Retailers are cracking down on return policies to discourage billions of dollars worth of anticipated returns this year.

                By                    Josephine Nesbit

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WRAL News reported that an estimated $135 billion worth of products will be returned this holiday season, and some retailers are making attempts to cut down on costs associated with shipping and return fraud by charging shipping or restocking fees. Anthropologie, Zara, H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch, Dillards, JCPenney and many more are charging up to $8.50 for returns while other retailers have shortened their return windows.

Shopping expert Trae Bodge explained to WCPO that in addition to closely monitoring returns for fraud, fewer stores are offering free returns and more are charging shipping or restocking fees. “Retailers are really trying to figure out how they can allow consumers to return but also not have to shoulder all the expense,” she said.

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If you do need to make a return, WRAL recommended the following:

  • Keep products in original packagingKeep the gift receiptBring your ID

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Lastly, WRAL explained that if an item is broken or defective, most retailers will give you a refund or allow you to exchange it. If you have questions about a store’s return policy, you can go to their website or call directly.

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