I Don't Get It - Returns!?

[Daxx]

a gift receipt is a proof of purchase---but usually doesn't actually have the price on it.

Exactly! I've never seen a gift receipt w/a price on it! Just the code numbers of the item, the name of the store and the date of purchase. It also shows payment type (credit card, cash, check, etc.).

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

With all that said, I'm getting the impression that people don't give gift receipts b/c they're "thrifty" w/their gifts and are embarrassed for the recipient to know how little they paid for it.

Not at all--if you don't like the ugly pink bunny suit from Aunt Clara--oh well. Aunt Clara went to a lot of trouble to get that for you.

If there is indeed a problem with the gift--if you are too embarrassed to take it up with the giver, the problem lies solely with you.

I guess I have been used to receiving sucky gifts all my life from one person or another---and it doesn't occur to me to return something unless it is broken (in which case asking for the receipt won't be a problem) or it doesn't fit (same deal unless the item was homemade).


'Tis the season for greed I guess. It is rude to not give a gift receipt in the off chance your gift stinks. Which goes back to my whole thing of why exchange gifts--save the effort and money and just do a shopping spree for yourself at the holidays--you will get what you want, when you want it and most certainly it will be the right color and fit properly.

After all we know that Aunt Clara should have known to make a panda suit as pandas are your favorite .

 

[MushyMushy]

That's b/c most people don't want to let you know that your gift sucks and they don't want it. They don't want to offend you. I know that I wouldn't ask anyone for a receipt!!!! Are you telling me that, of all the gifts you've given, not one has ever been returned by someone?! I find that hard to believe.

I was going to tell you that no gift has ever been returned, but that's not true. My mother asked me to return something for her this past week (after being highly offended when DS wanted to return a shirt she bought him), and I did it for her. Other than that, no, I've never had an issue with it. And trust me, my family doesn't care if they offend me. We don't exchange gifts with anyone else really.

Isn't it the thought that counts and not how much was spent on the gift?! What if someone bought that item for $15 but by the time you took it back, the item was marked down to 50 cents and that was all the store would give you. You could've gotten $15 back in store credit w/the gift receipt but now you have the item you don't want or 50 cents in store credit.

With all that said, I'm getting the impression that people don't give gift receipts b/c they're "thrifty" w/their gifts and are embarrassed for the recipient to know how little they paid for it.

I think you hit the nail on the head with it. DH's mom got him a jacket one year for Christmas and it didn't fit. We tried to take it back to Sears where it came from WITH a gift receipt and came to find out that the jacket was extremely discounted. The jacket was nice and the thought did count, but it kind of stinks that he was stuck with a $5 gift certificate for his troubles (that's how much the jacket was after all discounts were taken!).

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

I don't get why people don't give gift receipts with their gifts either. Maybe it's because DH has worked retail for close to 15 years a nd I worked retail for over 10 years before I quit to become a SAHM. Giving gift receipts is just something we don't even think about..we just do it automatically. It's kind of drilled into us, I guess you'd say.

TOV

 

[MushyMushy]

I choose not to give the receipt--if the person needs to return it, they can let me know. We retain the receipt for issues of size and if something might break--but in reality...if they don't like what they got...too bad. Hence why my family does Christmas lists and for birthdays we ask the parent what their child might like.


As far as not knowing how much I paid--I don't think it is an issue...a gift receipt is a proof of purchase---but usually doesn't actually have the price on it.

But when they return the item with the gift receipt, they do find out how much it was.

DH had bought me a watch and it didn't fit on my wrist, so I had to take it back and find out how much it was so I could stay in that price range (he kept insisting that I could go over, but you know how it is). I was getting a little frustrated because I couldn't find a watch that WOULD fit, and they wouldn't give us the cash to go elsewhere. We just had to take the gift card from that store.

I ended up with a cute Mickey watch, but it was a whole lot cheaper than the Pulsar DH got me.

 

[Daxx]

it doesn't occur to me to return something unless it is broken (in which case asking for the receipt won't be a problem) or it doesn't fit (same deal unless the item was homemade).

And, I'm sure if the gift is a duplicate of something you have, you might want to return it (ie: CD, video game). Honestly, I've seen two posts on the board that say "So-and-so bought my DD the same gift that someone else did and Toys R Us won't let me return w/o a receipt". Well, in that case, why isn't that person up front w/"so-and-so" and say "She already received this, do you have the gift receipt so we can get her a store credit to buy something she doesn't have?" If that's the issue, there's nothing rude/wrong about asking for a gift receipt. And, if the gift receipt had been given to begin with, there wouldn't be any issue!

