Find out how to return Christmas gifts at some of the country's top sellers.
Christmas is the season of giving and receiving. Despite everyone wanting to give the best gifts, it is inevitable for some to receive something they do not want, like that bright orange sweater.
Stores know that, and they share in the holiday spirit by allowing receivers to return a gift they do not prefer, so that they could get something they really like. Best Buy, Walmart, and Apple are some of the top choices for holiday shopping; they are also some of the most generous when it comes to returns, if receivers just follow the instructions.
Walmart is probably the most lenient when it comes to time frame -- up to 90 days from the date of purchase. They are also not all that strict about the receipt, with a few exceptions. Cell phones and other similar devices that require activation have to be returned within 14 days from purchase and with a receipt.
For larger gadgets like drones, televisions, computers, gaming consoles, and other electronics, they have to be returned within 15 days. The time frame, however, starts after Christmas, when people have had the chance to open their gifts. Electronics brought from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24 can be returned until Jan. 10, 2018 but with a receipt.
For Best Buy, there is a tiered policy, depending on the member's status at the store. Regular members can return items 15 days from the date of purchase. My Best Buy Elite Members, or those who spend at least $1,500 in the store a year, can return items for up to 30 days. My Best Buy Elite Plus members, or those with minimum of $3,500 spending annually, have 45 days.
They are also more lenient during the holidays. Items bought from Oct. 29 to Dec. 30 can be returned until Jan. 14, 2018 for standard members, Jan. 29 for My Best Buy Elite members and Feb. 13 for My Best Buy Elite Plus members.
Like Walmart, cell phones bought at Best Buy has to be returned within 14 days from date of purchase.
As for Apple, which generally sells gadgets that require activation, the general return policy is 14 days from purchase. However, the holiday season also makes them more tolerant. For items bought between Nov. 15 to Dec. 25, the 14-day window starts on Christmas day and items can be returned until Jan. 8, 2018.
