Best 2015 Christmas Gift Return Policies
Return your unwanted holiday gifts using this handy guide.
— -- Receiving a less than savory Christmas gift doesn't have to be a hassle when you're dealing with some major retailers with liberal return policies.
Many U.S. retailers offer extended holiday return deadlines, but be sure to read the fine print for exclusions.
Here are some of the return policies that make it easier to return an item:
BEST
Amazon
Amazon's holiday return policy states: "Items shipped by Amazon.com between November 1, 2015, and December 31, 2015, may be returned until January 31, 2016, for a full refund," and is subject to its return policy that varies by item, as described on the website. Items shipped from sellers other than Amazon.com are subject to this same holiday return policy unless otherwise stated in the seller's individual Return Policy."
Bergdorf Goodman
If you buy an item through bergdorfgoodman.com, shipping and returns are free. While in-store purchases don't have a deadline, online purchases need to be returned within 15 days of delivery using the pre-paid Smart Label located on the packing slip enclosed with your merchandise.
Costco has in the past accepted returns on open items, though it does have time limits for certain products and will not accept alcohol and cigarettes. For electronics, Costco accepts returns within 90 days from the date of purchase. Returning a diamond one carat or larger will also require all original paperwork (IGI and/or GIA certificates) and within 48 hours a Costco Graduate Gemologist will inspect it for authenticity.
Express
Express will accept a return or exchange if requested within 90 days after the purchase. A “Do Not Remove” tag or a “Keep This Tag Attached” tag must still be attached to the item. If you don't have a receipt, the company will conduct a courtesy search in its database.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom famously has one of the best return policies.
"We don't actually have a return policy for purchases made at Nordstrom stores or at Nordstrom.com," the brand's website states. "We handle returns on a case-by-case basis with the ultimate objective of satisfying the customer."
Patagonia
Outerwear retailer Patagonia has an "Ironclad Guarantee" that states: "If you are not satisfied with one of our products at the time you receive it, or if one of our products does not perform to your satisfaction, you may return it to us for a repair, replacement or refund. Damage due to wear and tear will be repaired at a reasonable charge."
Zappos
You have 365 days to return an item from the shoe retailer in its original condition; plus returns are free through their pre-paid shipping labels.
Sephora
Makeup products can be returned even opened typically with a receipt and a timeline is not specified on the store's website. For Sephora.com purchases, however, "Items may not be returned by mail, and will not be refunded, 90 days after the purchase date," according to the website.
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