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The holidays are a time for giving…and giving back.
A report from Adobe Analytics states that customer returns are expected to increase by 25% to 35% from December 26 to December 31. October Report Surveys from the National Retail Federation and Happy Returns found that returns account for a significant portion of sales.
“Retailers expect to return 15.8% of annual sales in 2025, with total retail industry returns expected to reach $849.9 billion in 2025,” the report found.
If you find yourself with a bunch of holiday returns, you’ll benefit from organizing them strategically to avoid missed deadlines, unexpected fees, or refund denials.
Taking inventory
Keep all expected returns in a convenient location at home for an initial inventory. Please be sure to have the original packaging, packing list, receipt and accessories. If you are missing any of these, you may want to ask the gift giver.
Use digital tools to organize documentation and information about your items, says Clay Cary, senior trend analyst at discount site CouponFollow.
“The best way to track returns is to have all the information in one place,” Cary tells us independent in an email. “A note-taking app, spreadsheet program, or designated email folder will help consumers track the date and time of their return, as well as the tracking number and refund notification.”
As Cary suggests, it’s smart to have a returns spreadsheet. You might initially list each item’s description, retailer, purchase date, return deadline, and other details later.
Pay attention to policies and deadlines
Checking each retailer’s return policy and deadlines is crucial to avoid missing your return window, having your return rejected, or missing out on a full refund.
Andrea Woruch, a nationally recognized consumer and money-saving expert, says return policies are typically more flexible during the holidays. As shown in the following example, you’ll often get a special return window for holiday purchases:
- Amazon: January 31 for most items purchased between November 1 and December 31 (January 15 for Apple products)
- Apple: Qualifying purchases received between November 12 and December 25 will be effective on January 8
- Best Buy: Deadline for most items purchased between October 31 and December 31 is January 15, My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total have extended deadlines
- Macy’s: Most items purchased between October 6 and December 31 will expire on January 31
- Target: 90 days from the date of purchase for most unopened items, but starting December 26, the holiday return period is extended to 14 to 30 days for electronics and Target Plus items purchased between November 1 and December 24)
- Walmart: Effective January 31 for most items purchased between October 1st and December 31st.
Please read the fine print as certain items and purchases from third-party merchants have different rules. Pay attention to deadlines on digital calendars and inventory spreadsheets, and find a good way to remind yourself of important dates.
“I like to set reminders a few days before the deadline so I have time to go to the store,” Woruch told me independent in an email. “Or, add a sticky note to each gift with the retailer’s return deadline so you don’t forget.”
Group returns by retailer and expiration date
Once you’ve researched the important return policy details, group your items by store so you’ll be grateful when you return them. Then, each item’s purchase date is compared to the retailer’s return deadline to prioritize returns by urgency.
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Start thinking about specific dates for filing your return so you don’t get overwhelmed or risk missing the deadline. If you only have a few items, you may prefer to get rid of them all in one day. In other cases, you can deal with one store at a time.
Choose your approach strategically
While you may have to wait in long lines, returning items in person often results in a quicker refund because the retailer doesn’t have to receive and process the package in the mail. Plus, you can more easily get help from employees and avoid potential mail-in return fees at big-box retailers like Macy’s and TJ Maxx.
If you mail your return, learn about fees, packaging requirements, and any special options available, such as Amazon’s free boxless returns at Kohl’s, the UPS Store, and other affiliated retailers. To ensure your returns go smoothly, Cary recommends a few things you should always do.
“Consumers should retain original packaging when possible, consider using tracked shipping, and retain delivery receipts until the refund process is complete,” he said. “Sending returns before the deadline and understanding shipping times are also a consideration.”
Follow closely
After returning your item, please be on the lookout for tracking updates, refund confirmations, and communications from the retailer who may require additional details. You may also be able to track returns on the retailer’s website. Update your returns spreadsheet when you receive news.
If you encounter an issue, such as a delayed refund or declined return, or just want a personalized update, please contact the retailer. In Waruch’s experience, a simple phone call can bring unexpected rewards.
“I’ve called Amazon in the past and found out that not only was there no refund for the return I questioned, but there were other returns that were found by coworkers that they never refunded me because I completely ignored it, which would have cost me about $75,” she said.
If your mailed return is lost, the retailer may ask you to contact the shipping company. Carriers such as USPS, FedEx, and UPS often provide online complaint forms that you can submit.