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Re-activateIf the exact model of an item you received doesn't match what we've rated, remember that good performance often runs in the family, as our tips on buying electronics explain. Our tests have shown that untested models in the same brand as well-rated models tend to perform well themselves. We also compile brand reliability information on TVs, digital cameras, computers, and more, so subscribers can see if your gift is more repair-prone than other brands.
(Ratings and reliability info are available to subscribers of ConsumerReports.org. If you're not yet a subscriber, or might like to give a subscription as a last-minute gift, visit our subscription page.)
If you decide to exchange or return a gift, our advice: Don't dally, and read the fine print.
C heck the stores return policy. In a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation (NRF), 17 percent of retailers said they would tighten their return policies for the holidays. (80 percent said their policies would stay the same as last year. Only 4 percent expected to loosen their return policies.)Our Ratings of electronics retailers show stores' standard return policies. Go to the store's Web site or call to see if they've truly extended the return window or if you have only a few days to make the switch.
Be wary when opening gifts. It's quite common for electronics goods to have a restocking fee that can run as high as 25 percent, especially for computers and peripherals and from online retailers. Find out about any such fees, since they may affect your decision to return the item.
Look for deals. The week after Christmas is a busy time for retailers, who may slash prices to reduce inventory.
Another useful resource: Tightwad Tod's 2008 list of what to remember when venturing into the world of returns and exchanges. ("The ABCs of gift returns")
—Nick K. Mandle
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