your money
Helping you spend wisely and save more, with money expert Faith Archer
NEWS YOU CAN USE
UNWANTED GIFTS?
Received two copies of the latest Thursday Murder Club? A scarf in a colour you detest? Even the most thoughtful gifts don’t always hit the mark, but you can turn unwanted Christmas presents into something you genuinely like instead.
Legally, you don’t have the automatic right to return something just because you don’t like it, unless it is faulty.
In practice, some shops have a more generous returns policy. If the gift giver included the receipt, you have more chance of taking it back for an exchange, a voucher or a credit note. Refunds are more tricky, especially because some shops will only refund the card used to pay, rather than giving you the money.
If you don’t have proof of purchase, you could still try enquiring at customer services, or face an awkward conversation asking the giver if they kept the receipt.
Alternatively, you could make some cash by selling your unloved items. For clothing, shoes or accessories try Vinted (vinted.co.uk).
It’s a website and app that makes selling – and buying – second-hand items really simple. Just upload some photos, name your price and select your preferred method of postage. People can either buy things outright or make you an offer. Ebay and Gumtree are similar online marketplaces for other types of items.
If you’d rather not faff around with postage, Facebook Marketplace can be handy for local sales. Click on the Marketplace icon at t
