When you’re picking something up as a Christmas present, it’s always nice to know that a return could be possible, and many companies offer an alternative policy around the holidays.
Not only does GameStop not have any extended returns period around Christmas, but their policy is pretty restrictive, and it actually makes it quite difficult to get a refund or an exchange on any gift that you might have given or received.
Read on to discover what the GameStop returns policy says, and how that might affect your Christmas shopping.
Table of Contents
What Is GameStop?
Before we get into the sort of return policy that GameStop has, and why it is pretty limited when it comes to holiday purchases, we should take a look at the company itself and see what they are all about.
GameStop is a retailer that primarily sells video games, consumer electronics, and gaming merchandise. They started life in 1984 as the company Babbage’s, which was founded by two classmates from Harvard Business School: James McCurry and Gary M. Kusin.
They quickly turned their focus to video game sales, particularly for the Atari 2600 which was extremely popular at the time.
The company has grown and changed a lot over the years, even being owned by Barnes & Noble for quite some time. In the past, they have been highly successful but saw a significant decline after 2016, when the market for physical copies of video games started to wane.
As of January 2022, GameStop operates 4,573 stores, mainly in the United States but with many more around the world including Canada, Australia, and Europe. They employ about 12,000 people and reported revenue of around $6 billion in 2021.
GameStop is struggling to keep customers returning to their stores now that digital downloads have taken over the market, so you might expect them to offer a generous return policy as an incentive. Unfortunately, that is not the case!
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What Kind of Gifts Can You Buy At GameStop?
If you are struggling to think of what to buy for a friend or a family member, there are certainly some great options for fun gifts at GameStop.
Their selection is not just limited to video games either, as there are a lot of toys, games, electronics, and more on their shelves.
At GameStop, you can buy:
- Video Games (Including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, etc.)
- Consoles and Console Hardware (Including Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Oculus Quest 2, etc.)
- Gaming Accessories (Including Audio Equipment, Controllers, Cases, Stands, Chargers, etc.)
- PC Parts and Components (Including Desktops, Laptops, Monitors, Keyboards, Headsets, etc.)
- Electronics (Including TVs, Tablets, Cell Phones, Cameras, Smart Watches, etc.)
- Collectibles (Including Funko, Figures, Statues, Replicas, Model Kits, etc.)
- Toys and Games (Including Action Figures, Playsets, Board Games, Dolls, Plush Toys, Trading Cards, etc.)
- Homeware (Including Appliances, Art, Furniture, Lighting, etc.)
- Clothing
If you’re stuck for Christmas present ideas, you will definitely find something entertaining and interesting at GameStop, and there is a lot more to choose from than you might think.
With that being said, it’s worth considering the return policy that you are going to get with your purchase.
Does GameStop Offer a Christmas Return Policy?
We all know that shopping for Christmas gifts can be a bit of a gamble, so you often find that retailers will give you a slightly different returns policy around this time to help people feel more comfortable when they’re buying. Does GameStop have a Christmas return policy at all?
Unfortunately, no. GameStop does not have any alternative policy or extended returns options around Christmastime. You are stuck with the same policy that they operate all year round.
When you look at that policy, it is actually quite restrictive, and it is not particularly friendly when it comes to gifts.
What Is the GameStop Return Policy?
There is a single return policy at GameStop that you get for most items, and it is not a very generous one.
You have 30 days from when you make a purchase or receive a shipment in which to make a return. The item needs to be in its original condition, and all returns require a receipt or GameStop.com order number.
When it comes to Christmas gifts, 30 days is no time at all, and having your proof of purchase is pretty unlikely.
Unless you are doing your Christmas shopping the night before, most of that time will be gone after the gift has been delivered, opened, and people are ready to get back to the real world.
Not only that, but all electronics need to be returned unopened. For GameStop, this means that you can’t even take it out of the plastic wrapping, which is a big ask if the item is being given as a Christmas gift.
On top of all of those restrictions, the policy explicitly states that “GameStop reserves the right to limit, or decline returns or exchanges regardless of whether the customer has a receipt”.
So even if you, by some miracle, get your return in on time without touching the plastic film, and you have the receipt, you might still not get your money back.
What Are the Exceptions to The GameStop Return Policy?
One of the other reasons why the GameStop return policy is so restrictive is that there is a long list of exceptions to the standard 30-day rule.
