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Act Fast!

Okay, so geeks in cars can't help you dispose of three extra digital cameras. The key to a quick and easy return is simple: Don't dawdle. For electronics returns, stores generally give you less time--and make you jump through more hoops--than they do for other items. The good news is that most retailers have holiday return policies that allow some wiggle room--but not much.

Circuit City, for example, has relaxed its usual 14-day return policy: For products purchased between November 15 and December 24, consumers have until January 8 to bring the items back to the store. Amazon.com and Best Buy, meanwhile, will accept returns for merchandise bought between November 1 and December 24 until January 31.

Costco, which was famous for its no-questions-asked full refund on everything, changed its electronics return policy this year: You have three months from the date of purchase. No holiday specials apply to this already generous returns window.

Don't Open Anything

Stores typically have several requirements for handing over a full refund. The first, and most important, is that the box be sealed.

If the box is open, the retailer will need to test the gadget to ensure it's in full working order--which means that accepting your return will cost the company time and money. Unfortunately, that in turn means it will cost you money too.

Best Buy and Circuit City both charge a 15 percent restocking fee on some opened electronics. Amazon.com charges a 15 percent restocking fee on opened laptops and desktops.

If you have opened the box, be certain it's full before heading to the store. "Make sure you bring everything back in. If there are any accessories missing, a wire or anything, you'll probably need to go back home to get it," says Best Buy's Dudash. "I've had to do that before."

Circuit City will deduct the cost of each missing item from your refund. For exchanges, the retailer will simply replace what you've brought (a manual for a manual, a cable for a cable), so you're on your own for whatever piece you've left behind.