How to return a dud gift
July 6, 2009 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under gifts
No matter how pretty you wrap it up a bad gift is a bad gift. We’ve all gotten them before and although we sometimes feel bad that we don’t like it, it’s truly a waste of resources and money to keep a dud gift. You’re better off returning it. Here’s how to make it easier…
Check for a receipt. Some people get that not everyone shares their love of heart shaped dishes, and will thus, include a gift receipt in the gift box. If you don’t see a receipt try to figure out where the person got the gift, with a well placed, “Wow, where the heck did you find this!”
Don’t mess around with the gift. Either you want it or you don’t. If you open it up, untape the box, or install batteries, it can make it harder to return.
Return it asap. Waiting around means you might only get an exchange price that’s current, i.e. lower. Once I waited so long to return something the store had quit carrying it. Doh!
Ask for uppers. If a clerk gives you grief about a return, ask to talk to someone higher on the store food chain. If you keep on being persistent, you’ll get an exchange.
If all else fails – it’s re-gift city time. You won’t get a gift, but you will save cash the next time you need one to give. Check out Karen’s top re-gifting ideas for the thrifty.
[image via stock.xchng]
I’ve had quite of few gifts end up in my yard sale too!
I love your blog but not your advice on re-gifting. Tacky!
According to a poll, 2 out of 3 people have regifted or are considering regifting. With the current economic situation, we’ll probably see those numbers rise this year.
We don’t expect everyone to use or like the tips we offer, but we try to offer a variety of tips to suit the needs of everyone. I hope you’ll find lots of other money saving tips that you like.
@Shirley I think a lot of people re-gift. I like Karen’s points about how to do it well, vs. badly. BUT not every money saving tip works for everyone. Some of us don’t like coupons or aren’t good at DIY stuff, so we’ll pay for it. There’s all sorts of tips for saving money, but the point is to find the ones that work for you – and of course the ones you think aren’t tacky