Would you rather that black iPad 2 for the white? Or maybe you would prefer Skyrim instead of Gears of War 3. No worries check out the return policy of major retailers here after the jump.
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You’re certainly grateful, but from the moment you unwrapped it, you knew Aunt Agnes’ gift would—how do we put this nicely?—make someone else much happier. (Sure, you like green, but you really wanted that Kindle case in blue.) Lucky for you, that expendable present can be traded in for something you can use, be it the same product in a different color, a newer version, or simply store credit.
Many online and brick-and-mortar retailers have extended return policies for the holidays to make the exchange easier. Keep in mind, though, that many returns are subject to restocking fees and that at many superstores, the return window for consumer electronics is shorter than for, say, a snow blower. The policies vary greatly from store to store, so before you swap, read PCMag’s rundown of return policies at popular retailers.
Amazon
Holiday return policy: Items shipped by Amazon.com between November 1 and December 31 may be returned until January 31, 2012, for a full refund.
Remember: Order number is needed, which can be found on the packaging slip or by contacting customer service
Visit Amazon’s Return Center here.
Apple
Holiday return policy: Items purchased at the Apple Online Store between October 29 and December 25 may be returned through January 9, 2012.
Remember: This extended holiday return policy does not apply to iPhones or wireless service contracts.
See Apple’s full return policy here.
AT&T
Holiday return policy: No extended holiday return policy applies. Any products may be returned to an AT&T store within 30 days of when the product was purchased or shipped. Tablets and MOTOROLA LAPDOCKTM for MOTOROLA ATRIXTM4G must be returned within 14 days of purchase.
Remember: A $35 restocking fee applies to all devices (excluding tablets). The restocking fee does not apply to iPhone if it is returned, unopened, during the return period.
See AT&T’s full return policy here.
Barnes & Noble
Holiday return policy: Orders placed between November 14 and December 31 may be returned through January 31, 2012.
Remember: NOOKs must be sent to a separate return center than all other items. Either call 1-800-THE-BOOK (843-2665) for a return authorization, or return it to a Barnes & Noble store.
See Barnes & Nobles’ full return policy here.
Best Buy
Holiday return policy: Gift purchases made between November 13 and December 24 can be returned through January 24, 2012. Premiere Silver members may make returns through February 7, 2012.
Remember: The original receipt, gift receipt or packing slip is required for all returns and exchanges. If returning or exchanging an item in a Best Buy store, a valid photo ID is also required.
See Best Buy’s full return policy here.
Buy.com
Holiday return policy: Items shipped between November 21 and December 31 may be returned until January 31, 2012.
Remember: If returned opened, software, music, videos, DVDs, games, and books may only be exchanged for the exact same product.
See Buy.com’s full return policay here.
eBay
Holiday return policy: Varies from seller to seller.
Remember: Don’t return the item unless the seller or eBay asks you to.
See eBay’s full return policy here.
GameStop
Holiday return policy: Unopened purchases made between October 9 and December 24 may be returned through January 15, 2012.
Remember: After 30 days, terms and conditions of manufacturer’s warranty apply to defective gaming systems and computer hardware.
See GameStop’s full return policy here.
Macy’s
Holiday return policy: No extended holiday return policy. Items may be exchanged at any time.
Remember: Most items purchased on Macys.com can be returned either by mail or at a store, although select electronics can only be returned by mail.
See Macy’s full return policy here.
Newegg
Holiday return policy: Under the Iron Egg Standard Return Policy, the standard 30-day return policy is extended to 60 days on almost every item.
Remember: Check individual product descriptions to ensure the extended policy applies.
See Newegg’s full return policy here.
Radio Shack
Holiday return policy: No extended holiday return policy. Items may be returned with 30 days of purchase.
Remember: Some items purchased online may not be returnable at retail stores.
See Radio Shack’s full return policy here.
Sears
Holiday return policy: Most purchases made from November 13 to December 10 have an extended return period up to 120 days from the date of purchase; consumer electronics and some other categories have an extended return period of 60 days and computers have an extended return period of 30 days.
Remember: With Sears’ Return or Exchange in 5, you can start your return or exchange process online and when you get to the store, Sears guarantees it will be completed within five minutes. If it takes longer than five minutes, the store will give you a $5 coupon good for your next in-store purchase.
See Sears’ full return policy here.
Sprint
Holiday return policy: No extended holiday return policy applies. Under the Sprint Satisfaction Guarantee, products can be returned within 14 days of purchase.
Remember: Customers are responsible for all usage charges during the 14-day period.
See Sprint’s full return policy here.
Target
Holiday return policy: No extended holiday return policy applies. Most items can be returned within 90 days or purchase, although electronics must be returned within 45 days.
Remember: Some items, such as music, movies, video games and software, are not returnable if opened and may only be exchangeable.
See Target’s full return policy here.
Verizon
Holiday return policy: Purchases made between November 15 and December 28 may be returned or exchanged through January 15, 2012.
Remember: A $35 restocking fee applies to any return or exchange of a wireless device ($70 for netbooks and tablets).
See Verizon’s full return policy here.
Walmart
Holiday return policy: Items purchased between November 1 and December 24 that usually have a 15-day return policy (video game hardware, GPS units, digital music players, tablets, e-readers, and portable video players) can be returned through January 10, 2012. Items purchased between November 1 and December 24 that usually have a 30-day return policy (lawn mowers, line trimmers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, compressors, pressure washers and generators) can be returned through January 25, 2012. All other items are subject to the standard 90-day return policy.
Remember: A refund can be issued for the cost of the item and the sales tax, if applicable. The refund will be in the form of a store credit, cash, or credit to a credit or debit card depending on whether you have the receipt or if you are within the guidelines of the No Receipt return policy.
See Walmart’s full return policy here.
