Looking the gift horse in the mouth – SA’s gift exchange policies

After Christmas stores are usually choc-a-bloc with customers wanting to return gifts. The Consumer Protection Act does not cover the return of goods which are not defective. So retailers have the right to come up with their own exchange or return policies.

Woolworths

Woolworths’ return and refunds policy states that items returned in a saleable condition with the original tax invoice can be exchanged within 60 days for a full refund, replacement or exchange. Items purchased on sale are subject to a separate returns policy. Should a customer not possess the original tax invoice, items can be exchanged at the current system price. Woolworths does not refund gift cards.

Makro

Makro will refund or exchange most goods if they are returned within 14 days of purchase. However, the goods must still be in their original condition and packaging and may not have been used at all. The tax invoice must be submitted with the items, however if the customer is in possession of the Makro card the items were purchased with, then the store can find the invoice on their system. According to Makro, software, CDs, DVDs and pre-recorded videos are protected by copyright law. Unless there is a manufacturing defect in the goods, customers can only return these goods if they are still in the original condition as sold and the packaging has not been opened yet. Makro refunds in the same way they were paid, so the refund could either be given with a credit note, electronic funds transfer, credit card or cash.

Edcon

For the Edcon group which includes, Edgars, Boardmans, Jet, Legit, Prato, Red Square and CNA, items will be refunded or exchanged if there is valid proof of purchase, a till slip or gift receipt; if the item is returned within 30 days of purchase; if it is in its original packaging or condition; if the security seal or shrink wrap is intact, unworn and unused; and the price ticket is attached. Edcon states in their refunds and exchange policy that gift cards will not be exchanged for cash and no change will be given. The balance will remain on the gift card for future purposes. Lost gift cards will only be replaced on presentation of proof of purchase.

Kalahari.com

Buying gifts online will definitely save on the chaos and congestion in shopping centres during the festive season, but sometimes the gift is not a good fit for the recipient. According to Kalahari.com, they will take back and evaluate the item as long as the return is booked in the orders page and the authorisation number is noted. Items need to be returned in their original condition and packaging with all accessories and components included. Kalahari.com will arrange for courier collection as long as the return is booked through their website. If the item was purchased using a credit card, it will be refunded via credit card; and if it was purchased via electronic funds transfer it will be refunded with a Kalahari.com account credit. Kalahari.com gift vouchers will be refunded with a Kalahari.com voucher. A return of an unused or unwanted item within 30 days since delivery will be eligible for a refund of 100 percent of the original sale price while a return of an unused or unwanted item beyond 30 days within 6 months will only receive a refund of 50 to 80 percent of the original sale price.