Wirecutter’s Jason Chen Breaks Down Your Biggest Black Friday & Holiday Shopping Doubts

Jason Chen answers your top Black Friday shopping questions. Jason Chen answers your top Black Friday shopping questions.

27. How to Manage Returns & Warranties Properly

Keep receipts, understand return policies, and register warranties to handle returns smoothly.
Keep receipts, understand return policies, and register warranties to handle returns smoothly.

Jason Chen insists that your shopping isn’t complete until you understand the return and warranty terms.

Important things to check:

  • Return window duration
  • Whether returns are free
  • Restocking fees (common in electronics)
  • Warranty claim procedure
  • Whether seller or manufacturer handles repairs

Why this matters:

Many shoppers regret purchases but cannot return them because they ignored the fine print.

Jason warns:
“Holiday returns are chaotic. Read the policy before buying, not after.”