The BBB offers advice for shoppers returning holiday gifts

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The Better Business Bureau is helping holiday shoppers safely return gifts that don’t quite hit the mark.

According to the National Retail Federation, the return rate for retailers during the winter holidays will be nearly 17% higher than their annual return rate, with total returns reaching $890 billion in 2024.

“Returns play an important role in the retail ecosystem, providing retailers with an additional touchpoint to enable positive interactions with their customers,” said Katherine Cullen, vice president of industry and consumer insights at NRF. “Retailers recognize the value of returns and their integration into brand loyalty, and many are prioritizing their returns capacity to ensure a seamless customer experience.”

The BBB offers tips for returning items that don’t fit or are simply not wanted or needed:

Familiarize yourself with store policies. Many retailers are changing their policies for the holiday season. Ask the seller if they offer refunds, exchanges, or cash credits. You can often find these policies at checkout or on the back of receipts.
Find out about the return policies of online stores. Before you click “Buy,” read the policies and find out about return shipping costs. Sometimes you can take the item back to a store for return instead of paying shipping.
Find out about a product’s warranty. Most electronic devices and appliances come with a warranty that is provided by the manufacturer, not the retailer. Knowing whether you need to work directly with the manufacturer for returns and repairs can help you be prepared for future issues.
Save your receipt and packaging. Many stores will only accept returns or exchanges if you have the receipt and the original packaging. When giving gifts, include a gift receipt and keep all receipts you receive.
Bring your ID with you. To avoid fraud, stores may require you to show your ID when returning an item. Some stores may also require presentation of the original form of payment. In this case, you may need the gift giver’s help to get a refund.
Make returns in a timely manner. Many return policies only apply during a specific period.

According to NRF, two-thirds of retailers say they are prioritizing improving their return options while balancing consumer demand.

According to the NRF report, 93% of retailers say retail fraud and other exploitative behavior is a significant problem for their business. 51% of Gen Z consumers say they engage in price sales or purchase multiple items with the intent of returning some.

If you find a scam, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker.