Returning a gift gets costly

Can't wait to tear into your presents this year? You may want to hold on. You could pay a price JUST for opening the box.

The Massachusetts Consumer Affairs office is out with a survey that shows more retailers are charging restocking fees -- fees for returned goods (typically electronics) if they're opened or not in a factory-sealed box.

So, if you bought a $300 product, but were charged a 15% restocking fee, your refund would only be $255. And restocking fees can be even higher; anywhere from 10 - 25%. Some retailers charge up to 60%. Overstock.com for example will keep 60% or more of the price of your jewelry or watch if you return it in a damaged box or if any of the manuals or tags are missing.

But it's not only electronics you have to worry about. According to Consumer Reports, you might be charged a 15% restocking fee for appliances, tools and lawn-and-garden products. To avoid this fee, don't open the package if you don't want what's inside. And if you're buying a gift, make sure you ask about restocking fees. Some retailers have a different policy online than they do in their stores.

Returns may be a bit easier this year-that's according to a just-released survey by Consumer World. This year, some stores have extended their return deadlines, and eased policies regarding the return of goods without receipts. Target (TGT, Fortune 500), for example, won't require a receipt for returns -- but that's only if the amount of receipt-less items you exchange is less than $70 a year. Best Buy (BBY, Fortune 500) has lengthened its holiday return period to January 31 -- except for computers. And Wal-Mart (WMT, Fortune 500) has extended the holiday return period on computers and cameras.

Policies vary widely among different stores. But according to Consumer Reports, you'll find the best return policies at Bed Bath & Beyond, (BBBY, Fortune 500) Bloomingdales, Costco, (COST, Fortune 500) Ikea and Kmart.
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Return policies that could trip you up include Home Depot's (HD, Fortune 500). Here you can't return items you bought online at their stores. At Buy.com you have 30 days to return an item once it's shipped -- regardless of WHEN you received it. At Overstock.com you can't return TVs over a certain size.

As always, buyer beware. Make sure you keep your receipts. If you buy and return items online, be aware that many merchants do not refund the cost of shipping. Consumers who have a problem returning a gift, should first contact the store manager or customer service department of the retailer. If you're still having issues, you can file a complaint with the state Attorney General's office or a local consumer agency.