Customers Rush To Retailers With Returns - kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen

You may know it as the nightmare after Christmas when trying to return those unwanted gifts from the holidays. Not only are there long lines but you have to make sure you remember a list of things just to return an item.

Alexandra Lesane didn't expect to jump right to the front of the return line on the day after Christmas, a day known for long lines, returns, and exchanges.

"Wow I'm surprised it wasn't so busy in here today," said Alexandra as she stepped up to the cashier at Target in Harker Heights.

She's returning a gift that she thought would be perfect for her daughter. "If course, I guess grandma thought the same thing so she went ahead and got it but since she got it I'm gonna return mine and get her something else," said Alexandra.

But returning some gifts isn't always as easy as you think.

"Electronics are really tricky because there are restocking fees associated with electronics. They're popular gifts this time of year. Many retailers will charge you a little portion of the purchase prices, 15%, 20%, whether you've opened it or not," said Jody Rohlena, Senior Editor at Shop Smart Magazine.

And Consumer Reports recommends you bring a gift receipt, some store won't accept returns without one.

Check your receipts for on-line purchases because some items may not be returned to stores

Some gift cards can't be returned, not even a cash refund.

And if it came from a store's outlet, they may not be returnable either.

But today, Alexandra came prepared. "Usually they tell you to bring your ID, the receipt and the item, make sure it's not open which this one wasn't so it's real easy," she said.

And don't forget to keep your receipt and also check the return policy depending on the item it could have the standard 90 days or even a 45 day return policy.