Store Returns in the New Year: What You Should Know
Store returns are up, and that may not be a good thing for your budget. Shoppers returned an estimated seventeen percent of items they bought in 2024. For many of us, the promise that we can try something on and get our money back if it doesn’t fit right has made it tempting to be a little loose with our purchases. But there are downsides to this habit that is apparently growing. It’s a hassle for businesses, bad for the environment, and a waste of time for people doing the returning.
Sometimes there’s no other option than to say good-bye to a recent purchase. Still, try to heed our helpful tidbits of wisdom to reign in unnecessary returns this year:
Returning Products Costs You Time – and Sometimes Money
The ability to return a product after buying it is one of the beauties of shopping in the modern era. However, too many shoppers get carried away with this privilege, sometimes to their own detriment. One dissatisfied shopper even admitted to keeping five pairs of shoes that didn’t fit because returning them would have been too difficult and time-consuming.
Most people would prefer to have cash over a bunch of clothes they’ll never wear taking up precious closet space. But schedules get full, folks get busy, and before you know it the return deadline has already passed.
In-Store and Online Returns Aren’t Always Possible
Another point to keep in mind as you weigh your purchasing decisions: returns aren’t always possible. Return policies change, making it crucial to know the rules before buying something you are not one hundred percent sure you will keep. Some stores don’t offer cash returns at all. More likely, a store credit will be offered, which forces you to make future purchases at the same establishment.
It’s not the worst option, but neither is it the best. Consumers pay a higher price overall when full returns are not possible. There’s a chance you will never have reason to use that store credit, or you will feel forced to buy something down the road you didn’t really want.
Questions You Should Ask About Returning Goods
To protect themselves, shoppers need to be more informed about what specific return policies mean for them. Not just the time frame in which they are allowed, but what the process will realistically be like and whether it is worth your time and effort.
Some of the most important answers will have to come from yourself. Here are few questions to consider before clicking the purchase button:
- Did you read the company’s return policy in full?
- What is the total cost of returning goods?
- By what deadline may you return products?
- How will you re-pack the returned item?
- Where will you ship products from – and where to?
- How long will this take you, and do you have time in your schedule?
By answering the more detailed questions about returning items, you will get a better idea of whether the risk is worth it. If more consumers took a few minutes to do this, they would save money because they would be making more informed purchases and fewer impulse ones.
Prepaid Debit Cards May Help You Return Fewer Items
A prepaid debit card won’t solve all of your money problems, but it does remove the ability to spend money you don’t have. If you struggle with financial decision-making or simply want to curtail spontaneous spending in the new year, head to a Currency Exchange and load up cash onto your new prepaid debit card. You will be able to use it at most places that accept credit cards and won’t have to worry about going into debt from spending above your means.
Keep Track of Your Money Using Services at Local Currency Exchange
There’s no better feeling than starting off a new year with a clear set of tactics to meet your most important financial priorities. Allow Community Currency Exchange (CCEA) locations throughout the Midwest help you and your family with a whole range of financial and auto-related tasks in the year to come.
Stop by your nearest location today to find out more!

With over 350 locations, many open nights, weekends, and holidays (and several stores with 24/7 availability), you can rest easy knowing your financial needs can be taken care of when you need them most. We’re in the heart of every community. Don’t believe us? See for yourself.