Have you ever been given a hard time when trying to return an item at a store? Somewhat of a vent.

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

I recently started purchase bras from Victoria's Secret.
I bought my 4th one ever the other day. Brought it home and decided it wasn't working for me so today with tags still on and receipt in hand I went to return it and have my cash refunded to me.
The woman was trying to push me to try on a bunch more bras and just do an exchange. This was supposed to be a quick stop and then I was going home to relax so I was not at all interested in trying anything on so I politely said I just wanted to return for today.
She asked for my ID so I gave it to her and scanned it or something and told me I had reached my 7 limit return allotment.
I told her that this was only the 4th item and 1st return I have ever made with them.
She wanted to argue with me about it so I told her she better figure it out because I was not leaving without my cash.
She finally said that she'd let it "slide" this time and I got my money back.
When I got home I called the customer service number and told them the situation. They transferred me to the 3rd party company that keeps track of the return allowance.
I gave them the info on my ID and they verified I had never returned anything.
If this is gonna be the situation if I want to return an item in the future I guess I will just find another company to do business with.

Anyone else ever have a hard time returning an item to a store?

 

[low-key]

I have never returned anything, I just throw it away, Im such a man

 

[ols386]

Not a nice way to treat a customer. I guess she thought you would just go away. Is there a different VS store near you where you could go to hopefully alleviate the stress and frustration of any future transactions? No I've never had anything like this happen to me. I wouldn't be pleased about it either.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Not a nice way to treat a customer. I guess she thought you would just go away. Is there a different VS store near you where you could go to hopefully alleviate the stress and frustration of any future transactions? No I've never had anything like this happen to me. I wouldn't be pleased about it either.

There are a couple other locations but I feel like if it happened at this one what's to say it won't happen at another location as well ya know?
I think its going to be a while before I go back in to a VS store but eventually I will.
Maybe I'll let that store know my previous experience before I buy to get some kind of assurance it won't happen if I need to return.

 

[PlainJane]

Never anything that dramatic. I once had a guy at Nordstrom give me slight pushback for returning a lip liner (And possibly other makeup, I can't remember. It was for my wedding, so I bought several items and was happy with most of them). I had wanted a different color that was out of stock. Sales woman said it would be similar, it wasn't. I pretty much only buy makeup at Ulta now because they have a liberal return policy. I almost never return anything there, but it makes me feel better knowing I can. I think the last time I returned anything there was 3 years ago because I hadn't noticed the product had a scary warning about it being bad for pregnant women, I didn't feel comfortable keeping it after that.

I, actually, returned something to VS about a year ago with no issue. Same circumstance. It had tags and I just decided I didn't want it. I can't remember if they scanned my ID. I wasn't given any trouble. Very shortsighted to treat you so badly. She could have lost a customer over an item than can be resold.

I think the worst part was when she acted like she was doing you a favor. What on earth?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I recently started purchase bras from Victoria's Secret.
I bought my 4th one ever the other day. Brought it home and decided it wasn't working for me so today with tags still on and receipt in hand I went to return it and have my cash refunded to me.
The woman was trying to push me to try on a bunch more bras and just do an exchange. This was supposed to be a quick stop and then I was going home to relax so I was not at all interested in trying anything on so I politely said I just wanted to return for today.
She asked for my ID so I gave it to her and scanned it or something and told me I had reached my 7 limit return allotment.
I told her that this was only the 4th item and 1st return I have ever made with them.
She wanted to argue with me about it so I told her she better figure it out because I was not leaving without my cash.
She finally said that she'd let it "slide" this time and I got my money back.
When I got home I called the customer service number and told them the situation. They transferred me to the 3rd party company that keeps track of the return allowance.
I gave them the info on my ID and they verified I had never returned anything.
If this is gonna be the situation if I want to return an item in the future I guess I will just find another company to do business with.

Anyone else ever have a hard time returning an item to a store?

I've never had something like that happen but that sucks how you were treated. Seems quite interesting that to the employee it was your 7th return but the actual system was showing this would be your 1st return.

Do you happen to remember the employee's name? Or was there a receipt given during the return process that had her name on it?

It sounds like the employee was either coached to make up stuff like that or she took it upon herself to do so especially since you were both pressured to just buy new stuff and was told you had reached your return limit (which btw I really didn't know VS had that but thanks for letting me know!).

Either way if you know her name and you felt like it I would report her to the company (or at the very least that particular location).

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I bought a lipstick and lip liner from a MAC store located in our Macy's. Caused an allergic reaction within a few days and I tried to return it less than a week later. They refused saying MAC wouldn't accept the return since too much product had been used (yet again less than a week of use). When I contacted MAC customer service they said they couldn't take it back since it was purchased in Macy's and Macy's would have to process the return. Needless to say, I won't be purchasing from Macy's or MAC ever again. Sephora and Ulta get my money from now on.

