourself in a safe place.

• Watch the time. Many retailers only allow returns within a certain time frame.

• When shopping online, ask about return shipping fees.

• Keep your item in its original packaging. Some retailers may not accept an opened or worn gift, even if you have the receipt.

• Understand the warranty before purchasing the item and read it before returning a defective product to the retailer.

• Remember, some products may be returned only to the manufacturer, so be sure to understand where you can return your gift.

For more information and a list of trustworthy places to shop, go online to www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301 for lists of BBB Accredited Businesses in various industries. You can also get Business Profiles on specific businesses.

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