Christmas is just around the corner and soon people will get to the last door in their chocolate, beauty or skin-care advent calendar.
Whilst the countdown to the big day is underway, many people will still be thinking about what to get everyone.
And whilst we can only do our best, sometimes we need to return an item. But thankfully retailers extend their return policies at this time of year to allow for this should it happen.
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Refund deadlines, exchangeable items and gift card policies can vary, with each store operating a different policy. And sometimes the policies even differ from item to item.
Delivery experts at Parcel Hero, as reported by the Echo, have warned shoppers about refund deadlines for online orders as they warn shoppers the window of raising a refund is usually within 30 days of dispatch or estimated delivery - not from the date you receive the item.
Parcel Hero, who compare everyday delivery prices, from DHL to Evri and DPD, can also help shoppers pay the cheapest price for shipping.
The company's head of consumer research, David Jinks, shared some shopping advice explaining: "This year, it will be even easier to lose track of an order as Christmas deliveries are disrupted by strikes, delays in goods from China because of Covid lockdowns and seasonal staff shortages post-Brexit.
"However, if you leave it too late to inform the seller the item has not arrived, they might refuse to reimburse you or send a replacement item. Then you may face something of a battle to get your money back. Some retailers and platforms have a very limited window for raising a problem."
So what are the deadlines for some of the most popular retailers? Here's what you need to know.
Christmas refund deadlines for major retailers
Amazon
The online marketplace usually offers a 30 day window from the day of purchase should you need to raise an issue and log a refund claim. This includes issues such as delayed delivery, damaged products upon delivery and returning an item you no longer want - so long as it is in perfect condition.
During the Christmas period however, they have extended its refund and returns policy. Most of the items purchased between November 1 and December 31 can now be returned up until January 31, 2023. However shoppers should note that this depends on the seller and item.
John Lewis
John Lewis have also extended its return policy meaning shoppers now have until January 28, 2023 to return all gifts bought from September 2022.
It's one of the longest Christmas return policies from a retailer and in total, will give prepared shoppers four months to return an item. Full details on how to get your money back, including repayment type can be seen on their website.
Boots
The beauty and health retailer usually gives shoppers up to 35 days to return unwanted and unopened items, for either a full refund or replacement and shoppers can do this either in-store or by printing a return form with Royal Mail.
This month, shoppers who bought from its store - so long as you have a gift receipt - have until January 31, 2023 to return items for a refund.
Marks and Spencer
The supermarket has extended its returns policy this festive season with people now having until the end of January.
M&S have confirmed: "To help you shop with confidence this season, we've extended our usual limit for returns. Any purchases made online or in store between 13 October and 24 December 2022 can be returned up until 28 January 2023. For purchases made from 25 December onwards, our normal refund policy will apply."
This means anything bought in the Boxing Day or New Year sales will not be under the same Christmas period return policy, instead shoppers will have its usual policy of 35 days.
Aldi Specialbuys
Shoppers have 60 days from the date of purchase to return a Specialbuy item.
However popular items such as jewellery and chilled and frozen foods are non-returnable under the supermarkets, 'change of mind' policy. You can shop its current Specialbuys here.
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