 

[PlainJane]

I bought a lipstick and lip liner from a MAC store located in our Macy's. Caused an allergic reaction within a few days and I tried to return it less than a week later. They refused saying MAC wouldn't accept the return since too much product had been used (yet again less than a week of use). When I contacted MAC customer service they said they couldn't take it back since it was purchased in Macy's and Macy's would have to process the return. Needless to say, I won't be purchasing from Macy's or MAC ever again. Sephora and Ulta get my money from now on.

Reminds me of when a friend wanted to cancel a membership at a yoga studio. She had signed a contract, but she literally could not go there because they pumped lavender essential oil incessantly and she is allergic. She wanted to practice there, but that's kind of hard when your throat is closing up.

 

[mummabear]

I recently started purchase bras from Victoria's Secret.
I bought my 4th one ever the other day. Brought it home and decided it wasn't working for me so today with tags still on and receipt in hand I went to return it and have my cash refunded to me.
The woman was trying to push me to try on a bunch more bras and just do an exchange. This was supposed to be a quick stop and then I was going home to relax so I was not at all interested in trying anything on so I politely said I just wanted to return for today.
She asked for my ID so I gave it to her and scanned it or something and told me I had reached my 7 limit return allotment.
I told her that this was only the 4th item and 1st return I have ever made with them.
She wanted to argue with me about it so I told her she better figure it out because I was not leaving without my cash.
She finally said that she'd let it "slide" this time and I got my money back.
When I got home I called the customer service number and told them the situation. They transferred me to the 3rd party company that keeps track of the return allowance.
I gave them the info on my ID and they verified I had never returned anything.
If this is gonna be the situation if I want to return an item in the future I guess I will just find another company to do business with.

Anyone else ever have a hard time returning an item to a store?

Over here stores have a right to refuse to return or exchange for a change of mind. If it is faulty they have the choice to repair, replace or refund.

 

[bcla]

Not really. Heck - I've returned an item to VS before. My wife asked me to get something for wedding photos that was recommended by the photographer, but it turns out we didn't need it. They took it back no questions, although I'm don't remember if they wanted ID.

The one thing about VS is that everything returned gets destroyed. This became extremely public after someone reported about a return where the clerk took scissors to the item right in front of the customer.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Not really. Heck - I've returned an item to VS before. My wife asked me to get something for wedding photos that was recommended by the photographer, but it turns out we didn't need it. They took it back no questions, although I'm don't remember if they wanted ID.

The one thing about VS is that everything returned gets destroyed. This became extremely public after someone reported about a return where the clerk took scissors to the item right in front of the customer.

That's because they can't verify that it was not worn. And intimate clothes cannot be resold.

 

[bcla]

That's because they can't verify that it was not worn. And intimate clothes cannot be resold.

Well - it was some adhesive-backed backless bra. I guess the photographer recommended it because because straps would show through the dress. My wife didn't even take it out of the box, and the adhesive was intact.

BTW - you know how it feels for a guy to be walking into VS asking for something like that?

I'm still not totally convinced. Customers are trying on stuff all the time and don't they just put it back on the shelves.

Reminds me of the Futurama episode where Fry wants to try on some Lightspeed Briefs, but the clerk stops him from opening a pack and hands him a "trial pair" after spraying it down with a disinfectant like they were bowling shoes.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Well - it was some adhesive-backed backless bra. I guess the photographer recommended it because because straps would show through the dress. My wife didn't even take it out of the box, and the adhesive was intact.

BTW - you know how it feels for a guy to be walking into VS asking for something like that?

I'm still not totally convinced. Customers are trying on stuff all the time and don't they just put it back on the shelves.

Reminds me of the Futurama episode where Fry wants to try on some Lightspeed Briefs, but the clerk stops him from opening a pack and hands him a "trial pair" after spraying it down with a disinfectant like they were bowling shoes.

Well, legally, here anyway, you're supposed to keep your "old" underpants on while trying bathing suits. Underwear comes in sealed packages. Can't open the package to "just try it on". Basically, you have to buy what you think is the correct size (size chart usually on package). If it doesn't fit, you can return it, but they probably have to destroy it.

Now, with bras, when I had a fitting, I could try on various sizes/styles directly. Can't say whether they had bras just for trying on, or if they were new ones. But now, I just buy the size I need, no trying on.

 

[Squirlz]

I once bought a bunch of clothes on sale at Penneys. Washed before I wore of course and a sleeve came half off one of the shirts. I took it back and the manager got all snippy saying "How do I know that happened?" Ummm...because I'm telling you it did and you are holding a receipt for $300 in your hand? Do you think I came here over buyers remorse for an 11 dollar shirt? You don't have to be too smart to work at Penneys.

 

[Westcoastwild]

I had something happen to me with Nordstrom's lingerie department. Wore the bra less than a month, one wire snapped. I called the department and they agreed that was not right. When I went to return it, the manager of the department tried to claim first that I had bought an improperly fitting bra- I said, that's odd, you're the one who fitted me. Then she tried to claim that I had "abused" the bra- and I said really, so explain to me how every other bra I've bought from you and treated the exact same way lasted me a year rather than a month. Then she tried to say I don't rotate my bras often enough, and lectured me condescendingly on that. So I said, really, wearing it once a week was too often for it? I mean I wore it 4-5 times. So then she got huffy and tried to give me store credit, and I said ma'am never has Nordstrom EVER offered me store credit for clearly faulty merchandise and I think I'd like to talk to your boss. She said fine I'll do you this favor one time and give you your money back.

