It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! This week, my favorite stores are having major after-Christmas sales so that they can get rid of their extra inventory. As the frugal (read: cheap) fashionista I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve also been thinking about a few other consumer issues that are particularly relevant this time of year and thought I’d share them with you, too.If you received gift cards, there is good news for you. Under the Credit CARD Act, gift cards purchased after August 22, 2010, cannot expire for five years after the card was issued. Furthermore, there are new limits on when you can be charged fees on the balance of your gift card for non-use. That’s great news for consumers who save their gift cards until they find the perfect something or misplace them. If you have any problems with your gift card, contact the seller first. If they can’t help, contact the Federal Trade Commission for gift cards issued by retailers or the Comptroller of the Currency for those issued by national banks.
You may also have to hit the stores to return that sweater from Aunt Betsy that didn’t quite fit. Return and exchange policies vary from retailer to retailer and requirements may differ from state to state. Here are a few tips that may be helpful no matter where you live or where you have to return:
- Read the return and exchange policies for the store.
- Keep all of the packaging and tags.
- Remember to bring the original or gift receipt with you.
- Return the item as soon as possible.
- Beware of restocking fees on returns, particularly for electronics.
- Check the website to determine if the shipping and handling fees will be refunded for online purchases. Some online retailers that also have physical locations may accept returns at their stores rather than requiring you to ship it to their warehouse.
Do you have any other tips for making returns easier?"
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