Introduction
As the holiday season approaches, shoppers need to be wary of surprise fees when returning Christmas gifts. A growing number of retailers are now charging for returns, with 43% of unwanted online purchases incurring a fee. These charges have also increased in the past year, from £2 to £2.30 per parcel on average. To help you navigate this issue, we've compiled a list of the best and worst refund policies among retailers and provided tips on how to avoid these fees.
Rising Costs
Processing returns has become a significant cost for retailers, impacting their profits. As a result, many chains have introduced fees for returning online purchases. Retail analyst Nicla Di Palma believes that free returns are not sustainable in the long run and fees are likely to escalate. One contributing factor to these charges is the practice of "staging," where social media influencers order large quantities of items for photoshoots and then return them. Unfortunately, ordinary shoppers are bearing the brunt of these fees if they can't return items in-store.
Hefty Fees on Big Buys
Returning large items can result in substantial fees. For example, AO.com charges £49.99 to return a TV or larger appliance, while John Lewis charges £29.95 for furniture or bulky appliances. These fees can significantly impact the overall cost of a purchase and should be considered when buying big-ticket items.
Right to Return
It's important to remember that when shopping on the high street, there is no automatic right to a refund for items that don't fit or if you change your mind. The automatic right to a refund only applies when an item is faulty. However, many retailers offer refunds or credit within a specified timeframe, typically 28 days. When shopping online, there is a cooling-off period of two weeks during which you can cancel an order if you change your mind. It's crucial to keep proof of postage when returning items to avoid any disputes.
Extended Return Periods
Some retailers offer extended return periods after Christmas, allowing you to return gifts for a longer period. For instance, Argos, Primark, Tesco, and Boots accept returns until January 31, 2024, for most items. However, certain items, such as personalized items, food, and opened CDs or DVDs, may not be eligible for return.
Conclusion
It is essential for shoppers to be aware of the refund policies of retailers, especially during the holiday season. With an increasing number of retailers charging for returns, it's crucial to consider these fees when making purchases. By understanding your rights and following our tips, you can avoid surprise fees and ensure a stress-free shopping experience this Christmas.
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