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t used to be that shoppers could indulge their buying habits and then take advantage of liberal return policies, especially around the holidays, to take back what no longer seemed worth the expense. But stores have severely tightened those policies, making it harder to splurge and then repent.

Tricky return policies and how to deal with them...

Blacklisting of serial returners. These days, stores monitor how often you return items, typically by checking your driver’s license or credit card when a return is made, and store the information in a computer. If you exceed the store’s established limit, your return is denied even if you have a receipt. Criteria usually include the frequency of your returns and the dollar amounts involved. Consumer rights vary from state to state with respect to product returns, but generally, a store can set up any return policy that it wants as long as it discloses the policy and agrees to replace or refund defective items that are returned.

Examples: Clothing stores such as Express and The Limited allow shoppers only five returns within any 90-day period. The returns must include receipts, and the original tags must still be attached to the items. Requiring that tags be attached is to prevent “wardrobing” -- buying an item, wearing it once and returning it.

Some stores have strict policies on returns without receipts.

Examples: Target tightened up its policy and now allows only two receiptless returns a year and only for items that cost less than $20.

Walmart’s cash register system automatically flags customers who try to return more than three items without receipts within a 45-day period. If you surpass that limit, the store usually will not accept your returns, though a manager may approve the transaction. The flag on your account will disappear if there are no more receiptless returns within six months. Retailers with similar policies include The Home Depot, KMart, The Limited, Lowe’s, Sports Authority and Staples.

Self-defense: Check a store’s return policy -- it usually can be found on the company’s Web site, or call customer service. Don’t buy too many items that you know you might return. Ask the store manager to allow an exception if your transaction is denied. Check your return history, and correct mistakes by e-mailing the www.theretailequation.com, a company that monitors returns for select retailers.

Note: Retailers do not share information with one another about your returns. Blacklisting does not appear on or affect your credit report.

Special return restrictions on some electronic or seasonal items. These restrictions can severely limit your return window. Examples: The Home Depot’s standard 90-day return window drops to 30 days for gas-powered equipment, such as lawn mowers and snowblowers. At Walmart, you have 90 days to bring back most merchandise, but only 30 days for camcorders and digital cameras and 15 days for computer hardware, global positioning system (GPS) units and digital music players. Around the holidays, retailers may extend their return policies for gift items, but be sure to confirm this before making a purchase.

Self-defense: Ask to speak with the store manager if the time limit has lapsed. Most companies allow their managers to overrride store policies. When you ask for an accommodation, prove to the manager that you’re a good customer by bringing along sales receipts for previous purchases you made at the store. Some retailers also may be able to pull up your purchase history if you don’t have the receipts.

Also, many credit cards offer 30-day satisfaction-guaranteed coverage. If you charged the item, tell the manager that you intend to dispute the charge with your card company and have the payment stopped. Managers sometimes let you return or exchange merchandise rather than go through the hassle of dealing with a credit card company.

Restocking fees. Stores may charge 15% to 20% of the item’s purchase price if you opened the package. Example: Best Buy, Circuit City and other sellers of electronics, music and software have restocking fees.

Self-defense: Don’t snip off the tags or open packaging unless you’re sure you want to keep an item. If you do open the package, ask to see the manager to find out if he/she will waive the restocking fee. He might if you are a good customer or if the packaging looks barely touched.

Important: If the merchandise is flawed or damaged, you should get it replaced or your money back with no restocking fee.

Different rules for in-store and online purchases. Policies for making returns of online items to retail stores vary widely. Examples: Online orders from Toys ‘R’ Us can be mailed back for a refund but only exchanged for credit in stores. The Home Depot doesn’t allow store returns at all for online purchases. You must ship them back. Other stores with different rules for in-store and online purchases include Circuit City, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret and Pottery Barn.

Helpful: All Sears stores accept Land’s End Internet and catalog mail-order returns, as well as Sears’ own merchandise.

Self-defense: Make sure you follow a retailer’s specific rules carefully. You can find them on the retailer’s Web site or ask in the customer service department.