If you’re someone who likes to return and exchange gifts after the holidays, prepare yourself: Making returns could feel a little different this year.
“It’s going to be hard for consumers to navigate,” says shopping expert Trae Bodge. “The return policies are all over the place.” The biggest change, she adds, is that more retailers are charging fees for returned merchandise.
About 40% of online and brick-and-mortar retailers are charging fees for returns this year compared with 31% last year, according to David Morin, vice president of customer strategy at Narvar, which handles shipping, tracking and returns information post-purchase for online retailers. Those return shipping or restocking fees are generally $3.99 to $9.99, he says.
The good news is there are ways to minimize return fees and in some cases avoid them altogether. Here’s what experts recommend.
About 40% of online and brick-and-mortar retailers are charging fees for returns this year compared with 31% last year, according to David Morin, vice president of customer strategy at Narvar, which handles shipping, tracking and returns information post-purchase for online retailers. Those return shipping or restocking fees are generally $3.99 to $9.99, he says.
The good news is there are ways to minimize return fees and in some cases avoid them altogether. Here’s what experts recommend.
DO THE LEGWORK YOURSELF
Shoppers can also often avoid return fees by taking the item to the store themselves. “Most retailers are happy to have consumers visit their store,” Morin says, so they generally make in-store returns free. Drop-off locations have become more prevalent, he says, for example with Whole Foods and Kohl’s accepting Amazon returns for free.
Always keep the receipts, tags and original packaging until you know whether you’ll be making a return.
RESEARCH ITEMS MORE BEFORE PURCHASING
Taking the time to select the correct item in the first place can negate the need for returns altogether, Bodge says. “If you’re not sure about something, go into the store so you’re not taking a chance,” she says.
Gordon agrees: “Before you buy it, make sure you want it. Don’t just buy the thing that’s on sale.” Similarly, if you’re buying a gift, think carefully about the recipient’s sizing and preferences before making your selection.
BUDGET FOR EXTRA FEES
Return fees are likely here to stay, so Bodge recommends preparing yourself, and your budget, for them. “Ultimately, you may have to pay a return shipping fee between $5 and $10 each time,” she says. “We should expect to pay for returns for most retailers eventually.”
Morin agrees. “Free returns for everyone all the time is likely an unsustainable proposition,” he says, especially given the widespread and growing prevalence of online shopping.
Factoring in those fees when making purchases can help reduce surprises later. “If you’re placing an order online, you need to get into a different head space about returning,” and go in knowing that free returns are less likely going forward, Bodge says.
CONSIDER SELLING OR REGIFTING INSTEAD
Andrea Woroch, a money-saving expert, says that if making a return isn’t possible or if you want to avoid the return fee, another option is to regift the item or sell it online. People can sell clothing and accessories on Poshmark, gadgets on eBay and toys or other goods on OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace, she says.
If you’re regifting, just make sure the person actually would enjoy the item. Woroch adds: “Don’t just pass something on to get rid of it.”
