5 things you need to know before Christmas shopping

ABOVE:  Tony Tighe joins Global Calgary with a look at what you should know before you try to return or exchange a holiday gift.

CALGARY – Although receiving gifts over the holidays is fun, needing to return or exchange those gifts can be stressful.

Here’s a list of five things to keep in mind before you buy Christmas presents:

1. There are no consumer laws forcing stores to take something back, give you a refund, an exchange or even in-store credit. Most retailers do it as a customer service, but each store sets their own rules.
2. Stores all have different return time limits, ranging from one week after purchase to 90 days. In nearly all cases, stores require you to show the original receipt.
3. Retailers don’t have to advertise their return policy. However, many will either have a sign posted or print the conditions on their receipts.
4. In Alberta gift cards for individual retail stores can’t expire and you can’t be charged any user fees for not using them. However, pre-paid credit cards may have an activation fee.
5. If you are unsure about a return policy, it’s best to ask. “It really varies from retailer to retailer. It’s not something we all ask because it’s easy enough to assume you can return,” says Sandra Crozier-McKee with the Better Business Bureau.

CLICK HERE for more information on safe holiday shopping.