12 On Your Side: Is your holiday gift a flop? Here's how to save it!
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Updated: 9:02 PM Dec 16, 2011
12 On Your Side: Is your holiday gift a flop? Here's how to save it!
Three out of ten gifts will be returned this holiday season so shoppers need to prepare now.
Posted: 4:49 PM Dec 16, 2011
Reporter: Elizabeth Owens
Email Address: liz.owens@wrdw.com
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News 12 at 6 o'clock / Friday, Dec. 16, 2011

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Although you may be close to finishing up your holiday shopping, that does not mean it's your last trip to the stores this season.

The National Retail Federation predicts more than 30 percent of gifts received this Christmas will be returned to stores.

Jennifer Amermino with Kmart in North Augusta says the rush to the customer service counter begins almost immediately after people open their gifts.

"It seems like it starts the day after Christmas and they all come in," she said.

Shoppers still purchasing gifts need to make sure they also get gift receipts.

"That way if it's the wrong size they can get the money back," Amermino advised.

Most stores will give a full refund with a receipt.

Without a receipt, shoppers can usually exchange unwanted Christmas gifts. However, just keep mind you can only exchange for the value of the gift that day. If your gift goes on sale after Christmas, then that's the price you get.

There are other options if the idea of going back to a crowded store after Christmas to make a return or exchange seems daunting to you. Websites like Goozex, Rehash, Swap.com and Recycle Your Fashions allow you to swap or sell unwanted gifts. Plastic Jungle buys gift cards. Just keep in mind that they don't pay for value for the card.


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