Some people are bolder than others, especially when it comes to presents.
Those who don’t want the faff of attempting to return an unwanted Christmas gift might plan ahead, letting their loved ones know exactly what they want (or indeed, don’t want).
Others, for fear of seeming ungrateful, keep hold of unwanted presents, opting to regift them or, you know, throw them in with the rest of the clutter at the back of their wardrobe.
Of course, the best-case scenario when receiving a questionable gift is to find a receipt nestled at the bottom of the gift bag, ‘just in case it’s not quite right,’ but if you don’t have one, can you still return your gift?
Returning a gift: What are your rights?
According to the Consumer Rights Act, stores only have to accept returns from the person who bought the item, and only if they’re faulty.
That means they’re under no obligation to offer a return to someone who can’t prove, say with a bank statement or proof of purchase that they bought the item, especially if it’s perfectly usable.
But Al Gerrie, founder of returns solution company ZigZag, offers some hope.
‘Different retailers have different policies for receipt-less in-store exchanges or refunds, [and] retailers are usually more forgiving around the holidays,’ he tells Metro.
For online purchases, it’s even easier – often you’ll just need to supply two pieces of information, usually an order number and postcode, in order to have the return processed.
Good news, bad news
The bad news:
- Legally, neither the gifter nor the receiver has a right to a return an item bought in-store unless it is faulty
- Shops are under no obligation to accept a return from anyone who didn’t originally buy it.
The good news:
- Consumers who shop online have 14 days to process a return with no reason, and even if there’s no fault, as long as they can supply two pieces of information about the order (often an order number and postcode)
- Lots of retailers go above and beyond the legal requirements, offering returns to anyone with a proof of purchase
- Some shop workers are a little more lenient around the holidays, meaning you might be able to return your gift without a receipt (but you’ll be relying on good will).
With online shopping, Gerrie says: ‘Customers must be offered a refund if they request one within 14 days of delivery, and after getting the item, refunds must be processed within two weeks.’
The good news is that lots of retailers extend their returns policies around busy periods, including Christmas, so they can ‘handle the swell in return volumes’ — so be sure to check before assuming you’ve missed your chance to return.
How to return an item without a receipt
Ask the gifter for proof of purchase
Unfortunately, if you want to return an item without a receipt, you’ll likely have to pluck up the courage to tell the person who bought it for you what you plan to do.
Even if they don’t have a receipt, they may be able to provide a bank statement from the day of the purchase or digital order confirmation that will help you make the case for a return.
Keep the item in its packaging
‘If you are planning to return any Christmas presents this year, make sure you avoid removing them from or damaging the original packaging,’ Nick Drewe, retail expert at Wethrift, tells Metro.
‘Opening and tearing the box or removing tags can mean that shops are unable to accept unwanted items because they are no longer in a sellable condition.
‘The same applies to gifts you have purchased that you intend to give to someone else.’
Be okay with an exchange or store credits
Even if you have a gift receipt, you’re likely only going to be able to get an exchange or credits to spend in-store, rather than a monetary refund, so it’s important to be okay with that option.
This is especially true if the item was purchased with a card rather than cash, as refunds will have to go back to the original bank account.
‘Some stores may accept returns without a receipt, but don’t rely on this,’ says Davies.
‘If they do allow a return without a receipt, it often means you will only get the current price of the item, rather than the amount you originally paid for it.
‘For example, if the item is discounted, you will receive the discounted price rather than the full original price.’
Remember: you aren’t guaranteed a return
When it comes to returning an item without a receipt, especially one you didn’t buy yourself, stores aren’t obligated to accept it. You’ll be relying on a lot of goodwill, so don’t be offended if it’s not possible.
This article was first published on December 26, 2024.
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