- Sale items or promotions may not be eligible for returns or exchanges
- Electronics must be unopened and with a receipt
- Online orders over $500 cannot be returned in-store
- Laptops, Desktops, Monitors, and PC Components cannot be returned to GameStop – you need to contact the manufacturer directly
- Pre-owned software must be returned within 7 days
- Digital content, Gift Cards, Point of Sale Activation (“POSA”), and Trading Cards are not eligible for return.
All told, there are quite a large number of things that you can buy from GameStop which don’t even come with the very limited 30-day return option.
You can find the full list of every exception in the policy, which is located on the GameStop website here.
How Do You Make a Return to GameStop?
Actually, making a return to GameStop is a pretty simple process, even though the time frame you have and what you are allowed to return is extremely limited.
You have three basic options:
- Take the product to a store with the receipt or order number
- Call customer service at 1-800-883-8895
- Start the return process online through their returns page.
If you are eligible for a return, you will receive your refund for the original form of payment, or you will be offered a suitable replacement.
Be very careful, though. If you do mail a product to GameStop that is not eligible for a return, then they will not send it back to you. Not only will you not get your money back, but you will have lost the item itself as well.
Can You Buy Gift Cards at GameStop?
Gifting video games and electronics is a particularly difficult option for the holidays, as it’s easy to end up picking out the wrong thing for one reason or another.
You might select something for the wrong console, or something that the person has bought for themselves already.
If you’re worried that you might end up buying a gift that’s not quite right, then you might be better off choosing a gift card instead.
At GameStop, you can buy a GameStop gift card that is redeemable for almost any products in their stores or online at GameStop.com, or you can choose a gift card for a number of different popular brands.
Among the gift cards the GameStop has on offer, you will find:
- GameStop
- Xbox
- PlayStation
- Nintendo
- Steam
- Roblox
- Fortnite
- Google Play
- Twitch
Conclusion
So, what is the GameStop Christmas return policy? In short, there isn’t one. GameStop does not have a specific return policy for the holiday period – you are stuck with the same limited returns options that you get all year round.
GameStop has some great options for Christmas gifts, but you should be absolutely sure of what you are buying because it is very difficult to get a refund.
You only have 30 days from the date you purchase and most products have to be completely unopened – including the plastic wrap.
You might be safer going with a gift card.
References
https://www.gamestop.com/fullreturnpolicy/
Lindsey
Lindsey graduated with an MBA in 2009. Since then, Lindsey has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Lindsey is also the head writer and Co-founder of Rvandplaya.com. Lindsey is based in Morgantown, West Virginia.
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FAQs
What is GameStop's Christmas return policy? ›
You have 15 days to return new items and seven days to return used items to GameStop. According to the fine print of the GameStop return policy, you have 15 days to return or exchange new items and seven days to return or exchange used items. The return countdown starts the day you made your purchase in store.
Does GameStop have an extended holiday return policy? ›GameStop customers returning Christmas gifts will not receive a refund even if they have a gift receipt and make the return within 30 days of purchase. Gift receipts will only entitle a customer to a merchandise exchange or a GameStop gift card.
How does GameStop return policy work? ›GameStop Return Policy. We value our customers and are committed to providing quality support when things do not go as planned. You have fifteen (15) days from your in-store purchase or receipt of shipment of a new item, and seven (7) days for a used item, to exchange or return, unless noted in our exceptions.
Do I have to return an item to the same GameStop? ›You can either return your purchase to any GameStop location, or you can send it back using the return shipping label that came with your order. Be aware that all of the above info pertains to both online and in-store purchase. Namely, you NEED your receipt or packing slip to be eligible for a return.
Can I return items bought at Christmas? ›Legally, neither you nor the buyer have any automatic right to return items bought in stores, unless they're faulty. Many shops have their own, more generous return policies, which means the buyer may be able to return the present and get a refund, exchange or credit note.
Can you return Christmas stuff after Christmas? ›Additionally, make sure you don't wait to return an unwanted gift. Some stores will only give you a certain time frame to get it done - typically 30 days, but some may just be two weeks. “If you need to do an exchange or return, know the policy, read that fine print.
Can you return to next after Christmas? ›Next - The usual return policy for Next is 15 days but they have extended this for the Christmas period. You can now return items up until January 4 unless they are Christmas decorations and then you have 15 days from the date of the in store purchase/date of arrival.
Can a holiday company refuse a refund? ›You're entitled to a refund if the company cancels your holiday before you go. You might also get compensation unless: there are unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances - like a natural disaster. not enough people have booked on the trip.
Can you return something after 30 days? ›If it's broken or faulty
Make sure you return the item within 30 days — after this point, the retailer can give you a repair or replacement, but you're not entitled to a refund.
