The Fixer: unwanted presents

Have you been left out of pocket due to poor service or sharp practice? Do you have a money problem that won't go away?

It can seem impossible to get a fair result when you are battling a financial issue alone. But never fear! The AOL Money Fixer is here to help.

Dear Fixer,
My aunt gave me a blouse for Christmas. But it is not something that I would ever wear.

I did not want to hurt her feelings by asking if she had kept the receipt, but I would like to take it back or exchange it if possible.

I know there are other things in the shop where she bought it that I would much prefer. Do you always need the receipt to ask for a refund or an exchange?

D Bark, Guildford

Dear Ms Bark,
Retailers have no legal obligation to give you you money back when you return an item without a receipt.

However, many stores operate a "goodwill" returns policy with which you can exchange the item or get a credit note to be used at some point in the future.

My advice would therefore be to call the shop's customer services department to find out details of its returns policy.

You will have a better chance of exchanging the blouse for something else in the store if it still has the tag, plus any packaging.

The Fixer

Whatever your financial problem, write to themoneyfixer@aim.com and The AOL Money Fixer will get on the case.