Returning the Gift That Makes
You Look Fat

• Make returns in bulk. If you have several items to go back to the same retailer, bring them all in one trip. In addition to saving time, this will help you avoid being flagged by store computers that track how often individual customers make returns. You don't want to be labeled a "serial returner" whose merchandise should not be accepted.
  
  

• Bring your driver's license. This season, seven in 10 retailers will require ID from customers who don't have a receipt, reports the NRF. And some retailers, including Best Buy, will require it even for returners who have a receipt. Reason: Information from driver's licenses and other forms of ID helps retailers identify serial returners.
  
  To check your own returns history, and correct mistakes, e-mail your name and phone number to ReturnActivityReport@TheRetailEquation.com, a company that monitors returns for many stores.
  
  

• Preserve the packaging. Don't open boxes or clamshells, and don't tamper with original packaging or the items you intend to return, and that includes snipping tags from clothing. If you do open an item, preserve the packaging in good condition and with all the manuals and accessories — every little thing that came in the box. If the merchant notes something missing or otherwise thinks the item may not be easily resold, the return may be refused.
  
  Return of some opened items in the original packaging may result in a restocking fee of 15 percent or more of cost. This usually applies to electronics but in some stores also to sporting goods, appliances, tools and other goods.
  
  

Go online before standing in line. Gifts purchased online sometimes can't be returned in-store and vice versa. So before you make a trip to the retailer or post office, check the retailer's website about its specific policies.

Sid Kirchheimer writes about consumer and health issues.