What
To Do WIth A Dud Gift
By Marshall Loeb, CBS.MarketWatch.com
Dec. 7, 2004
It's
bound to happen every time the holidays roll around: You get a gift that
is great, but a little off (wrong size, unflattering color, etc.); way
off-base (Omaha steaks for a vegetarian); or just awful (trophy plaque
with a plastic rhinoceros head).
Before
you chuck the offending object into the regift pile or add it to the stash
of trash bound for the curb, here are some options to get something from
your worst gifts.
-
Return it. Without a receipt, most store representatives
will try to give you store credit. Before you accept, ask to speak with
a manager about your options. He or she may be able to offer you cash back
or another form of payment. If you have a receipt, you'll probably have
your choice of options -- cash back or store credit.
Whether
you're returning or exchanging, ask a store representative if your refund
will be discounted. Some stores take a percentage off the price of returned
items or automatically refund the lowest price if an expensive item has
since gone on sale.
-
Auction it. So you think that aluminum tree from Aunt
Edna is tacky, and the turkey- and gravy-flavored Jones soda from your
cousin Joe is just gross. Surprise: You may not want these items, but others
will. Both items are going for big bucks on auction Web sites such as eBay.
The site allows you to sign up for free and auction off your items (for
a nominal fee).
-
Swap it. Even gift certificates can be exchanged.
Visit www.swapagift.com, where you
can register for free to view listings of available gift cards. It costs
$3.99 to post a listing, whether your gift card is for $5 or $500. You
can choose to swap your gift card for one from another store, or you can
hold out for cash -- almost always less than the gift card is worth.