Why You Should Always Save Your Receipt From Gap

APA Gap customer says she was blindsided by how difficult it was to return an item without a receipt.

The woman, identified only as Traci, told The Consumerist that she returned a tank top that didn't fit correctly.

Traci gave the associate her driver's license and telephone number, which she was told were necessary to process the return.

The customer was expecting in-store credit that she could immediately use in the store.

"(The associate) instead hands me a receipt and tells me I should receive my Merchandise Certificate in the mail in 7 business days," Traci told The Consumerist.

And the certificate was not convenient to use, she told the blog.

"It is a piece of paper with a barcode, more like a check. You cannot use it online. You have to show ID to use it," Traci said.

Her story shows the importance of saving a receipt at Gap.

Ironically, chances are that tank top won't be making it out onto shelves.

Most stores dispose of returned items to protect their brand value.