What to know when returning a holiday gift [Video]

SAN DIEGO — That convenient online shopping spree might come with an unexpected price tag as retailers crack down on returns heading into 2025.

Caila Schwartz, director of consumer insights at Salesforce, warns of stricter policies ahead. “We’re going to see more retailers charging for returns, shorter return windows, and potentially merchandise categories that aren’t returnable at all,” she said.

While Amazon typically doesn’t charge restocking fees, other retailers are reconsidering their policies. Most spend about $32 processing and reselling every $100 item returned online, costs that Schwartz says will likely be passed on to consumers through higher prices next year.

Social media trends are fueling the return surge. “Try-on hauls” and “bracketing” — where shoppers order multiple sizes to create an at-home fitting room — have pushed return rates 36% higher than last year, according to Salesforce data.

For holiday gifts, timing is crucial. …