Hate your Christmas gift? Here is the return policy at Target, Walmart, Amazon and other major retailers

By James On Dec 25, 2023

Retailers are cracking down on their refund policies this holiday season, which means it's more important than ever for consumers to read the fine print.

About 40 percent of companies now charge fees for online returns, up from 31 percent last year, according to a returns software company Narvar. Meanwhile, Amazon has shortened its holiday returns period by three weeks this year.

About half of Americans are expected to receive one unwanted gift this Christmas, according to data from fintech company Finder. It means that approximately $9.1 billion will be spent on unwanted gifts this year.

According to analysis of Consumer ReportsMacy's, Nordstrom and Target are among the retailers that offer the best refund policies, while Apple and Best Buy are among the worst.

Here, DailyMail.com explains the fine print of returns for America's largest companies.

According to a report from retail company Narvar, about 40 percent of companies will charge fees for returns this year. The charges are mainly applied to online orders returned by post

Amazon

Amazon shoppers have 30 days to return new, unopened gifts shipped by the mega-retailer and most of its sellers.

This can be done via a return or through one of the company's 18,000 delivery locations, including Amazon Lockers at Whole Foods and Walmart.

For the holidays, Amazon is extending its returns period, meaning anything purchased between November 1 and December 31 can be returned until January 31. In previous years the holiday period was longer, starting on October 11.

Items purchased through third party sellers on the site may be subject to different return policies.

For the holidays, Amazon is extending its returns period, meaning anything purchased between November 1 and December 31 can be returned until January 31

Bed bath and beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond offers a return period of only 30 days and does not have an extended holiday period. The company – which is now owned by Overstock after filing for bankruptcy earlier this year – previously had a payback period of one year.

Costco

Costco does not offer a time limit on most of its returns. However, electronics, including computers, TVs, major appliances, cameras, tablets and more, must be returned within a 90-day period. Online returns are free.

Macy's

Generally, customers have 90 days to return most Macy's purchases. Refunds are free, both in-store and by post, but shipping costs on purchases are non-refundable.

But for the holidays, anything purchased on or after October 2 can be returned through January 31.

Northstream

Nordstrom does not offer a formal returns policy and refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis. This means no receipts are required and there are no time limits.

You can return Nordstrom store and online purchases at a Nordstrom Rack location or by mail. In the latter case, Nordstrom will send a prepaid return label by email.

Goal

Most Target items can be returned within 90 days, and the retailer offers free shipping on returns. If you have a Target Red Card, the return period will be extended by an additional 30 days.

However, most electronics must be returned within 30 days, while Apple products must be returned within 15 days.

But for the holidays, the rules when it comes to electronics have changed slightly. The 30-day return period begins on December 26 for any item purchased between October 1 and December 25.

Most Target items can be returned within 90 days, and the retailer offers free shipping on returns

For the holidays, most Walmart items purchased between October 1 and December 31 can be returned until January 31

Walmart

Walmart offers a 90-day return period for most items, but this is reduced to 30 days for electronics. Postpaid mobile phones only have a period of 14 days.

For the holidays, most items purchased between October 1 and December 31 can be returned through January 31.

Best Buy

Best Buy customers only have 15 days outside of the holidays to return products. It also imposes a 15 percent restocking fee on certain items, such as digital cameras and lenses, if the package is opened.

A flat $45 restocking fee also applies to devices such as phones and tablets.

But at Christmas, anything purchased between October 27 and December 30 can be returned until January 13.

Apple

Apple items must be returned within 14 days, whether purchased online or in-store. For the holidays, items purchased online between November 3 and December 25 can be returned through January 8.

For the holidays, Apple items purchased online between November 3 and December 25 can be returned through January 8

Kohl's

Shoppers have 180 days to return a gift from Kohl's, although this is shortened to 30 days for premium electronics.

However, if purchased on or after November 1, the refund deadline will be extended to January 31.

Barnes & Edel

For online and in-store purchases, Barnes & Noble customers have 30 days to return the item from the date they received the item.

With a gift card, customers have 60 days to return an item for store credit.

But Christmas purchases – made between November 1 and December 31 – are refundable or exchangeable until January 31.

Top tips for returning gifts, according to Consumer Reports

Do not open the box.

If you attempt to return an item and the original packaging is not intact, sellers may charge a restocking fee (often 15 percent of the purchase price or more). This is especially common with electronics.

Other products, such as computer software, CDs and DVDs, are generally not returnable once the packaging has been opened unless they are defective. And if products are missing tags, you might be stuck with them. So at the very least, check the return policy before removing the packaging if there's a chance you'll need to return an item.

Save those gift cards.

Make sure you don't throw them away with the wrapping paper, as sellers often turn you away if you don't have one. If you didn't receive a gift card (and you don't want to ask the giver for the original), you may be eligible for a store credit, but it can only be the amount of the lowest price the item recently sold for.

Check the return policy and note any time limits.

The easiest way to do this is online, or you can inquire at the customer service desk of a store. Major retailers typically allow up to 90 days to return most items, but may allow a much shorter period for certain goods. However, during the holidays, some retailers extend their deadlines, often until the end of January.

For items purchased online, consider whether the retailer has walk-in stores and allows in-person returns. This way you can avoid having to repack the item and pay return shipping costs.

It is also important to check if you purchased an item from a third party seller as they may have a different return policy than the seller. This includes retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, eBay, Newegg and Walmart.

Bring ID. Some chains, including Best Buy and Home Depot, use automated return authorization systems to detect abuse. So you may be asked to show your driver's license or other government-issued identification when returning an item in person.

Sellers scan and store information from your ID to track your history, taking into account factors such as the frequency of your returns, their dollar value, how often you return items without a receipt, and the time between returns.

– Consumer Reports