If you're one of the millions of Americans who got something they didn't really want for Christmas,  consider these retailers who make it a little challenging to return gifts.

Some of these are not necessarily represented in the Mid-Columbia, as they don't have stores here, but others are.

Kiplinger's Magazine online has listed the retail outlets,   they have said recently in general these policies have not changed.  In fact, many retailers in the last few years have tightened return requirements due to the economy

Businesses cannot afford to lose millions of what they made during the holidays just because we don't like what we got.   The businesses from the list of 7 that are found here in the region include:

*Barnes and Noble:   Despite some loosening last year of certain policies,  Nook books and magazines are not on the list.   And if you use a gift receipt to return an item, the refund will be in the form of a gift card.  That's important because many times when you buy a gift, the retailer includes a gift return receipt so the recipient can return it.

*Best Buy:   They won't let you return or exchange items after 15 days, unless you join their My Best Buy Loyalty program. Best have the original packaging, receipt, and bring picture ID.   The retailer tracks data on returns to see which consumers are bringing back lots of items - kind of a "naughty returns list."

*Game Stop:   According to Kiplingers, they're pretty stringent:

"...limits returns to between seven and 30 days, depending on the item, and requires a receipt for all exchanges and returns. Most unopened new merchandise can be returned for a refund or exchange within 30 days. One exception is new unopened tablets, which must be returned within 14 days for a full refund. Opened items cannot be returned."   (bold lettering added for emphasis).   Also, any returns over $150, and you will have to wait for a check to come from their corporate headquarters, usually arriving within 14 business days.   This discourages "quick returns" of spendy items for cash.
  The best thing to do is inquire with the store you intend to return a product to, and find out exactly what their policy is - that way you won't waste a trip because you don't have everything your need for the return or exchange.

 

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