As I stated, I would never ask someone for the receipt or gift receipt. I, too, have received my share of sucky gifts. Some I've returned and some I've been stuck with. I just suck it up and deal. Some gifts just go to charity. C'est la vie. But, it would've been easier to have the gift receipt and have the personal freedom to choose what I want to do w/the gift.

If stores are requiring receipts for returns, and are giving gift receipts to help the policy, then why aren't the gift givers handing out the gift receipts "just in case" the recipient doesn't want/like/need the gift?! I suppose I question why the stores even bother w/gift receipts if gift givers aren't going to include them w/the gift!?

I love to surprise my nieces w/something from a local trendy mall-chain store. I do my best but am by no means perfect (and don't pretend to be). But, I'm def. giving the gift receipt b/c god forbid I spend $75 only for them to get a store credit for $25 b/c item is marked down to $25 the day they return it and they have no receipt to prove that *someone* paid $75 for that item! $50 is a lot to lose when it comes to anything!!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

But when they return the item with the gift receipt, they do find out how much it was.

True--but I thought that people who were thinking that was the reason were thinking that when the gift was opened, they would know how much is spent.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

And, I'm sure if the gift is a duplicate of something you have, you might want to return it (ie: CD, video game). Honestly, I've seen two posts on the board that say "So-and-so bought my DD the same gift that someone else did and Toys R Us won't let me return w/o a receipt". Well, in that case, why isn't that person up front w/"so-and-so" and say "She already received this, do you have the gift receipt so we can get her a store credit to buy something she doesn't have?" If that's the issue, there's nothing rude/wrong about asking for a gift receipt. And, if the gift receipt had been given to begin with, there wouldn't be any issue!

We did just that this Christmas (well back at Thanksgiving anyway when the gift was received).

In my case I haven't had the good fortune of duplicates.

But I wont' give a gift receipt just so you can take it back for something better. You are correct, you may do with it what you wish--but if I bought a gift for you...that is the gift I intended for you to have. You could have provided a list of your particular needs and wants if getting only what you wanted was important. If I wanted to give you some money to go shopping, I would have provided a gift card.

Gift giving isn't about even stevens and satisfying the every whim of the recipient.

 

[Daxx]

But when they return the item with the gift receipt, they do find out how much it was.

DH had bought me a watch and it didn't fit on my wrist, so I had to take it back and find out how much it was so I could stay in that price range (he kept insisting that I could go over, but you know how it is). I was getting a little frustrated because I couldn't find a watch that WOULD fit, and they wouldn't give us the cash to go elsewhere. We just had to take the gift card from that store.

I ended up with a cute Mickey watch, but it was a whole lot cheaper than the Pulsar DH got me.

And, so what if they find out how much (or little) you spent? I do not think that the price of a gift is reflective on how much (or how little) a person cares for you. At least, w/a gift receipt, the person will be able to get something they want/like/need than be stuck w/something they don't want/like/need. And they'll be able to get the full retail value that the gift giver spent. You even said so yourself -- you got the watch you wanted, it was less than what your DH paid and you had some extra cash to spend in the store. You got what you wanted. You weren't stuck w/a watch you didn't want.

My Dad bought me a pair of pants at Ann Taylor Loft. He picked out the wrong size. I had a gift receipt and took them back. He spent $79 on the pants. Price tag was still on the pants, too. The day I returned them (Dec. 27), the same pants were marked down to $39!!! That would've been a waste of $40 if I didn't have the gift receipt and was given a store credit?! And, don't even tell me that b/c of the $79 price tag, they would've given me a $79 credit b/c they give you the last price sold at amount. How would you feel if someone spent a lot on your gift but b/c they didn't give you a gift receipt, you only received a portion of that back!? Or, vice versa!?

 

[DisneyfeverTN]

I usually get gift cards for birthdays. For Christmas, we only exchange with a small group of family members. I did include a gift receipt with my FIL's gift because it was expensive and he has pretty much everything. If he is not going to use it, then I would be perfectly fine with him returning the gift. I have seen expensive gifts that we have given him in the past just sit in their boxes and collect dust.

