Return Policy

If you are currently on a shopping spree and you have just no time to think, beware of the return policy of the shops at least. Retailers are getting tougher than ever when it comes to returns (Sears is the latest chain to charge a 15 percent "restocking" fee).

If the shop is too tough on this, you may consider selling your unwanted or unliked stuff on line. As many people are now convinced that selling is the new returning. Here's how to get the best price for your castoff loot:

Don't go straight to eBay... For books, CDs and DVDs, consider Amazon Marketplace instead. Titles sold here often command a higher price. For in-demand items like the latest electronics and toys, though, eBay is your best bet. On hot items, you may get more than the original price. Days after its release, the new $399 video iPod was fetching $450. If you have no-name clothes, you may as well forget about them. Unless it has a desigher label, you may find it very difficult to sell. You might be better off donating that reindeer sweater you got for christmas to a charity and taking the tax deduction.