We do not accept returns of:
Any product(s) that has been opened (taken out of its plastic wrap). Any product(s) not in its original condition. Any product(s) that is damaged, played, or is missing parts. Any product(s) that were sold as part of a bundle, unless the bundle is returned complete.
Are GameStop refunds instant? ›
1- What is the refund time on GameStop cancel order? The time it takes for GameStop to refund a cancelled order depends on the circumstances surrounding your situation. However, GameStop has a no-questions-asked within 14 days return and exchange policy. Usually they take 3-5 business days to refund a cancelled order.
Can I return a game after opening it? ›Can I return a video game to a different store? Typically no store will take back an opened game unless it is defective and swap for the same title. If it is still sealed, you should be able to return it to any location of the store you bought it, but not any store.
Does GameStop give cash for returns? ›You can choose to receive in-store-credit for max-value on your items, or get paid in cash.
Can you sell returned items as new? ›In the US, selling used items as new is against the law and considered a criminal act. But there are many stores and companies who choose to ignore this law. Those who fear lawsuits, sell customer returns to secondary markets or as open products.
Can I return something and buy it again on a different card? ›No, funds must be refunded to the card that was originally used for the credit card transaction. This is to help prevent fraud by ensuring funds return to the same bank account that was originally debited and not an account that does not belong to the original cardholder.
What is the most returned Christmas gift? ›The Most-Returned Gifts
Clothing was by far the most returned category of gift, followed by home decor, miscellaneous items like books, kitchen appliances, and makeup.
Those items are returned to the big box store and major retailer in January and February, and many of them end up in warehouses across the country to be re-valued and re-sold.
Do you need proof of purchase to return something? ›You need a proof of purchase but this does not have to be a receipt. It could be a bank statement, credit card or loyalty card statement, for example. It just needs to show that you bought the item at that particular retailer.
What is the Christmas rule? ›The five gift rule says that you should give five gifts to your loved ones: one for each of the following categories: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, and a special gift.
What is the return day after Christmas called? ›Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide (26 December). Though it originated as a holiday to give gifts to poor people, today Boxing Day forms part of Christmas celebrations, with many people choosing to take advantage of Boxing Day sales.
How many Christmas gifts get returned? ›
33% of Christmas Gifts Will Be Returned This Year, According to Experts - Thrillist. Like Thrillist on Facebook.
Can you return Christmas gifts without a receipt? ›If you received a gift you'd like to return but don't have a copy of the receipt, you'll need to check the store's policy for returns. Some merchants may be willing to return an item without a receipt but you may only receive store credit, rather than cash.
Is a gift receipt proof of purchase? ›A gift receipt shows proof of purchase but leaves out the amount spent. It can be used to return goods given as a gift. If you have bought someone a present, you can give them the gift receipt in case they don't like it, and then they can take it back to the store and exchange it for something else.
Can you return a gift and get cash? ›"Keep in mind even with a gift receipt that person is not going to get a cash refund, or a credit card refund," he warns. "They are going to get merchandise credit, equal to the amount the gift giver paid or they are going to get an even exchange.
What is loss of enjoyment of holiday? ›Loss of enjoyment
Holiday claims are an exception to the general rule that in a contract claim, a claimant can be compensated for the 'disappointment, the distress and the upset and frustration caused by the breach' (Jarvis v Swans Tours Ltd [1972]).
It depends on your reason. If an item is faulty or has broken - in other words, doesn't comply with the Sale of Goods Act - then the retailer has a duty to offer a refund, exchange or repair. But if you simply don't like the purchase, then that's not a good enough reason.
Can you legally be denied holiday? ›If your employer has refused your holiday request
Your employer doesn't have to let you take your holiday when you want to. They could refuse it - for example, if they'll be short staffed or if you've booked all your holiday for that leave year already. They must give you notice if they refuse your request.
- #1 | The Customer Bought the Wrong Item.
- #2 | The Product is No Longer Needed.
- #3 | The Product Didn't Match the Description.
- #4 | A Gift Purchase Was Incorrect.
- #5 | The Product Was Damaged Upon Arrival.
- #6 | The Merchant Shipped the Wrong Item.
- #7 | The Customer Engages in Return Fraud.
- Try to Work it Out with the Merchant First.
- Option 1: Request a Chargeback.
- Option 2: Consider Mediation.
- Option 3: Sue in Small Claims.
- Option 4: Pursue Consumer Arbitration.
- FairShake Can Help Make Arbitrating a Breeze.
