A lot of retailers extend return policies over the Christmas gifting period but there's a fine line between refund deadlines, exchangeable items and gift card policies.
Stores including John Lewis, Boots and Amazon all have different policies that shoppers should make note of. This year, Christmas deliveries are expected to be a lot busier than normal as planned postal strikes are in place, and shoppers looking to return unwanted presents or wrong items may have to be a lot quicker than usual to avoid being turned down for a refund.
Delivery experts at Parcel Hero have warned shoppers about the refund deadlines for online orders. Shoppers should note that for many online retailers the window of raising a refund is within 30 days of dispatch or estimated delivery, not from the date you receive the item.
READ MORE: Aldi shoppers 'so happy' with £45 Specialbuy straighteners that are 'better than GHDs'
Parcel Hero compare everyday delivery prices, from DHL to Evri and DPD so it can also help shoppers pay the cheapest price for shipping.
ParcelHero's head of consumer research, David Jinks, shared some shopping advice. He said: "This year, it will be even easier to lose track of an order as Christmas deliveries are disrupted by strikes, delays in goods from China because of Covid lockdowns and seasonal staff shortages post-Brexit.
"However, if you leave it too late to inform the seller the item has not arrived, they might refuse to reimburse you or send a replacement item. Then you may face something of a battle to get your money back. Some retailers and platforms have a very limited window for raising a problem."
To help shoppers get a refund this Christmas period (for whatever reason) we've put together a list of several popular retailers and their individual return and exchange policies - the majority of which are different to the rest of the year.
Amazon
The online retailer normally offers a 30 day window, from order date, to raise an issue and log a refund claim. This includes issues like delayed delivery, damaged products on delivery or returning an item you no longer want (in perfect condition).
During the Christmas period, it has extended its refund and returns policy to accommodate shoppers who have potentially bought the wrong gift. Most of the items purchased between November 1 and December 31 can now be returned until January 31, 2023, but it does depend on the seller and item.
John Lewis
Taking a similar approach to Amazon, John Lewis has extended its return policy meaning shoppers have up until January 28, 2023 to return all gifts bought from September 2022.
It's one of the longest Christmas return policies from a retailer and will give some shoppers, especially those who bought early, four months to return an item. Full details on how to get your money back, including repayment type can be seen on their website, here.
Boots
The beauty and health retailer normally gives shoppers up to 35 days to return unwanted and unopened items, for either a full refund or replacement. Shoppers can do this in-store or by printing a return form with Royal Mail.
This December, shoppers who bought from its store, including gifts for friends or family (with a gift receipt) have until January 31, 2023 to return items for a refund.
Nobody's Child
The retailer is a firm favourite for special occasion dresses, especially end of year work parties and Christmas Eve dresses. As popular as its clothes are, its prices are on the higher side, so it's even more crucial shoppers get their money back if they don't like the fit.
But Nobody's Child don't offer an extended Christmas period refund window; shoppers just have the normal 30 days from purchase to make a return. If you bought a Christmas gift from here then this is something to keep in mind, as it may be easy to go over the return deadline.
M&S
The supermarket has extended its returns policy this festive season, and shoppers have until the end of January.
M&S have confirmed with a statement on its website, which reads: "To help you shop with confidence this season, we've extended our usual limit for returns. Any purchases made online or in store between 13 October and 24 December 2022 can be returned up until 28 January 2023. For purchases made from 25 December onwards, our normal refund policy will apply."
This means anything bought in the Boxing Day or New Year sales will not be under the same Christmas period return policy, instead shoppers will have its standard 35 days from purchase.
Aldi Specialbuys
Aldi has one of the longest return policy windows outside of the Christmas period, so it's not too surprising that the retailer hasn't extended its 'money-back' dates.
Shoppers have 60-days from purchase to return a Specialbuy item, from air fryers to toys and candles. Items including jewellery and chilled and frozen foods are non-returnable under the supermarkets, 'change of mind' policy. You can shop its current Specialbuys here.
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