Retailers tightening return policies

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- This is the season of giving and receiving. But December 26 is the time for returning. Many retailers have tougher return policies this year.

Seasoned shoppers know that after the holidays you can return items, get a lower price, and buy them back again. But retailers are catching on to the strategy and are making it harder for consumers to make returns.

Nearly 40 percent of Americans are expected to take back at least one gift after the holidays, according to the National Retail Federation. If that percentage includes you this year, Consumer Reports says you could run into stricter return policies.

"Restocking fees are fairly common in large electronics stores, but we're seeing them in other places too," said Consumer Reports Senior Editor Tobie Stanger. "Sears, for example, has a 15 percent restocking fee for some appliances, tools, and lawn and garden products."

Other large retailers have also tightened the reins on returns. Target limits returns without receipts to just two per year, and only for items worth less than $20. And Lowe's, Kmart, and Wal-Mart are among the retailers that now use computer systems to monitor how often customers return something without a sales slip.

"If you bring back too many items to a store without a receipt within a small period of time, the retailer may not accept them," said Stanger. "The reason is they're trying to reduce the amount of returns of stolen goods."

Consumer Reports says the best way to reduce hassles is to include a gift receipt with your gift.

"If you bring back a gift receipt, you're going to get the item's full price instead of the post-holiday sale price," said Stanger.

And when you get a gift, handle it with care. Damaged boxes, lost tags, or missing packaging make it less likely you'll get full value for a return. Consumer Reports says keep this information in mind so you can look forward to many happy returns.

You don't want to linger too long when it comes to returns: Some stores are limiting the time after purchase to 30 days and in some cases even less. But Consumer Reports says many stores do have longer return policies for things purchased during the holidays.

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