A retailer is not required to take things back for refund, exchange or credit, unless the item is defective or was misrepresented when it was sold to you (i.e. the ad said it was a 4-toaster and it only has two slots).

Because of the economy and increasing losses to fraud, some retailers are making it harder than ever to bring things back.

In a recent article discussing the current state of retailing, CNN/Money says "holiday return policies are becoming even more tricky and nasty." So, it's more important than ever to find out what the return policy is. In Washington State, a store is not required to post its return policy. So if you don't see a sign - ask.

Some retailers will take almost anything back; others won't. Wal-Mart accepts returns even if you don't have a receipt. OfficeMax won't take back a digital camera of other electronic item if the box is opened. Many retailers now charge a 15 percent restocking fee to take back electronic items. On a $200 digital camera that would be $30.

Retailers say they need the tougher policies to protect themselves from individuals and gangs of thieves who try to commit fraud. Sometimes they shoplift expensive electronic goods and bring them back for cash. Sometimes they take an expensive item out of the box, put some weight inside, and bring it back for a refund. It is a serious and growing problem.

Like many other retailers, Sears charges a restocking fee on electronic items. Now that 15% restocking fee applies to "select Home Appliance, Home Electronics, Home Improvement, Household Goods, Lawn & Garden, and Automotive products not returned in the original box, unused, and containing all original product packaging and accessories"

According to Consumer Advocate Edgar Dworsky, founder of ConsumerWorld.org Sears now has a restocking charge on “thing you would never expect.

Remember-- online retailers have return policies, too. They may not take back certain items. They may not let you bring your return to their brick and mortar store; you might have to ship it back. Be sure to check before you click that checkout button.

Here's a heads up for anyone who tends to return a lot of merchandise. A number of big stores now use software to track returns and flag customers who are considered “repeat returners.”

According to Consumer Reports the list includes: Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble, and Home Depot.

Dworsky tells me he's seen the software at KB Toys, Sports Authority and Express. And you can be more stores will be using this software in the future.

When you do your holiday shopping get and give a gift receipt. Without it, returning the item may be a lot harder or even impossible.

For More Information:

See Herb’s tip on bagging holiday bargains-- komonews.com

Returns: Watch Out This Holiday Season

Quick & Easy Gift Returns: Not This Year

Top 10 Tips to Bag a Bargain on Black Friday