Big Shopping, Round Two Today

Just when you thought the shopping was over, get ready for round two. Today is the second busiest shopping day of the year. After Christmas sales are huge for retailers! Stores will try to lure bargain hunters with deep discounts, but you may do better if you wait for the weekend.

As for returns and exchanges, local retailers have learned from the online sellers by making their return policies easier, while some others tighten their policies to prevent frivolous returns and fraud. Check your store’s policies online before you venture out..

Some stores have amazing return policies such as LL Bean, where you can have it for 10 years, wash it and return it. But for most, they are tighter and the clock is ticking. Tech usually has 15 days, apparel two months, housewares about a month to return. Read the receipt. Remember restocking fees are common and you are more likely to get store credit than cash back, especially without a receipt. As the gifter, you should provide a receipt or a picture of it or take advantage of the store’s offer to email it to you. . Many retailers have their return policies posted online or displayed within stores.

Best Buy says gift receipts and original packaging are key to smooth returns. They even extend their returns deadline significantly during the holiday season, giving far more than the usual 15 days to swap out or return gifts. Big box stores have gotten smarter offering more generous policies.

Sears offers a curbside pickup service so that customers can return items without leaving their cars.

Know your online store policies, too. For an online return, it's important to know who pays for shipping (the customer or retailer) and the exact location that returned items should be sent. Some online retailers have made hassle-free returns a key part of their business model. Others are less generous.

As an example, at Amazon, the holiday deadline has been extended to Jan. 31

Items shipped by Amazon.com typically have a 30-day return policy, but during the holidays the company has a return deadline of Jan. 31. 2015, for items shipped between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31. Items shipped from sellers other than Amazon.com have the same holiday return policy unless the seller states otherwise.

If you return an item using the return label and the reason for return is not a result of an Amazon.com error, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund. "If you choose to ship the item on your own, you'll pay the carrier at the time you ship your return," according to Amazon's website.

There are some items that have exceptions to the return policy, including baby items, which can be returned within 90 days of receipt of shipment (except for baby clothing sizes 0 to 24 months).

At Best Buy, online items can be returned to stores, by January 15

Holiday purchases in November and December can be returned through Jan. 15, except mobile phone carrier contracts. Otherwise, you can return or exchange almost everything within 15 days for a full refund, Best Buy says online. Bring your item with all contents and packaging, proof of purchase and ID.

Kmart says online items can be returned to stores but for return deadlines, Kmart's website only states, "The number of days that you have to make a return or exchange varies." Kmart will pay for shipping if it's the company caused an error only.

Target says online items may be returned to stores, sometimes. Most unopened items can be returned within 90 days. Target says on its website, "Shipping charges may be refunded depending on the reason for your Target.com return. Walmart will issue a credit for return shipping costs if the company made an error, though electronics sometimes have exceptions.

Check the website of the store you’re going to, and read their return policy. Have a receipt, leave the original tags on, and make sure the item is in sellable condition. Without a receipt, don’t expect to get cash back.

One last thing, Smile, a good attitude will help everyone.