I also saved all of the receipts so that if my DD (23) needs to return anything, it won't be a problem. I think including a gift receipt is a nice thing to do. Although I might think I've found the perfect gift, the receiver might already have one, need a different size, or might not think it's so perfect. That's ok. I would much rather have someone exchange a gift that they will not use, than feel like they have to display, wear or use it just to humor me.

 

[Daxx]

I think you hit the nail on the head with it. DH's mom got him a jacket one year for Christmas and it didn't fit. We tried to take it back to Sears where it came from WITH a gift receipt and came to find out that the jacket was extremely discounted. The jacket was nice and the thought did count, but it kind of stinks that he was stuck with a $5 gift certificate for his troubles (that's how much the jacket was after all discounts were taken!).

See, at least he didn't get stuck w/a jacket that didn't fit. All said and done, your MIL was v. thrifty w/her shopping. Unfortunately, her gift didn't fit your DH. At least the jacket's not collecting dust in the closet and your DH was able to use the $5 store credit towards something he wanted, right!? So, in the end, it was only $5, but I suppose it's better to have the store credit than a jacket you'd never wear.

 

[Daxx]

Although I might think I've found the perfect gift, the receiver might already have one, need a different size, or might not think it's so perfect. That's ok. I would much rather have someone exchange a gift that they will not use, then feel like they have to display, wear or use it just to humor me.

Exactly!

 

[MushyMushy]

And, so what if they find out how much (or little) you spent? I do not think that the price of a gift is reflective on how much (or how little) a person cares for you. At least, w/a gift receipt, the person will be able to get something they want/like/need than be stuck w/something they don't want/like/need. And they'll be able to get the full retail value that the gift giver spent. You even said so yourself -- you got the watch you wanted, it was less than what your DH paid and you had some extra cash to spend in the store. You got what you wanted. You weren't stuck w/a watch you didn't want.

My Dad bought me a pair of pants at Ann Taylor Loft. He picked out the wrong size. I had a gift receipt and took them back. He spent $79 on the pants. Price tag was still on the pants, too. The day I returned them (Dec. 27), the same pants were marked down to $39!!! That would've been a waste of $40 if I didn't have the gift receipt and was given a store credit?! And, don't even tell me that b/c of the $79 price tag, they would've given me a $79 credit b/c they give you the last price sold at amount. How would you feel if someone spent a lot on your gift but b/c they didn't give you a gift receipt, you only received a portion of that back!? Or, vice versa!?

The person receiving the gift may not feel slighted by a bargain price, but the person giving it may feel embarrassed. Like when DH had to return the jacket, his mother was mortified that he found out she'd spent so little on it.

The whole point about the watch was that my DH wanted to give me a nicer watch than the Timexes I normally wear. Because I was stuck at the same store where he bought it, I bought a cheaper watch -- which I was happy enough with! Don't get me wrong! But I would have paid that much for a watch myself. He wanted to buy me something nicer than I would have bought for myself.

I just can't imagine any of my family members not being able to ask me for the receipt. We're just not that way.

 

[Daxx]

But I wont' give a gift receipt just so you can take it back for something better. You are correct, you may do with it what you wish--but if I bought a gift for you...that is the gift I intended for you to have.

Dear Lisa,

Thank you for the lovely size medium, neon yellow, mohair cardigan sweater. I love cardigan sweaters. How thoughtful of you to purchase a sweater that makes me look like death warmed over, comes to my ankles and makes me break out in hives. I know you spent $85 dollars on it (according to the price tag that was left on it), but when I went to the store to return it for a size and color that suit me best, they were only able to give me $3 b/c it was marked down and I had no gift receipt. It is rather unfortunate that the gift you intended for me to wear and enjoy will sit in my closet unworn and unenjoyed. I am sure that when you bought this gift for me, that wasn't your intent.


OK -- what I am saying is that I might not return it for something "better" but for something that suits me. I would return said cardigan for the same thing in my size and in a color that flatters me. W/o a gift receipt, you have wasted $85 on something that you intended for me but I won't ever wear. BTW -- you ARE a very generous person to spend $85 on little old me!!!!!!

 

[Daxx]

I just can't imagine any of my family members not being able to ask me for the receipt. We're just not that way.

