Returning past purchases for cash is the best way to turn buyer's remorse into returner's bliss. Think about items that you bought in the past 90 days that are still sitting in their original box, still have the tags on or at least appear brand-new.

Most stores will give you cash back with a receipt, or at least store credit. For details, check the individual store's return policy online.

But what if you didn't save the receipt? Returning items without a receipt is an art form unto itself.

Return Items « Odd Ways To Make Money

Others, like Target can find the receipt for you if you show the credit card you used for the purchases. At stricter or smaller retailers, the best you can hope for is store credit.

But even then, it may take some convincing. Bring proof to back up your purchase, like credit card statements. If you don't have any hard proof, then at least bring a good attitude.

Admit that you're asking a special favor and be grateful for any leeway you get. If all else fails, wait to return receipt-less items right after Christmas, when customer service departments will give you just about anything to get out of their face [source: What's the Least-affordable City for Housing in the World?

The truth behind shoplifting at Wal-Mart - Business Insider

The Secret Life of the Gift Card Industry. How do you pick the shortest checkout line?

How the Rolling Jubilee Works. How to Avoid Travel Fees.

How to Apply for a Car Loan. How to Get a Credit Card After Bankruptcy. Follow us Facebook YouTube Twitter Pinterest. Like HowStuffWorks on Facebook! How Stuff Works Money.

Walmart Returns and Refund Policies

Top 10 Retail Markups. Top 10 Ways to Lower Your Financial Stress. About Shows Privacy Ad Choices Terms. Store Advertising Careers Contact Us Help. Keep up to date on: Testing this long verbose error message to check the behaviour.