ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - According to a new report, American consumers will have returned nearly $900 billion in goods before 2024 ends.

The report by the National Retail Federation and Happy Returns, a return management company, also found 76% of consumers consider free returns a key factor in deciding where to shop.

More than two-thirds of retailers surveyed say they are prioritizing upgrading their returns capabilities within the next six months, and a majority (93%) of retailers said retail fraud and other exploitive behavior is a significant issue for their business.

The Federal Trade Commission is offering these tips for consumers when returning items this holiday season:

• Check out store policies. Return and exchange policies vary by store, and many stores won’t take returns or exchanges after a certain time, like 30 or 90 days. Policies and deadlines are often printed on the back of receipts. Don’t delay in returning your undamaged item to have the best chance for a refund, exchange, or store credit. You might have to contact the manufacturer to return a defective or damaged product after the seller’s return deadline.
• Understand return shipping costs. If someone bought your gift online, search for the seller’s return policy. Pay attention to who pays for shipping. If you have to pay, you might be able to save on fees by returning the item to a local store.
• Use gift card exchange websites with caution. These sites let you sell or swap cards, as well as shop for discounted cards. But always read about an exchange website before selling or buying a gift card. See what others have to say — and make sure the exchange has a post-purchase guarantee that ensures cards are legitimate.
• Gather receipts. Returning or exchanging an item in-store often requires documentation, and maybe an ID. Take the item, receipt, and original packaging to the store. No receipt? Expect a store credit, often for the lowest sales price.
• Ask to speak with a manager. If you have a problem, a supervisor or customer service representative will likely have more flexibility and authority to resolve the issue.

From Rossen Reports, here are the return policies for some of the nation’s biggest retailers:

• Amazon says most items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2024, can be returned through January 31, 2025. Apple brand products purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2024, can be returned through January 15, 2025.
• Walmart says most items purchased in-store or online from October 1 through December 31 are returnable until January 31, 2025. There are some exceptions, so make sure you check their full holiday return policy here.
• Target’s general return policy is 90 days; however, Target has specific policies for electronics bought during the holidays. For all electronics and entertainment items (excluding Apple & Beats products) purchased between November 7 and December 24, a 30-day refund period will start on December 26, and items must be returned by January 24, 2025. For Apple products, including Beats, and mobile phones purchased in-store or online as a pickup order between November 7 and December 24, a 14-day refund window starts on December 26, and items must be returned by January 8, 2025.
• Best Buy says most purchases made November 1 through December 31 have an extended return period through January 14, 2025. Items purchased with a third-party contract, like activatable smart phones and tablets, have a 14-day return window unless otherwise specified. Holiday decorations must be returned within 15 days of purchase.
• Macy’s says most purchases made from October 7, 2024, through December 31, 2024, will be accepted for return until Jan. 31, 2025.
• JCPenney says most purchases made on or after October 15th may be returned through January 15, 2025.

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Click here for some more tips on holiday gift returns from the Better Business Bureau.

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