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Date Published: 27/12/2024

Everything you need to know about returning unwanted Christmas gifts

Your complete guide to exchanging Christmas presents or demanding a refund in Spain

With a bit of luck, you’ve hit the Christmas present jackpot this year and have avoided any awkward moments around the tree. While many children in Spain will still be waiting for a boat-load of goodies when The Three Kings arrive next month, for most of us the big day has now come and gone.

If you’ve had the misfortune of having to pull the ‘Oh, I love it’ face on Christmas morning while unwrapping an unwanted pair of socks, now’s probably the time when you’re thinking of exchanging this gift. The shops will likely be flooded with customers over the next few days, so it’s important that you know your rights to avoid any delays or disappointment.

Stores will have their own return policy

Ok, it might seem obvious, but one of the most important things to know before hitting the shops is the policies regarding the store in question. Read the small print (if you have the receipt), as many places will implement stricter deadlines for returns this time of year.

Shops are well within their rights to alter their policies, once it’s explicitly stated.

Some other common rules include:

The product can only be returned in its original packaging
You must have the original receipt or a gift receipt
No cash refunds – exchange or gift card only

Receipts

When you’re buying a present for someone else, it’s always a good idea to ask for a gift receipt. These receipts don’t usually state the actual price of the item.

But in a nutshell, you’re going to find it very difficult to exchange a present or get a refund if you don’t have some kind of receipt, be it electronic or paper.

Packaging

Kids (and adults) can get a little excited on Christmas morning, and it’s not unusual for us to tear boxes and packaging to shreds in our rush to get to the surprise underneath. But if the product has been used (or appears to have been used), stores could very easily refuse to take it back.

This stands to reason, as most will need to put the item back on the shelf.

Again, it will depend on the return policy, but places will generally only issue a refund or exchange if the gift is in its original packaging, together with anything that was inside the box (cables, chargers, spare parts etc.)

Return period

The time frame for returning gifts will depend on the type of product, the store in question, whether it was purchased online or physically, and, of course on what the return policy establishes. Normally, the time frame ranges from 30 to 60 days in the case of physical products in stores, and up to 14 days to return products purchased online.

In any case, consumers have the right, if they have received a product in poor condition or with quality defects, to appeal under the legal product guarantee, which is valid for a period of 6 months.

10 things to keep in mind when returning a gift, according to the OCU

The Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) has produced a set of handy tips to cut down on the stress of returning Christmas presents.

Ask about the store's sales policy before purchasing to find out if you can change the colour, size or model.
If the establishment announces a deadline for possible exchanges or returns, it must respect it. If this is the case, do not feel any qualms about asking for them.
Some stores that accept returns will not give you cash, but a gift card or voucher that can be redeemed within a certain period of time. Before making the purchase, to avoid surprises, also find out about this point and make sure that you do not miss the validity period.
Avoid paying in advance for anything that you can’t take away with you on the day. If you have to leave a deposit, try to pay the smallest amount possible.
The seller cannot unilaterally modify the price initially set if there has been no change in the order by the buyer. If the seller does not respect this price, do not settle: complain: use the complaint forms.
If you detect a manufacturing defect or fault in the product you have purchased, you can use the warranty: demand that they deliver a product in perfect condition or that they repair the one with the problem. If you cannot reach an agreement, you could ask for a price reduction if you keep it as is, or even for your money back (claiming termination of the contract, since the seller has breached part of their commercial agreement).
Always request and demand a receipt or invoice, the seller is obliged to give it to you. Keep it for any changes or claims, or to claim the warranty.
In the case of repairs or alterations carried out by the seller or any worker under his/her responsibility, you can reject the item or product when it is not satisfactory. If it is beyond repair (for example, an item of clothing), ask for a new one or for your money back.
If you place an order and you are particularly interested in it being carried out according to certain characteristics, state this on the order form. If your request is not respected, do not accept it.
Remember that for purchases made remotely (online, telephone, catalogue, etc.) the consumer has 14 calendar days to return the product free of charge.

Image: Freepik

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