Ten Tips for Hassle-Free Tech Merchandise Returns

Retailers often play by different rules in accepting electronics returns. Here are some tips to help you navigate the tricky world of returns, exchanges, and warranties.

An HDTV is not a sweater--a fact that retailers will make very clear if you try to return your new flat screen. If the digital cameras (or other tech gear) you got from your mom, your cousin, or your best friend   this holiday season must head back to the store, you need to be prepared before you get there.

Consistently, retailers   maintain separate return policies for electronics. "We're talking [about] some higher-end items that retailers want to move quickly," says Better Business Bureau spokesperson Steve Cox. "They don't want to be caught with old stock."

Additionally, says Cox, retailers are legally allowed to set any return policies they want, as long as those policies are posted.

Following is our best advice to help you avoid headaches and high blood pressure at the customer-service counter.

Before you go to the store, consider why you are returning an item. Could your dissatisfaction be a result of your setting up the gizmo improperly? Think about paying for some professional assistance before giving up on your brand-new home-entertainment system.

Jeff Dudash, a Best Buy spokesperson, notes that many returns of home-entertainment systems and computers to the giant consumer-electronics chain follow failed attempts to install or configure the devices. Often, professional services such as Circuit City'sFiredog  or Best Buy'sGeek Squadcan get the gadgets working correctly. And nerds-on-call don't necessarily need to come out to your house to help. Geek Squad, for example, hasonline videosthat show how to set up your shiny new toys.

Act Fast!

Okay, so geeks in cars can't help you   dispose of   three extra digital cameras. The key to a quick and easy return is simple: Don't dawdle. For electronics returns, stores generally give you less time--and make you jump through more hoops--than they do for other items. The good news is that most retailers have holiday return policies that allow some wiggle room--but not much.

Circuit City, for example, hasrelaxed its usual 14-day return policy: For products purchased between November 15 and December 24, consumers have until January 8 to bring the items back to the store. Amazon.com and Best Buy, meanwhile, will accept returns for merchandise bought between November 1 and December 24 until January 31.

Costco, which was famous for itsno-questions-asked full refund on everything, changed its electronics return policy this year: You have three months from the date of purchase. No holiday specials apply to this already generous returns window.

Stores typically have several requirements for handing over a full refund. The first, and most important, is that the box be sealed.

If the box is open, the retailer will need to test the gadget to ensure it's in full working order--which means that accepting your return will cost the company   time and money. Unfortunately, that in turn means it will cost you money too.