Here’s how to return unwanted festive gifts if you don’t have a receipt… or the box
Based on my emails this week, thousands of you want to know how to return unwanted Christmas gifts to a retailer. It is therefore important that you know your rights.
Who has the right to return gifts?
Regardless of whether gifts are purchased online or in-store, technically only the person who purchased the gift has the right to return it.
However, retailers rarely enforce this, especially during the holidays.
When a retailer issues a gift voucher, they clearly accept that someone other than the buyer may return the goods.
Top tips: Consumer advocate Dean Dunham explains how to get a gift refund in January
Gifts purchased online
The Consumer Agreements Regulations apply to an online purchase or to a purchase outside the trader’s usual place of business (such as a market or pop-up shop).
You can return online purchases and request a refund for any reason, even if you don’t want them.
The only conditions are that the goods must be in pristine condition and in undamaged packaging when you return them.
You cannot return perishable or custom-made goods or items such as underwear.
To exercise this right, you must notify the retailer within 14 days of delivery and then return the goods within 14 days.
This means asking the person who gave you the gift when they received it and whether the retailer offered extended return rights after 14 days.
Gifts bought in the store
Here there is no law that gives you the right to return goods just because you have changed your mind or they do not fit.
In fact, the only legal right you have, under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, is to return defective items and receive a free repair, refund or replacement.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t return store-bought gifts.
Many retailers give you the right to change your mind, especially at Christmas, recognizing that items are purchased as gifts.
Therefore, if you have purchased an unwanted gift from the store, you should ask yourself what the return policy is so that you can find out whether such returns are allowed and what the time frame is.
I don’t have the receipt
Returning a gift without proof of purchase (this could be a receipt, gift voucher, bank or card statement, or any proof showing that the goods were purchased from a particular retailer) can be tricky, as retailers have no legal obligations to provide a consider returning without this.
If you do not have proof of purchase, you will need to ask the retailer what the return policy is.
Some stores have more lenient return policies and may allow returns without a receipt during the holidays.
They may offer store credit or an exchange instead of a cash refund if you don’t have proof of purchase.
I don’t have the original packaging
The retailer has no legal obligation to accept a return without the original packaging (as the goods must be in resalable condition), but if you ask nicely it sometimes does.
However, if you want to return a Christmas gift that is defective, the situation is different. Here you don’t need the packaging.
My gift is now on sale
If you are entitled to a refund you are entitled to the full price paid and this will not change if the goods are reduced in sale.
Voucher or cash refund
If your gift was purchased in-store, the retailer may enforce return policies, so even if you prefer cash, this is perfectly acceptable if the returns policy says a credit will only be given if you return an unwanted gift.
Write to Dean Dunham, Money Mail, 9 Derry Street, London, W8 5HY or email d.dunham@ dailymail.co.uk. The Ny Breaking cannot accept any legal liability for any answers given.
SAVE MONEY, EARN MONEY
1% cashback
1% cashback
About debit card payments. Maximum €15 p/m*
Utility bills
Utility bills
Find out if you can save with a fixed rate
Free stock offer
Free stock offer
No account fees and free stock trading
4.5% 1-year Isa
4.5% 1-year Isa
Hampshire Trust with Hargreaves Lansdown
Sipp reimbursement offer
Sipp reimbursement offer
Get six months free on a Sipp
Affiliate links: If you purchase a product, This is Money may earn a commission. These deals have been chosen by our editors because we believe they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. *Chase: Cashback available for the first year. Exceptions apply. 18+, UK residents.