Christmas is already over, but now comes the worst part: what to do with those gifts you did not like or that you already had. Before, it was very easy. You went to the store with your receipt, waited in line and simply returned the product. But now, with online shopping, how does it work?
Well, Amazon and Walmart have decided to tighten their return policies this year, but around Christmas they understand that maybe that sweater your aunt gave you is not something you like that much. So we are going to tell you what is special about the return policies of these two retailers.
Do returns cost money?
Not to you, but very few people consider that they do cost companies money. And a lot of money. Transportation, inspection, repackaging, and that is without counting the products that can no longer be resold. We are talking about millions of dollars every year in the US alone.
Returning a product with Amazon
The online retail giant has introduced new return fees for some sellers and has started to monitor customers who return too many items. However, during Christmas you can breathe easy because purchases made in November and December usually have extended return windows until after the end of the year, so no one gets stuck with a useless gift.
The famous “we refund you and you keep the product”
One of the most surprising changes is the no return refund for cheaper items. Amazon prefers to refund the money without asking you to send anything back, and they do not do it as a reward but because it costs them much more to bring it back than to lose it. But this is decided by the system. There is no buying random items to see which one you get to keep.
What if you return things all the time?
Then Amazon is watching you. Most likely it will start with warnings to users who return too many products, and restrictions may come next.
And Walmart?
Walmart, on the other hand, continues to bet on a more relaxed image, and its standard 90 day return policy remains one of the most generous in the sector. Even more so at Christmas, since users can return purchases made from October until the end of January. Perfect for failed gifts, right?
Not everything goes
It is important to know the return date before buying, because some electronics, such as phones or other specific products, have much shorter return windows.
Why do they not permanently change their return policies?
Because it is Christmas, and you have probably also fallen into impulse buying. You have probably also received gifts you do not like. And if you know returns are much more complicated, you will probably spend less, and companies do not want that.
That said, be careful the rest of the year, because returns will be as usual and there will be no flexibility at all.
What do I need to know to return something?
First, when you return a product, it must be new and unopened or unused. This is vital, because both companies can decide not to issue a refund.
Also remember that there is a deadline, and once the holidays are over everything goes back to normal for the rest of the year.
Shopping informed is also saving
Knowing what you can return, when and how is almost as important as comparing prices. We all love gifts under the tree, but not always. And they also put the policies, and the patience, of modern retail to the test. And you, which gift are you going to return this year?