Gift Receipts Make Holiday Returns Easier

By Allan Pulga

More shoppers than ever plan on including gift receipts with the gifts they give this holiday season.

A recent survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF) has found that 56.9 per cent of holiday gift givers enclose a gift receipt or an original receipt with a gift most or some of the time, up from 49.0 per cent in 2005.

“It has become common practice for store employees to automatically ask shoppers if they would like a gift receipt with their purchase,” said NRF CEO Tracy Mullin, in a statement. “Gift receipts not only simplify the return process for the customer, but they also allow the retailer to verify that the merchandise was purchased in their store.”

The NRF survey also found that 37.6 per cent of shoppers will return a gift this Christmas. With regards to retailers’ return policies, consumers can appreciate the rules exist for a reason – 88.2 per cent of respondents consider stores’ return policies to be fair.

“Retailers are constantly doing their best to make sure the return process is as streamlined as possible,” said Mullin. “While they are working to maximize the shopping experience for their customers, they are also working hard to minimize the possibility of potential fraud.”

• Clearly explain your store’s return policy at the point of sale. Having it prominently displayed is helpful. Indicate WHEN this return policy expires.
• Ask the customer if he/she would like a gift receipt. Emphasize its necessity in the return/refund process and how it facilitates easier processing and service.
• Explain the necessity of original packaging and all parts in the return/refund process. Obviously this is essential in cellular retail scenarios.
• Explain whether returns/refunds can be made at another store location (in a chain) or only at the original purchase location.
• Keep extra holiday staff on schedule for at least the week after Christmas, to attend to the surge in returns and customer service requirements.