The Christmas holidays are a time for giving and receiving gifts, but what happens when you receive a gift that you really don't want to keep?
There are some options available to us in this instance, according to Switcher.ie's commercial manager Eoin Clarke. This year Irish shoppers spent more than €700 on Christmas presents, which is whopping 33% increase from 2020.
Eoin Clarke, commercial director of Switcher.ie, commented that it is important to avoid waste. He said: "With so many of us scrambling to cut corners this year, it’s important to avoid waste at all costs. Even if something is gifted, you should always try for a refund or exchange - some shops might accommodate you as a gesture of goodwill.”
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“If you’re comfortable asking the gift giver, find out if the gift was bought online, as they may have extra refund rights. Selling online or regifting are other ways to save money and reduce waste - while donating to charities and schools helps support local communities," he added.
With the cost of living continuing to rise and the new year right around the corner, it's important to make sure nothing goes to waste. Here are seven top tips from Switcher.ie when it comes to dealing with unwanted gifts:
Try for a store refund
If you received a Christmas gift this year that you really don't want, always try for a refund or exchange in store if you have a gift receipt. Although shops are not legally required to give you one, some shops will accept your return and provide a refund, exchange or credit note as a gesture of goodwill.
Check for faults
While you may not have the same legal rights as the person who purchased the gift, if your gift is damaged or faulty and you have the receipt it should be possible for you to get an exchange or refund. So make sure to carefully check the gift for any noticeable faults and if you find any, return to the gift to the shop it was bought from for a refund or exchange.
Ask if the gift was bought online
It's worth asking whoever gave you the gift if it was bought online, because online shoppers in Ireland are entitled to a 14-day cooling off period because they can't view before paying. If you're comfortable asking, check if your gift was bought online.
Selling your gift online
If you can't get a refund or an exchange from the shop on your unwanted present, you can sell it online on Done deal, Amazon, Adverts or Depop for clothing. This way you might get some cash and get rid of the unwanted gift in one fell swoop.
Regifting your present
If we're being honest, we've all been guilty in the past of regifting our unwanted presents to someone else on birthdays and special occasions, and Christmas is no different. You can instead give your unwanted present to a family member or friend, and it might save you a few quid.
Donating your gift
For those considering donating their unwanted Christmas gift, it's possible to donate gifts to a local charity, school or community group. It's best to check that they will accept your gift first.
Swap gifts
If you know a friend who is looking to get rid of their unwanted presents, you can swap gifts with them. But there's also other handy apps like Nuw which allows you to swap or lend your like-new clothes, or you can attend a swap-shop event.
For more information and advice visit Switcher.ie
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