Right. Fine. The icing on the cake- what made me really mad- was she tried to push selling me another bra during the return.

If I shop at VS I expect to not return a bra like that. Because I do know they destroy returned merch. And I don't really expect the same service as at Nordstroms. Because I've gotten indifferent and pushy service at VS. But the difference is VS bras cost 30% of what a Nordstrom bra costs.

So I no longer buy bras at either place and go to a indie boutique where I can find bras where the wire never breaks.

Anyway...that unexpectedly turned into a rant...but I feel for you, OP. There's something about ladies that work in lingerie. Either that career path turns them in condescending, pretentious mean girls or that type are just really into lingerie. I've been talked down to more in lingerie departments than in shoe and purse stores. And heaven knows bras cost a lot less than either of those.

 

[bcla]

Well, legally, here anyway, you're supposed to keep your "old" underpants on while trying bathing suits. Underwear comes in sealed packages. Can't open the package to "just try it on". Basically, you have to buy what you think is the correct size (size chart usually on package). If it doesn't fit, you can return it, but they probably have to destroy it.

Now, with bras, when I had a fitting, I could try on various sizes/styles directly. Can't say whether they had bras just for trying on, or if they were new ones. But now, I just buy the size I need, no trying on.

That's not the way I've seen them sold at Victoria's Secret. No package, just sitting on the table or drawer with a price tag. I know because my wife enlisted me to help her find a particular style. I don't recall if they actually let anyone try on panties, but they have fitting rooms for something.

I guess they stopped selling men's underwear years ago. I heard the problem was that it was pricey, and they kind of had to overcome the stigma of a guy buying his own underwear in a women's lingerie store.

 

[Westcoastwild]

That's not the way I've seen them sold at Victoria's Secret. No package, just sitting on the table or drawer with a price tag. I know because my wife enlisted me to help her find a particular style. I don't recall if they actually let anyone try on panties, but they have fitting rooms for something.

I guess they stopped selling men's underwear years ago. I heard the problem was that it was pricey, and they kind of had to overcome the stigma of a guy buying his own underwear in a women's lingerie store.

You can try on VS underwear over your current underwear. Sane with their swim bottoms.

I can't picture a man buying buying boxers from VS. VS is kind of overpriced for the quality to begin with- their main attraction to women is they're cute for the price, wide selection of sizes, and in almost every mall.

Can't picture a guy caring about any of the above.

 

[RedAngie]

Over here stores have a right to refuse to return or exchange for a change of mind. If it is faulty they have the choice to repair, replace or refund.

Stores in the US can have the same policy, as long as it's clearly posted near the cash registers. Some small independent stores have signs saying "No Refunds, Store Credit Only." Or "Refunds/Exchanges Only For Defective Merchandise." So go as far as to post "All Sales Final. No Refunds."

In general, however, most chain stores and mass merchandisers will accept returns for a refund. Many DO seem to have a limit on returns, however, like the apparent 7 return limit at Victoria's Secret.

I've always heard that Nordstrom supposedly has a very generous return policy. There was that story from 30 years ago where a store associate accepted a set or tires for return, even though Nordstrom doesn't sell tires.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Update: I was annoyed just enough by my experience that I decided to post basically what I posted on here to VS's FB page and they got back to me and asked me to message them with the store details because they were disappointed in how their staff treated me.
I gave them the info on the receipt which included the cashier's ID number so they would know the employee that was giving me a hard time vs them possibly reprimanding all employees when she was the only one that was giving me a hard time.
They messaged me back asking for my email address which I had assumed was so that they could contact me with any future info or questions.
What I was not expecting was that once I gave it to them they sent me an E-gift card for $25 that luckily never expires probably because they know I'm a bit turned off by the store right now.
I was not feeling entitled to this or anything I just wanted to vent about my experience so I did send them a big thank you for the kind gesture.

 

[bcla]

Stores in the US can have the same policy, as long as it's clearly posted near the cash registers. Some small independent stores have signs saying "No Refunds, Store Credit Only." Or "Refunds/Exchanges Only For Defective Merchandise." So go as far as to post "All Sales Final. No Refunds."

In general, however, most chain stores and mass merchandisers will accept returns for a refund. Many DO seem to have a limit on returns, however, like the apparent 7 return limit at Victoria's Secret.

I've always heard that Nordstrom supposedly has a very generous return policy. There was that story from 30 years ago where a store associate accepted a set or tires for return, even though Nordstrom doesn't sell tires.

Target used to have a pretty generous return policy. They'd even accept items without a receipt, but only for store credit at the current price. Once I returned a bunch of oil filters because I didn't need them any more. I had actually bought several at different stores (including Target) but had no idea which ones came from which store. With their policy I just returned them fairly easily and used the credit to buy something else.