The holidays are like a whirlwind of excitement and shopping. All those festive vibes and the rush to get the perfect gifts make it easy to go on a bit of a spending spree. But once the euphoria dies, reality hits. Suddenly, those impulse buys or maybe even well-intentioned gifts just don’t quite fit. That feeling of regret kicks in, and you find yourself wishing you could hit the undo button on some of those purchases.

Or how about this? You’ve just unwrapped a beautifully wrapped Christmas gift, and the anticipation is high. But as the wrapping paper falls away, you’re met with an item that doesn’t quite fit your taste or needs. We’ve all been there! Now, you’re faced with the dilemma of holding onto something you won’t use or taking a chance by returning it to the store.

The post-holiday season usually signals a return frenzy for many shoppers, but this year, businesses are one step ahead of their customers. The return landscape has shifted, and more retailers are now throwing high return fees into the mix.

The Return Fee Revolution: What You Need to Know

40% of stores are now charging fees for returns

Freepik | 40% of stores are now charging fees for returns.

This year, 40% of stores, whether online or in-person, are now charging fees for returns, up from 31% last year. David Morin, VP of customer strategy at Narvar, says these fees usually range from $3.99 to $9.99. But don’t stress! We’ve got a guide to help you figure out this new return situation and spend less on fees.

Cracking the Code: Tips and Tricks to Reduce Return Fees

1. Know Before You Go: Dive Into Return Policies

The first rule of the return game: know the rules. With return policies resembling a complex board game, it’s essential to review them in advance. Samantha Gordon, Consumer Reports’ deal editor, advises checking even your favorite store’s policy as they may have changed recently. Keep your eyes peeled for extended return windows, but as Morin warns, always read the fine print.

2. Loyalty Pays Off: Join the Club

Become a return policy VIP by joining a retailer’s loyalty program. The perks often include free returns, turning you into a return policy maestro. Sure, your inbox might overflow with sale notifications, but Trae Bodge suggests a clever workaround—create a separate email for shopping-related messages. The pros of loyalty programs, like earning points for freebies, certainly outweigh the cons.

3. Take Matters Into Your Own Hands: In-Store Returns

keep your receipts, tags, and packaging intact until you're sure about the item

Pexels | Oleksandr P | Keep your receipts, tags, and packaging intact until you’re sure about the item.

Skip the fees altogether by visiting the physical store for returns. Morin assures us that most retailers welcome in-store returns with open arms – plus these returns are also exempt from those annoying fees. Convenient drop-off locations, like Whole Foods and Kohl’s, are becoming more common. Just remember to keep your receipts, tags, and packaging intact until you’re sure about the item.

4. Shop Smart: Research Before You Buy

Avoid the return hassle by being a savvy shopper. Bodge emphasizes the importance of selecting the right item initially. If in doubt, visit the store to make an informed choice. Gordon seconds the motion, urging shoppers not to fall for impulse sales. Before you hit the ‘buy’ button, ensure you genuinely want the item, and when gifting, consider the recipient’s size and preferences.

5. Budget Like a Pro: Prepare for Fees

Return fees might be the new normal, so it’s time to budget accordingly. Bodge suggests mentally preparing for a return shipping fee ranging from $5 to $10 each time. Morin echoes this sentiment, acknowledging that free returns for everyone might not be sustainable. Factor in these fees when making purchases to avoid unpleasant surprises later.

Consider utilizing Online Banking Tools to track your expenditures and allocate a budget for potential return fees.

6. The Art of Regifting and Selling

If returning isn't an option consider the art of regifting or selling.

Pexels | Karolina Grabowska | If returning isn’t an option, consider the art of regifting or selling.

If returning isn’t an option or you want to dodge those pesky fees, consider the art of regifting or selling. Money-saving expert Andrea Woroch recommends platforms like Poshmark, eBay, OfferUp, or Facebook Marketplace to sell unwanted items. However, if you’re regifting, make sure it’s a thoughtful gesture, not just a way to unload unwanted goodies.

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Surfing the Return Wave

As return fees become more common, mastering the art of returns is crucial for every savvy shopper. Dive into return policies, embrace loyalty programs, make in-store returns, shop smart, budget wisely, and explore alternative options like regifting or selling. With these tricks up your sleeve, you can ride the return wave with ease and keep those fees at bay. Happy returning!

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