- Be clear with your complaint. State why you are unhappy. ...
- Also state you want a refund. The company might try to give you something else, such as store credit, if you aren't clear.
- Realize that the first person you speak to might not be able to help you.
Can you return without receipt GameStop? ›
A receipt is required for all returns and exchanges. Unopened new merchandise (except tablets) = full refund within 30 days of purchase. Opened new merchandise (including tablets) = identical exchange within 30 days of purchase.
Can you sell games at GameStop without a receipt? ›With our various trade offers, you can get even more credit towards your next purchase. Can I trade in games not purchased at GameStop? We accept games purchased from any retailer, without proof of purchase.
Can I refund a game with 3 hours? ›Steam's refund policy requirements
It's theoretically possible to submit a request for any game that you've bought on Steam, as long as you purchased it less than 14 days ago and haven't played more than two hours.
Refunds to debit cards tend to take between two and five business days, but it can take up to 30 days depending on the company issuing the refund.
Are in store refunds instant? ›Most merchants will process a refund instantly, but some take a few extra days.
Is it legal to backup your games? ›Under section 117, you or someone you authorize may make a copy of an original computer program if the new copy is being made for archival (i.e., backup) purposes only; you are the legal owner of the copy; and any copy made for archival purposes is either destroyed, or transferred with the original copy, once the ...
How much time do you have to return a game? ›You need to submit the refund request within 14 days of purchase. Any purchased game can only have two hours of playtime on it. You can request refunds on in-game purchases or subscriptions, typically within 48 hours of purchase. Such refunds are on a case-by-case basis.
Can I return a ps5 to Target? ›Enjoy free & easy returns
We're happy to accept returns for a full refund within 90 days for most items. Add an extra 30 days if you paid with RedCard. And you have up to a year to change your mind on Target owned brands or registry items.
It comes down to profit margin. GameStop makes 10% off the sale of a new game, so a $60 game would be a profit of $6. A pre-owned game, however, has a profit margin of 50% for GameStop.
Does returning items hurt your credit? ›Yes, refunds can affect your credit score. A refund can lower your credit utilization — or the total amount of credit you've used compared to your overall credit limit.
Do returned items get resold as new? ›
“Customers really believe that the product just goes into the black hole or ends up being resold to another customer as brand new. And in many instances, that's not the case.” As it turns out, returned products – even in brand new condition – can end up in liquidation warehouses, like Palacci's.
What happens to items after they are returned? ›Returned products are handled in a number of different ways, he said. Retailers take back merchandise from the customer, evaluate it, and if it's in good condition put it back on the shelf at the same or lesser price. They can refurbish damaged returns and sell them for less or offload them to liquidators to resell.
Can you get in trouble for buying and returning too much? ›Retail return fraud comes in many different forms, and consumers that engage in any of those forms can be arrested and charged.
What happens if a store refunds you twice? ›Can cardholders keep double refunds? No. If a cardholder receives a refund after filing a chargeback, they should notify their bank that the chargeback is no longer necessary. Merchants can get these chargebacks reversed by providing evidence of the refund, but this process costs them time and money.
Can you get a refund in cash if you pay by card? ›When you make a purchase on a credit card then request a refund for that purchase, you won't be able to receive cash. Instead, you'll receive a credit on your account that is equal to the amount of the original purchase.
Does GameStop accept returns after 30 days? ›We do not accept returns of: Any product(s) returned more than 30 days from the date on the packing slip. Any product(s) that has been opened (taken out of its plastic wrap). Any product(s) not in its original condition.
How long is a return policy? ›Generally speaking, 15-30 days is standard, although some businesses opt for 90 days. Either way, you won't be doing yourself any favors by accepting returns beyond that time.
What is the most common Christmas return? ›The Most-Returned Gifts
Clothing was by far the most returned category of gift, followed by home decor, miscellaneous items like books, kitchen appliances, and makeup.
The 12 days of Christmas is the period in Christian theology that marks the span between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi, the three wise men. It begins on December 25 (Christmas) and runs through January 6 (the Epiphany, sometimes also called Three Kings' Day).
What happens to Christmas returns? ›Many retailers trash, incinerate, or donate these returns, given the high costs of customer service, transportation, product quality assurance, storage, and restocking.
Why do we give 3 gifts at Christmas? ›
Inspired by the notion that Jesus received three gifts from the Wise Men on December 25 — gold, frankincense and myrrh — many parents are saying they, too, want a three-gift Christmas for their children. Some do it for religious reasons.