January 2008
Return roundup: The rules at 6 big retailers
Some retailers, such as the ones below, relax return policies at holiday time. Except for Amazon.com, these policies refer
to gifts bought in and returned to stores.
| Retailer | General return policy | Holiday changes |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com | Within 30 days. Items ordered through independent sellers must be returned directly. If no receipt, customer service can look up order. | Gifts bought on or after Nov. 1 may be returned through Jan. 31, 2008. |
| Best Buy | Original receipt required. Returns within 30 days. Exceptions: 14 days for computers, monitors, notebook computers, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, radar detectors and video games purchased as used. | Gifts bought between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24 may be returned through Jan. 31, 2008. |
| Costco | Receipt not needed, although it speeds up the process. Most products can be returned at any time. Exceptions: Within 90 days for computers, camcorders, cell phones, TVs, iPods, and MP3 players. | Same, but exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. |
| Sears | Within 90 days. Exceptions: 30 days for electronics and mattresses, 14 for DVDs. Without receipt: at manager’s discretion. | Generally the same. Exception: for purchases between Nov. 11 and Dec. 15, 60 days for electronics and mattresses; 30 days for DVDs. |
| Target | Within 90 days. Electronic receipt look-up available. | Same |
| Wal-Mart | Within 90 days. Exceptions: 45 days for computer components and accessories; 30 for camcorders and digital cameras; 15 for computers and postpaid cell phones. No more than three returns without receipt within 45 days, except at manager’s discretion. | Same |
