Most major U.S. retail companies change their return policies for the Christmas holiday shopping season to accommodate both gift buyers and gift receivers with longer and more lenient return terms. Some retail chains, however, do not create special holiday or gift return policies, which sometimes makes Christmas gift returns difficult or impossible.
This is a list of the standard return policies of the major U.S. retail chains that offer no extended or special return policies, and the consequences to the shoppers who make purchases governed by those return policies.
1. Bath & Body Works Standard Return Policies
Because Bath and Body Works has a "no sale is ever final" return policy at all times, there is no need for special or extended holiday terms. There is no time limit for returns, and with a sales receipt or shipping invoice, a refund will be issued (excluding shipping and handling charges).
Gift returns require not receipt, and the original credit card is not required. Gift returns can only be made at brick-and-mortar Bath and Body Works stores, even if the orignal purchase wa made was made on the website.
2. Costco's Customer-Friendly Return Policies Need No Holiday Changes
Well known for its customer-friendly return policies, Costco makes no holiday changes because their return policies are liberal 365 days of the year.
Costco will refund membership fees in full for any Costco customer who is dissatisfied with their membership. Aditionally Costco's standard merchandise return policy is:
"We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund."
The only limit on returns is a for purchases is a 90-day time limit for refunds on televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, iPOD / MP3 players and cellular phones.
Refunds for internet purchases include a refund of shipping and handling charges.
3. CVS Return Policy Could Create a Holiday Hassle
Just because CVS labels its return policy as "hassle-free" doesn't mean that holiday gift recipients will agree. CVS hasle-free returns have to be made within 30 days. So that MP3 or GPS that you both on Black Friday, November 26th, will have to be returned no later than the day after Christmas, December 26th.
CVS is much more lenient, however, about the return of CVS branded products. Those store brands have a 100% satisfaction guarantee and can be returned opened or unopened for a refund, "no questions asked." (Receipt or shipping invoice is required for all refunds, whether they are CVS branded or not.)
4. Don't Delay with Dell - Plenty of Policies to Prevent Returns of Dell Products
If you're ordering any products directly from Dell, here are two important pieces of advice - buy late and return fast. Dell has no extended return policies for holiday gift-givers, and their standard return policy states that all returns must be made within 21 days of the shipping date. (This is not 21 days from the date you RECEIVE the product, this is 21 days from the date they SHIP the product, regardless of how long it takes to reach your doorstep.)
Dell also charges a 15% restocking fee, whether you open the package or not. One fne print tip about Dell returns is to not refuse the delivery because that will just cause you more problems and delays with your Dell return.
5. Dollar General - Return the Private Labels and Keep the Rest
Dollar General stands behind its products 100% - as long as they are DG private label brands. Their return policy specifies that Dollar General customers will receive a full refund or exchange on DG Everyday, Clover Valley, and EverPet branded products. For all other products, you might be on your own. Your best bet is to double-check the return policy before you hand over your dollars at a Dollar General store.
6. GameStop.com Stops Merchandise Returns With a Long List of Non-Returnables
GameStop.com stops excess merchandise returns with a long list of conditions which make your Gamestop.com purchases non-returnable. GameStop specifically instructs its customers not to return products if:
- more than 30 days has gone by since the packing slip was prnted
- the product has been opened (taken out of its plastic wrap).
- the item is not in its original condition.
- anything is damaged, played, or is missing parts.
- it was part of a bundle, unless you send the entire bundle back
If you ship something back that;s non-returnable, you won't get a refund and you also won't get your item returned either! That's one good way to stop returns!
7. Most Sales Are La Final at La Senza - A Limited Return Policy Contradiction
"Due to the intimate nature and hygienic standards of certain items," there's a long list of what can't be returned at any time for any reason to international lingerie retailer La Senze, Non-returnable items include:
- panties
- babydolls
- bodysuits
- hoisery
- teddies
- swimwear
- any lingerie set that includes a panty
If you attempt to return these items, La Senza will quickly send them back to you at your expense.
This might be an more understandable, except that La Senza is owned by The Limited, which also owns Victoria's Secret, which has a liberal "no sale is final" policy. The inference is that the more expensive the undergarments, the more hygeinic the customer? Considering Victoria's Secret models, one might think the opposite is true.
