Returning a gift? It can be a housework.

Here are some things to know:

Q. How often do consumers return items?

A. It is useful. Currently, 18 percent of merchandise sold during the holiday shopping season is expected to be returned, up 2 percent from last year, according to the National Retail Federation.

Q. What do I do if the sweater or hiking boots I received as a gift don’t fit?

A. Make sure you have a gift receipt. It can be in the box with your gift. It is a gift receipt. Proof of purchase, but for gifting ethics, leaves the amount paid. It allows you to change the sweater you received without telling the gift giver. And even if the item has been marked down, it is guaranteed to get the full purchase price. Stores generally do not allow refunds based on gift receipts, but they do allow exchanges or store credit.

Q. Do stores offer instant gift receipts?

A. No. If you’re buying in a store, ask at the checkout and put it in the box. If you are buying online and shipping directly to someone, ask for it to be included in the package.

If you’ve ever bought anything from Amazon and it didn’t, you’ve probably noticed the “This order contains a gift” box. Follow the prompts and Amazon will send a digital gift receipt to the recipient once the gift is received. (You will provide the gift recipient’s email address.)

Q. What if there is no gift receipt with the gift I want to return?

A. Some stores may even be willing to exchange without a receipt, but there are no guarantees. You can ask the gift giver for a receipt.

Q. Are retailers legally required to offer exchanges or refunds?

A. Under state law, brick-and-mortar stores can set their own return policies, including “all sales are final” as long as they are “clearly” posted “somewhere in the store” and shoppers have an “opportunity to read.” Before making their purchase, according to the state’s “Consumer’s Guide to Buying Rights.”

I found a few useless return instructions in stores. It’s a good idea to think about how you’ll return an item before you buy it, even if you think it’s perfect. If you don’t see a posted policy, ask at the checkout.

Q. Can retailers refuse to accept returns for damaged or defective goods?

A. No, damaged or defective items must be accepted for return regardless of any posted policy, and you must be given the option of repair, replacement or refund in accordance with the state’s consumer guidelines. The sooner you identify the defect and bring it back or send it back, the more likely things will go smoothly.

Q. I’d rather get a refund than an alternative – can I always get one?

A. No, retailers set their own policies. Cashback puts money in your hands and is preferred. Store credit lets you choose what you want. Under state law, you have up to seven years to use store credit.

Q. Are online retailers legally required to offer exchanges or refunds?

A. Federal law mandates refunds or exchanges for damaged or defective products sold online, the same for brick-and-mortar stores. But online retailers are not legally required to post their return policies. Still, almost all large retailers do. If you find a retailer that doesn’t post the policy, this may be a good tip to shop elsewhere.

Q. If I have to send something back to an online retailer, do I get free shipping?

A. Many of the largest online retailers continue to offer free return shipping, including Amazon (using drop-off locations), Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, Target, and Walmart. But now more and more retailers are charging. Retailers They face higher costs in 2022, as do consumers, and some have adopted less generous return policies as a result.

Q. Which retailers charge for return shipping?

A. A few examples: Anthropologie says it will deduct $5.95 from your refund for most postage returns. REI, $5.99; LLBean, $6.50; and Abercrombie & Fitch, $7, according to their online guide.

It’s easy to find return policies online by searching for the retailer’s name and “returns.” But read carefully. There are many contingencies and exceptions.

Q. How can I avoid the return shipping fee?

A. If possible, take your return to the retailer’s brick-and-mortar store or other authorized location.

Q. How do I send a return to the retailer?

A. Some retailers give you the option to print a label at home and box the item yourself. Have others take your order to UPS or elsewhere and let them box it up. Some require pre-approval for returns before sending them back.

Q. How often do I have to return?

A. You should check the fine print. Most retailers require returns within 30 days or less. But many retailers offer extended return periods during the holidays, allowing items purchased between October 1 and December 31 to be returned until January 31. Still, this year some retailers narrowed the return window. For example, Amazon’s extended period now starts on October 11.

But some remain surprisingly generous. For example, LLBean allows returns for up to one year after purchase.

Q. Do I need receipts and original packaging?

A. Many retailers require “proof of purchase,” but some stores will process your purchase without a receipt based on credit card usage. (Doesn’t work if you’re returning a gift.) Generally, You’ll have an easier time of it if you have receipts, online order confirmations, and other proof of purchase.

When opening a gift (even for yourself), it’s important not to remove tags before you decide to proceed. And if you have to repackage and ship it back, it’s a good idea to carefully remove an item from the box.

Q. Do I need to state a reason for returning something?

A. Amazon, for one, asks, but it’s perfectly acceptable to say you don’t need or want the item.

Q What about gift cards?

A. Many of us accept gift cards, but sometimes the card is a retailer we don’t shop at. If you want to sell your gift card for cash, go to online secondary marketplaces including Raise, GiftCash, and CardCash. Of course, you get less than the face value on your card.

Do you have a problem? Send your customer issue to sean.murphy@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter. @spmurphyboston.