WWYD: Exploiting Return Policies
In this week’s “What Would You Do” series, I thought we could tackle the topic of merchandise returns. We all probably received something over the holidays that we want to return or exchange.
To start, here are some tips from Mark Huffman at ConsumerAffairs.com that you can keep in mind at any time of the year for hassle-free returns. He writes, “To improve your chances of getting a full refund, provide a sales slip or gift receipt, and return the item in new condition, unopened, and with all original packaging material.”
“Returns without a receipt are subject to the retailer’s posted return policy, which might result in receiving only a merchandise credit for the lowest price the item has sold for in recent weeks, or possibly no refund or exchange at all.”
With Christmas shopping in particular, Bankrate.com suggests that you can make it easier on yourself by keeping and giving receipts. “To simplify, double up on your receipts when you shop. Get gift receipts and regular receipts for each item (a gift receipt is similar to the original but without the prices).”
“Keep the gift slips with the gifts, and keep your own regular receipts in an envelope marked ‘holiday gift receipts’ that way, if you have to return something, you have all the paperwork in one place.”
Those are great lessons to keep in mind for next year. Remember, the key is to be organized… usually the rule of thumb with most matters touching finances.
So as your returning gift this week, here’s the ethics question of the day. Have you ever exploited a retailer’s return policy? Here’s an example: you buy an outfit for the work holiday party and then return it days later.
What would you do? Or better yet, what have you done?
Voice your opinion with other questions in the What Would You Do archive.
Having recently admitted to my weakness for returning things, I’ll even admit to exploiting a return policy and feeling very guilty about it. Once it was the purchase of some jewelry (cheap stuff ~ $15) for a special event and returning it later — I then felt so guilty about it that I went back and bought it again. I’ve also contemplated purchasing decorations for parties or events with the intention to return them, but again, guilt usually sets in and I decide not to do so. I may also buy extra items for gifts to have on hand for upcoming situations and return them if they weren’t needed — for me, this teeters on edge of acceptable/unacceptable use of return policies (often teetering more toward unacceptable, in my mind).
I try to make it crystal clear exactly what I want for birthdays, holidays- even revealing that greatest mystery of all- my size- to loved ones so returning is a once in a great while event. We also try to track what family members are giving the kids to prevent duplications and returns. Often times, if a toy is duplicated, however, we will just put it into the birthday gifting box for the myriad of birthday parties our kids are invited to.
I hate to return anything to stores!
I would never buy something to wear once with the clear intention of returning it after I wore it. First of all I think that is just wrong. I would not even consider doing it. Second I would not like the hassle of making another trip to the store. I have better, more important things to do. Third if I like something well enough to wear it I would want to keep it in my wardrobe.