WITH Christmas come and gone, the question for many people now is what they should do with faulty presents and gifts that just aren't right.
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Whether it's a toy that won't turn on or a dress that doesn't quite fit, it's important to know your rights when it comes to return and exchange policies.
Under Australian Consumer Law, consumers are well covered when claiming for faulty or damaged goods, however you can also return unused, unsuitable or unwanted items.
Consumers are advised to check individual businesses policies as time limits, acceptable conditions and other requirements such as receipts and packaging can vary between organisations.
The Department of Fair Trading website is also a great asset to help consumers ensure they receive the best outcome possible.
A spokesperson from Big W in Orange, in NSW's Central West, also said that cards were the best way to track down a purchase if receipts have been lost.
"If you have swiped your Everyday Rewards card when you made the purchases then we can track them down easily for refunds or exchanges," he said.
"You can also provide bank statements if you have used Eftpos in store or a credit card online, to show any purchases."
A spokesperson for Kmart in Dubbo, also in the state's Central West, said people are welcome to contact their local stores for help with returning items.
"We have a really customer friendly policy when it comes to exchanging items or getting refunds," she said.
"If you have a receipt we are able to offer a full refund for faulty items.
"If you don't have a receipt we can still exchange an item or even provide an exchange voucher to purchase something else.
"We also have our 60 Day - Change of Mind policy where you can exchange items with a few exceptions such as earrings and underwear."
Simone Saigi from Bathurst's Cotton On store, in NSW's Central Tablelands, said they also took a proactive approach when it came to returns.
"You can return items at any store or even online which is great for people in regional areas," she said.
"We also have a great Change of Mind policy which, like most retail stores, has some exceptions due to hygiene reasons.
"If people are worried about receipts, the best idea is to use your Perks loyalty card when you purchase as all stores will be able to easily find your transactions."
Of course things don't always goes as smoothly as planned and most refunds or exchanges can vary depending on issues such as the return reason or condition of items.
Anyone struggling to obtain a refund or exchange should visit the Department of Fair Trading's website for an in depth list of rules and regulations, along with tips on how to resolve issues.
