0 5 tips: Be a return-friendly shopper this holiday season

You may think you've bought the perfect gift for everyone on your list, but at least some of your recipients are likely to disagree.

To help make the return process easier on your gift recipients, consider the following:

1. Check store return policies: It helps to know whether your gift recipient can return something purchased at a store's website to the store's nearest location, instead of having to box it up and ship it off. Big-box stores usually specify on their websites whether you can return something purchased online in a local store.

2. Look for restocking fees: Many retailers impose restocking fees, usually 15 percent of the product's cost, but these fees apply mostly to electronics. In general, retailers can be quick to impose restocking fees on returned electronics.

3. Know what can and can't be returned: Opened softwareincluding video games, audio CDs and moviesusually are not returnable, though your gift recipient should be able to exchange it if the electronics gift is defective.

4. How many days after purchase are returns allowed: Many big-box stores and other merchants have regular return policies of about 60 to 90 days, but usually have shorter periods for electronics, software, CDs and DVDs. Using a certain credit card can also potentially extend the return window as well. During the holidays, retailers sometimes extend deadlines.

5. Get a gift receipt: Many merchants used to offer at least store credit to shoppers without one. These days, more turn those people away.
   

For details on return policies and gotchas to be wary of as well as several apps that can help make returns easier read Hassle-free gift returns, which includes a list of retailers with crazy-good return policies, plus others that offer fast refunds.