ORLANDO, Fla. – Here’s a heads-up for shoppers trying to get those last-minute holiday gifts: Costs could sneak up on you -- even after you buy.
Many retailers are charging return and restocking fees.
According to the 2022 Consumer Returns in the Retail Industry report by the National Retail Federation, companies lost $816 billion in returns last year.
“We have seen a high holiday return rate. It’s about 18% year-to-year of the purchases that are made during the holidays, returned right after the holidays,” said Amanda Bevis, spokesperson for the Florida Retail Federation.
According to Bevis, fraudulent returns cost retailers more than $17 billion, which has led companies to crack down. A slew of retailers are charging a fee for items returned through the mail.
News 6 compiled this list of retailers tacking on the fee. Click each store to see its return policy.
- JCPenney: $8
- TJ Maxx: $11.99
- DSW: $8.50
- Zara: $3.95
- H&M: $5.99
- J.Crew: $7.50
- Anthropologie: $5.95
- Best Buy customers could get hit with a $45 restocking fee for sending back some opened purchases.
What can shoppers do to avoid the cost?
“Know the return policies. Just knowing in advance what that window is for return, what information you may need for return, and if there is a restocking fee may help you make those informed decisions,” said Bevis. “You can take advantage of those that have a local footprint in the state of Florida. I’m sure there is no shipping fee when you walk into a store and return on site.”
If you cannot make it to the store, what else can you do?
“Another way in which retail stores are helping consumers through the return phase of the holiday season is through loyalty programs. Many times return shoppers can be loyalty members and benefit from rewards programs. Through those rewards programs, they may have access to reduced shipping rates, and/or eliminating return fees,” Bevis told News 6.
Most loyalty programs are free to join. According to Bevis, stores are trying to make returns easier. Many are extending the return window, so shoppers have more time to bring items back.
If you do not know what to get a loved one this year, Bevis said you cannot go wrong with a gift card. “Fifty-five percent of consumers this holiday season say gift card is number one on their list.”