Merely getting the salesperson's name is not sufficient, because many of them are part-time in the holiday season and may not be there when you want to return the item. If you see a posted return policy ASK if it is the current policy and if it applies to holiday purchases. Some retailers have specific return policies at this time of year. When purchasing gift certificates ASK about the time limits on using them, and make sure those limits are noted on the certificates. Unless the product is defective, you do not have the right to return an item simply because you changed your mind.
Many large retailers have liberal return policies.
Retailers who have a specific return policy are required by law to post that policy. The Bureau of Consumer Protection recommends that retailers post that policy in a well-traveled area in the store. Consumers should seek out the posted policy, because salespersons often neglect to tell consumers about return policies during the busy holiday season. By taking a little extra time to check out a store's return policy, as Attorney General Fisher advises, Pennsylvania consumers can make holiday gift giving less stressful and more enjoyable.