The holiday shopping season is fast approaching. Most of us assume we can return any purchases we don't like but that belief can cost you money. Here's how not to get burned.
Even before you buy look for a store with a good return policy. Some are good but others aren't that great.
"Policies you want to avoid are ones that won't give you a full refund or that only give you a small window of time to return something," Jody Rohlena of Consumer Reports Shopsmart said.
Home Depot allows you to return many items within 90 days, but the store reserves the right to limit or refuse to accept the return of merchandise at any time and for any reason.
Another restrictive policy is Office Depot, Rohlena said.
"You only have 14 days to return furniture and electronics."
And if you've bought an electronics item at one of their stores and opened it -- even something as basic as a phone -- the company will offer an exchange only, not a refund or store credit. In fact, when it comes to electronics you should be careful to check the return policy wherever you shop.
"Very often you cannot return a laptop," Rohlena said. "But TVs and camcorders may not be returnable either."
Some return costs can add up.
Restocking fees can be up to 25 per cent of the cost of the item. And don't forget return postage. Also check whether you'll get a store credit only instead of a cash refund.
Finally, be sure someone gets the amount you paid for that perfect gift and not the post-holiday sale price. Remember to include a gift receipt in your package.
Many retailers relax their policies around the holidays. So whether it's the holidays or not, do carefully check out return policies.
And if it's a Christmas gift -- ask them to note it so that the return time limit doesn't start until December 25th.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