That's great that your family is so open in that manner. I could ask for receipts from my immediate family, but could not do that w/my friends or other relatives (aunts, cousins). However, my immediate family always gives gift receipts "just in case".

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Dear Lisa,

Thank you for the lovely size medium, neon yellow, mohair cardigan sweater. I love cardigan sweaters. How thoughtful of you to purchase a sweater that makes me look like death warmed over, comes to my ankles and makes me break out in hives. I know you spent $85 dollars on it (according to the price tag that was left on it), but when I went to the store to return it for a size and color that suit me best, they were only able to give me $3 b/c it was marked down and I had no gift receipt. It is rather unfortunate that the gift you intended for me to wear and enjoy will sit in my closet unworn and unenjoyed. I am sure that when you bought this gift for me, that wasn't your intent.


OK -- what I am saying is that I might not return it for something "better" but for something that suits me. I would return said cardigan for the same thing in my size and in a color that flatters me. W/o a gift receipt, you have wasted $85 on something that you intended for me but I won't ever wear. BTW -- you ARE a very generous person to spend $85 on little old me!!!!!!

first off I wouldn't buy you that.

Second--my family does gift lists..so there wouldn't be that problem.

Many gifts I buy for the thought--usually aren't something you can return anyway.

Lastly--we don't spend $85 on any single person....so someone put my name in error on that cardigan so that I would catch the heat for such an....."interesting"...gift.


And two pieces of clothing we received this year...I found very interesting...no tag was even attached. They are brand new--but no tag and something totally inappropriate for me and my daughter to wear (IMHO). So they are quietly sneaking into a garage sale pile or some place. My step-mom has never been a good gift giver and I don't suspect her to start now. I just know that it is only going to get worse...but it does keep things light at Christmas time.

 

[maxiesmom]

I wont' give a gift receipt just so you can take it back for something better. You are correct, you may do with it what you wish--but if I bought a gift for you...that is the gift I intended for you to have. You could have provided a list of your particular needs and wants if getting only what you wanted was important. If I wanted to give you some money to go shopping, I would have provided a gift card.

Gift giving isn't about even stevens and satisfying the every whim of the recipient.

So if you buy a gift and it isn't quite what the person wanted, wrong size/wrong color/duplicate gift, you would rather they toss it in a closet and it never see the light of day? Are you not supposed to be buying something the person wants, not what you want them to have? When did gift giving become all about the person buying the gift? Is the person receiving it supposed to go WOW what a great gift giver you are? The gifts I give are meant to please the recipiant, not meant to show how wonderful I am.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

So if you buy a gift and it isn't quite what the person wanted, wrong size/wrong color/duplicate gift, you would rather they toss it in a closet and it never see the light of day? Are you not supposed to be buying something the person wants, not what you want them to have? When did gift giving become all about the person buying the gift? Is the person receiving it supposed to go WOW what a great gift giver you are? The gifts I give are meant to please the recipiant, not meant to show how wonderful I am.

Flip side when did gift receiving become about selfishness and not receiving gracefully.

My family does lists--so getting them something they didn't want/couldn't use is darn near impossible. And they can always ask for the receipt if there is an issue as we had this year with a gift the girls received.

The gifts I give are meant to please the recipient and most are purchased in ways that couldn't be returned anyway with or without a receipt...like the surfboard ornament I got in Hawaii for my friend whose family is a surfing family.

If I wanted you to have a shopping spree--I would have given a gift card..and have done that for some people this year.

I do give gift receipts for items that are a matter of size (that are returnable) or the item could malfunction. Actually we usually carry it on hand and have it available if there is a problem.



This whole gift giving thing at the holidays though is just becoming my annual pet peeve.

A gracious giver will offer to exchange something if it isn't to the recipients liking....but I'm not going to include a gift receipt for behind my back switching. JMHO. So oh well!

 

[katerkat]

Second--my family does gift lists..so there wouldn't be that problem.

We do lists, too, but my older sister doesn't always follow them... I plan on returning what she gave me just because it's not my style. It's in my dish pattern, so she was good on that, but not something I would use. However, she had a baby a few days ago and the last thing I want to ask a hormonal first-time new mom for is the receipt.

 

[katerkat]

And anyway, even with lists, there's a chance of duplicates. My ILs never check with my parents to see who bought what for the munchkin. He got Little People from us, my ILs, his godmother and a Secret Santa, and it was just by luck that none were duplicates.