We’ve all been there before: Frantically searching through our purse to find the receipt that we just know is in there, trying to ignore the dirty looks from the impatient customers huffing and puffing behind us.
This year, take a deep breath, and then take some time to plan before you venture out to the mall. There are several ways to return a gift — whether it’s one you dislike or a gift you’re returning for someone else — without the receipt. Before you make that long haul to the customer service line, here are a few tips and techniques to help you keep your sanity and get your money back sans receipt.
1. Do Some Research
Before you do anything else, you should do your homework and make sure you’re keenly aware of the store’s return policy. We’re not saying you need to hire a lawyer or anything, but you should be able to hold your own when asked “Are you aware of our return policy?”
“If the policy isn’t written in your favor, give the store a call before heading out,” Kathy Spencer, expert shopper and author of How to Shop for Free ($13, Amazon), told Fox News. “Always be polite and courteous, and ask if exceptions are ever made.”
Fortunately, a lot of stores couldn’t care less about you having a receipt. In fact, retailers like Wal-Mart and Target will let you make returns anytime without a receipt. Don’t waste your time plotting your rebuttal if you don’t need to; just check the store’s policy first and then call ahead to ask specific questions.
2. Bring in Evidence
If you’ve searched through the store’s return policy and you know it’s going to be a rough ride, bring in a little evidence to back your claim. After all, saying “It was a gift,” even if it’s true, will only work some of the time.
If you can, bring in the credit card you used to purchase the item, as sometimes stores can backtrack using your card to see what it was that you purchased and give you the full refund that way. If you don’t have that card on you, try showing them your bank statement that shows the exact date, time, and amount of your purchase. The more info you can give store employees, the smoother your transaction will go.
