Store Returns: What You Need to Know 5

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

05 Nov 2009 04:44 AM

Do you think that if you purchase something either for yourself or as a gift that it will be easy to return? These days, stores are getting more and more picky about accepting returns. This includes gift cards. You can't usually turn them in for cash.

So what can you do with those unwanted gifts if you have followed all of the advice in the previous posts and still can't make a return? Don't worry there may be a way of getting some or even all of your money back, even if the store policy is against it.

First, I want to talk about gift cards. I remember when my elderly father received a bunch of gift cards for his birthday. Unfortunately, he didn't shop at most of the stores on the gift cards. Fortunately for me, he gave me the cards to use instead (although a few had actually expired). It would be great if gift cards could be turned in for cash by the store, but as mentioned above, that just doesn't happen.

One way to still get value from your card is to use it to purchase gifts for others who might like the store. This way, you are still getting something from your gift card.

You can also trade your gift card either for another gift card or other goods. You can advertise in a forum that you are willing to trade your gift card (check out FreeCoupons.com or RefundSweepers.com). There are also websites that are dedicated to swapping gift cards, such as swapagift.com. Swapagift does charge a fee for the service.

Have an actual purchase that you can't exchange? If it is new and unopened, why not re gift it for someone you know will enjoy it. It means one less gift you have to purchase. Another idea for unwanted items is to resell them. While you might not get much at a garage sale, selling the item online may allow you to recoup close to the full cost (and maybe even the full cost when it comes to hot items).

And that is the last of the return advice that I have for you. Check back for the next post on an entirely different frugal topic.

You can read more blog posts by Mary Ann Romans here!

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Related Articles:

Store Returns: What You Need to Know

Store Returns: What You Need to Know 2

Store Returns: What You Need to Know 3

Store Returns: What You Need to Know 4

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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