There’s nothing more exciting than the rush of scoring huge savings with Black Friday sales. However, it can be so exhilarating that you unintentionally go overboard — and just like waking up the night after too many glasses of wine, you may sober up only to realize you have made some mistakes.
But there’s no need to worry; retailers have a safety net in place to manage the financial boo-boos we make from time to time. If you got a bit trigger happy with your purchases on Black Friday and now realize you’ve bought way too much stuff, you can always take advantage of store return policies.
5 Biggest Black Friday Retailers and Return Policies
So now that you realize the financial mistakes you’ve made, you have to sort through your purchases and decide what you don’t want to hold on to and what needs to be returned. Since it’s likely that you visited one of the major retailers to make your Black Friday purchases, below are five retailer return policies that can make returns a bit smoother.
1. Walmart
Walmart had huge Black Friday deals this year, including an iPad 2 for $379 and a JVC 47″ Class LCD for $399. If you find that you need to make some returns now, here are some basics of the Walmart return policy:
Return timeframe: Generally, Walmart accepts returns within 90 days after purchase with the exception of a few items (see Holiday returns for limited return exceptions).
Receipt requirement: Walmart accepts returns without a receipt. However, the purchase price must be lower than $25 for a cash refund. Other returns made without a receipt are added to a Walmart shopping card or result in an even exchange for the product.
Limited return items (holiday exception): Walmart has adjusted its return policy for holiday gift buying season on items that typically have a limited return/exchange period (15 days, 30 days, etc.). Items like TVs, cameras, computers and DVD players purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24 will be able to make returns starting Dec. 26.
Walmart.com purchases: As with store purchases, most items can be returned within 90 days of purchase. Items purchased and shipped via Walmart.com can be returned, replaced or exchanged via shipping, or by bringing the item to any Walmart store. This policy does not apply to Marketplace items.
2. Best Buy
Customers who made it to Best Buy this Black Friday had a chance to snag a Toshiba 40″ Class LCD for $179 and Lenovo 15.6″ laptop for $187.99. Need to return these or other items? Take a look at Best Buy’s return policy:
Holiday returns: Gift purchases made between Nov. 4 and Dec. 24 can be returned through Jan. 24, 2013. It’s good to note that the terms of Best Buy’s standard policy, including, but not limited to “non-refundable items” and “photo identification required” apply.
Receipt/ID requirement: Best Buy requires the original receipt, gift receipt or packing slip for all returns and exchanges. If returning an item at a Best Buy store, a valid ID is also required.
Geek Squad Protection/Trade-in-Plus plans: Geek Squad Protection/Trade-in-Plus plans that are returned after 30 days from the date of purchase will be refunded at a pro-rated amount. No restocking fees apply.
Nonreturnable items: A number of items cannot be returned to Best Buy, including prepaid cards, consumable items, damaged items, opened software, downloadable digital content and Geek Squad installations.
Bestbuy.com purchases: Items purchased on Bestbuy.com can be returned to any Best Buy store within the United States as long as item includes all original packing materials, receipt/packing slip and you bring a photo ID.
3. Kohl’s
Kohl’s offered some amazing deals this Black Friday, including jewelry and watches up to 60% off and a Polaroid 21x zoom camera for $149.99. Need to take something back? Here is the Kohl’s return policy in a nutshell:
Hassle-Free Returns: Kohl’s is popular for its Hassle-Free Return policy, which means there is no restriction on returns in terms of items, timeframe or reason. Items returned more than 12 months after the purchase date will qualify for a Kohl’s Merchandise Credit. The only item that currently cannot be returned is a gift card.
Receipt requirement: A receipt is preferred, but not required to return an item to Kohl’s. Non-receipt returns made for items purchased via a Kohl’s Charge or other major credit card with receive full credit on that card. Otherwise, the store will offer an even exchange or Kohl’s merchandise credit.
Kohls.com purchases: The Kohl’s website allows customers to return any item, anytime, for any reason. Simply bring the receipt with that item into a Kohl’s store for a full refund, exchange or merchandise credit — no questions asked.
4. Target
Black Friday was a huge event at Target this year. The major retailer offered deals like the Xbox 360 Kinect Bundle for $199 and great DVDs starting at $4 each. If one of your Target purchases was made in haste, here’s a quick snapshot of the retailer’s return policy:
Return time frame: Generally, Target accepts returns in both new and used condition within 90 days after purchase.
Limited-return items: Items like computer hardware, cameras, camcorders, giftcards, prepaid cell phones and prepaid cards must be returned within 45 days. Music, movies, video games and software can only be exchanged.
Receipt/ID requirement: All returns must have a receipt or gift receipt. Photo ID is required for returns.
Target.com purchases: Purchases made on Target.com can be shipped back to the retailer or returned to any store in the United States. As with in-store purchases, Target.com items can be returned within 90 days for a full refund or exchange.
5. Toys R Us
You can’t complete your Black Friday shopping without grabbing some items for the kids in your life. Toys R Us knows this and offered some great deals this year, including Power Wheels sport quads for $49.99 and WWE Wrestlemania Ring Play Set for $19.99. Here’s a quick look at the store’s return policy:
Return time frame: Almost all Toys R Us purchases can be returned within 90 days for a full refund.
Limited-return items: Items like video games and systems, computer software, VHS tapes, DVDs, music, electronics, radio-control items, trading cards and collectibles must be returned within 45 days.
Receipt/Item condition: Toys R Us requires that all items are returned in new, or like-new condition, it its original packaging, and with all paperwork, including manuals, assembly instructions and accessories. Receipt also required.
Toysrus.com purchases: Purchases made on Toysrus.com can be shipped back to the retailer or returned to any store in the United States. Online purchases can be returned within 90 days and follow same return rules as in-store purchases. Shipping costs are not refunded unless an item is damaged or defective.
This year, retailers offered an abundance of Black Friday sales and plan to provide consumers with even more Cyber Monday online savings. But just in case your Cyber Monday purchases get out of control, be sure to keep these return policies on hand.
Image: ginat3
