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A shopper at the Target in Jackson Crossing stands in line to return a Christmas gift. (MLive file photo)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- If you had at least one Christmas gift that didn't fit or match your tastes, you aren't alone.

Nearly 40 percent of consumers returned a holiday gift last season, according to the National Retail Federation.

But returning that unwanted gift can be challenging because retailers often "slice and dice" their return policies, creating complicated rules for different categories of items, says Edgar Dworsky, founder of Consumer World, which tracks retailers' policies.

Based on his website's annual return policy survey, ConsumerWorld.org reports that while some stores are tweaking their return rules to add new restrictions or offer new benefits, most retailers' return policies have remained about the same as last year. (See complete list below)

Sears and Costco tightened their policies this year. Sears replaced its 30-, 60-, 90-day return policy depending on an item's category in favor of a blanket 30-day deadline. Costco's return policy now excludes tires, batteries and custom orders.

But more online stores are providing free return shipping this year and offering special extended holiday return windows.

"This allows gifts bought in November to be returned until mid- to late-January, considerably beyond the normal return deadline in some cases," Dworksy said.

His research shows computers, game consoles and opened goods are often subject to limited return rights, restocking fees or shorter return periods.

Retailers such as Wal-Mart track shoppers' return frequency, and won't accept more than three returns without a receipt within a 45-day period.

Restrictions like this are aimed at reducing return fraud, which cost retailers an estimated $10.8 billion in 2014.

While today, Dec. 26, is the busiest day for returning gifts, Dworsky suggests grabbing some advertised bargains instead and waiting a day or two when lines are shorter to try for refunds.

To improve chances of getting full credit, shoppers should provide a sales slip or gift receipt, return the item in new condition, unopened and with all packaging material.

Returns without a receipt are subject to the posted return policy, which might result in receiving only a merchandise credit for the lowest price the item has sold for recently, or possibly no refund or exchange at all.

The Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan and the U.P. recommends doing research before returning gifts to find out if the retailer accepts returns without receipts, and if it gives a refund or just store credit. Also check the fine print to see if there are return fees for restocking or shipping and handling.

If a retailer is balking at giving a refund, the BBB suggests this four-step approach:

• Make sure you understand the retailer's return policy in advance.

• Talk to a manager if the clerk has refused the return.

• If paid with by credit card, you may be able to dispute the charge and request a "charge back" from the bank or card issuer. Check with your credit card provider about its specific policies.

• If the item is defective or not as represented and the merchant still refuses a return, then you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB will ask for copies of all documentation, including packing slips, online disclosures and receipts. Complaints can also be filed with the Michigan Attorney General's office, Dworsky says.

THE LIST

A sampling of retail return policies by ConsumerWorld.org:

Amazon.com: Must return items by Jan. 31 for purchases shipped Nov. 1-Dec. 31. No refunds on downloads.

Best Buy: Jan. 15 for most purchases Nov. 1-Dec. 31. Elite members may get more time.

Costco: No deadline except 90 days for returning TVs, computers, cameras, MP3 players, cellphones and projectors.

Kohl's: No deadline with proof of purchase.

Macy's stores: No deadline, but some furniture must be returned in 3 days and some mattresses within 60 days to receive a refund. There is a 15 percent restocking fees on some items.

Meijer: Customers have 90 days to return general merchandise for a refund and a 30-day window for computer and electronic merchandise.

Overstock.com: Jan. 31 for most items purchased Nov. 1 or later. Fees apply if opened, used or late.

Sears: Jan. 24 is the deadline for most 30-day items (except major appliances) purchased Nov. 8 or later. Buyers must report certain damaged goods within 72 hours to receive a refund. Even exchange only on some open items and a 15 percent restocking fee on furniture and electronics missing parts.

Staples: No deadline for office supplies. Jan. 16 is the deadline for returning electronics and furniture bought since Nov. 22.

TJ Maxx, Marshalls: Jan. 3 for purchases between Oct. 24-Dec. 3, and Jan. 23 for purchases between Oct. 18-Dec. 24.

Target: Customers have 90 days from purchase on most items, with the exception of electronics and entertainment items. The 30-day countdown begins Dec. 26 for purchases since Nov. 1. The retailer may deny refund for opened or damaged items or those without a receipt. REDcard holders get an extra 30 days for returns.

Toys "R" Us: Most items bought from Sept. 1 onward can be returned until Jan. 23. The exception is electronics -- from video game hardware to cameras -- which must be bought Nov.1 onward and can returned no later than Jan. 9.

Wal-Mart: The retailer's stores will accept returns up to 90 days for merchandise bought after Nov. 1. The deadline shrinks to 15 days for computers, cameras, GPS and other electronics; and to 30 days for mowers. The countdown starts Dec. 26.

Shandra Martinez covers business for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Email her or follow her on Twitter @shandramartinez.