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“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” – Pierre Corneille
Did anyone get a bad gift yesterday? Andrew Tallman at the conservative Townhall.com liberally defines what could be considered a bad gift:
The insult gift, which criticizes rather than edify the person. “Here’s your Thigh-Master video and a subscription to Escaping Codependency Magazine, hon.”
The selfish gift, which shows you can’t distinguish between what you like and what others like. “Here’s your organic lotions that I’m really into all of a sudden.”
The narcissistic gift, which serves your ego, not his needs. “Here’s your own framed portrait of me.”
The gift from me to you for me, which looks like a gift, but it’s really selfish. “Here’s that uncomfortable lingerie I know you hate to wear for me, dear.”
The burden gift, which is the gift that keeps on giving you problems like stealing your time or space. “Here’s your own copy of ‘War and Peace.’ Let’s talk about it when we have lunch next week.”
The almost good but really bad gift, which shows you know a little about someone but haven’t really taken the time to realize that a person’s interests are actually a dangerous place for gifts precisely because you probably don’t know enough about the field of interest to gift well in it. “Here, Dr. Schwartz, I thought you could use this copy of ‘Basic Anatomy for Dummies’ in your neurosurgical practice.”
Regardless of the gift giver’s intent, many of us probably received something over the holidays that we want to return or exchange. To start, here are some tips from ConsumerAffairs.com that you might keep in mind at any time of the year for hassle-free returns:
To improve your chances of getting a full refund, provide a sales slip or gift receipt, and return the item in new condition, unopened, and with all original packaging material.
Returns without a receipt are subject to the retailer’s posted return policy, which might result in receiving only a merchandise credit for the lowest price the item has sold for in recent weeks, or possibly no refund or exchange at all.
With Christmas shopping in particular, Bankrate.com suggests that we can make it easier on our selves by keeping and giving receipts:
To simplify, double up on your receipts when you shop. Get gift receipts and regular receipts for each item (a gift receipt is similar to the original but without the prices).
Keep the gift slips with the gifts, and keep your own regular receipts in an envelope marked ‘holiday gift receipts’ that way, if you have to return something, you have all the paperwork in one place.
Okay, all of this sounds a bit after the fact. But after hearing this type of advice year after year, eventually it sinks in and this year, I was really good about requesting gift receipts with all of my purchases.
Sharon at The Frugal Duchess offers these suggestions if you’re heading to the mall this week to do some returns:
1. Find original packaging. You’ll have a better chance of returning merchandise if you present the original box.
2. Collect your paperwork: Come armed with credit-card receipts, store receipts and tags. With the right paperwork, I’ve received dollar-for-dollar value for returned items in the form of cash or a credit on my account. Without receipts, you could lose money. Here’s the scenario: You paid $35 for the dish set. But in the post-holiday markdown, the set has been reduced to $18. With a receipt, you’ll get $35 back for the return. But without the receipt, you’ll receive an $18 store credit.
3. Don’t give up if you lack documentation. Many stores offer flexible return policies, even if you don't have a receipt or the original packaging. However, without a receipt you’ll only get store credit, at best.
4. Collect names: If you have problems returning an item, start a new paper trail at the store. Collect names and speak to a manager if necessary. Remain polite.
Or forgo the mall, and start a gift drawer or closet as she suggests:
Instead of returning unwanted presents, why not just stash them away in a re-gifting closet? Build an inventory for the future. This step will accomplish two things: 1) you’ll save money on future presents and 2) you won’t be tempted to spend more money during your latest shopping trip.
These are helpful tips to keep in mind. Remember, the key is being organized… usually the rule of thumb with most matters touching finances.
Now for some related posts on gift giving, receiving
