Do you consider this DISHONEST?

[Papa Deuce]

Poll Coming.

I just found out that this couple I know "buys" stuff all the time for certain events and then returns it. They "buy" from stores that take returns without restocking fees.

For example.... need a camcorder for vacation? Go "buy" one and then take it back after vacation.

They actually did this, this year:

They are Philadelphia Eagles fans. They "bought" a 53" TV and stereo sytem for a Super Bowl party. The day after the Super Bowl they returned it.

This REALLY makes me angry! So, because they fake buy, the store has to take it back andsell it for less money, probably, since it isn't "new". And, we, the "honest" consumers, pay more for stuff because of people who do this.

I'm so angry about this I want to confront them on it. But even if I do, I doubt that they would care.

And, I don't know whether I really have a right to be angry. What they are doing isn't illegal.

ETA: Plus, what about the salespeople who worked hard for commissions? They may have had "real" sales instead of "fake" sales.

Also ETA: we pay restocking fees because of people like this, IMO, even if we really just decide that it isn't the product for us.

 

[Beth76]

Yes I consider it dishonest. You buy something with the intent purpose of using it and returning it--that's very wrong. But, you're right, it's probably not illegal. I don't know how they could enforce something like that. What do they say when they return things? Are they asked why they're returning it. I don't get how people can do things like that. Very low class.

 

[Lewisc]

It's amazing how many people are in line at stores returning folding chairs and tables the day after Thanksgiving.

What's worse is some of the people who return items go back later that day to re-buy the item as a discounted "open box" item.

Stores are starting to keep track of those customers so they can deal with it.

 

[ckmommy]

That is totally wrong in my book.

 

[4nana]

I sure do! However, what goes around, comes around!

 

[elliemae1192]

My BIL is a manager at a SuperWalmart (I know, I know, "the evil giant" ) and people buy those big inflatible jumping things all the time and bring them back a few days later. He KNOWS they're using them for a kids party and then returning them but unfortunately there's nothing he can do but take them back.
I agree, ultimately the cost is passed on to us, the honest consumers.

 

[remyandhollandsmommy]

If you buy something with the intent to return after using it it is wrong IMO. I can understand if you buy something, try it out then decide it is not up to par and want to return it though, does that make sense?

A pet peeve of mine is when people buy clothing (or shoes), wear them until right before the receipt return date expires and them bring them back! I worked at both Kmart and Walmart when I was younger and people do that all the time! It makes me so angry!

 

[MScott1851]

Women who do clothing this way tick me off, too!

We were at a Grizzlies game a couple of weeks ago, and sat right in front of one of the club boxes that they rent out for special events. This girl came into the luxury box and had an AMAZING coat on. I was in awe of this jacket and so envious. Fabulous clothes, box seats, and here I sit in a regular seat wearing Banana Republic.

Anyway, she sat down, took the jacket off and left it lying open on her chair, and went to get a drink. ALL THE TAGS WERE STILL ON, INSIDE THE COAT!!! When she came back and saw them, instead of ripping them off and putting them in her purse, she looked around real quick, and grabbed the jacket and folded it over to hide the tags. I have no doubt in my mind that this woman had bought a $500 coat and was going to return it the next day. If you're going to do that, at least invest in a re-tagger and don't advertise the fact!

 

[Castlebound]

Yes it is dishonest. That is why formal dresses have tags on them that say ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Back when I was in high school and before the ASAF tags a girl in my school and her mom bought a $500 prom dress. She wore the dress for prom and then returned it. $500 was A LOT of money in this area for a prom dress then. Most stores at the time just required you to still have the tag attached to the dress. The only funny thing about it was that the tag rub a raw spot on her where she tucked it under the arm of the dress.

 

[caitycaity]

i think it is wrong, but i don't think it should be illegal.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Anybody gonna fess up to the " I see nothing wrong" vote?

 

[Sparx]

Anybody gonna fess up to the " I see nothing wrong" vote?

Thats what I was about to say. I wonder who did it... BTW, I think it very WRONG!

 

[WebmasterAlex]

Aside from the fact that we do pay the costs, indirectly, what is going to happen is that stores will tighten up their return policies and honest people will suffer

 

[Sparx]

Aside from the fact that we do pay the costs, indirectly, what is going to happen is that stores will tighten up their return policies and honest people will suffer

yes.

This is also like buying a dress, wearing it, then returning it. THAT is against the law, isn't it? I always thought it was.

 

[Papa Deuce]

I never thought people returned clothing that they have worn... tell me that does not happen with undergarments.

 

[Sparx]

tell me that does not happen with undergarments.

stores don't let you return those. (Thank the lord!)
But I have heard of people buying something, wearing it, then taking it back.

 

[remyandhollandsmommy]

stores don't let you return those. (Thank the lord!)
But I have heard of people buying something, wearing it, then taking it back.

Well now that depends on what you buy (if it is prepackaged or not) and who the manager on duty is. When I was in retail, I was a front end supervisor (crapy job where you are in charge of cashiers, service area, and layaway) and I had to take back nasty things. If a customer brought back bras (clearly worn where you didn't want to touch them) and the underwear in packages (worn but replaced in the package), our manager would let them be returned 9 out of 10 times if a fuss was made. One of the reasons I feel so strongly against the practice of returning used clothing is because of the stuff I had to take back.

 

[mick67]

Anybody gonna fess up to the " I see nothing wrong" vote?

I'm not going to say I see "nothing" wrong with it, but it sure doesn't bother me.

The weirdest thing I see about it is that someone would spend so much time buying and returning things on a consistent basis. Who wants to carry in a 53" TV, unpack it, use it, repack it, carry back out to the car and unload it from the car at the store? I hate carrying things in the first time! When you weigh out the time and aggravation, it's not worth MY time, but if some fool wants to do it, I don't care.

 

[nativetxn]

I think it is very dishonest and just plain wrong. I hope they get busted doing this and have to eat the cost one of these days.

Katholyn

 

[Papa Deuce]

I'm not going to say I see "nothing" wrong with it, but it sure doesn't bother me.

The weirdest thing I see about it is that someone would spend so much time buying and returning things on a consistent basis. Who wants to carry in a 53" TV, unpack it, use it, repack it, carry back out to the car and unload it from the car at the store? I hate carrying things in the first time! When you weigh out the time and aggravation, it's not worth MY time, but if some fool wants to do it, I don't care.

They don't --- at least with the TV. They have it delivered and had it picked up.