What is a reasonable return policy?

[iloveboardwalk]

A few threads have been running for the last couple of days with members recounting their return mishaps and frustrations. It got me wondering just what exactly people think a reasonable return policy is?

Some seem to be of the opinion that a store should take anything back, anytime, no receipt, open or not, maybe from that store, maybe not, no questions asked.

I feel differently, not that I'm up in arms about it or anything, I'm just surprised that so many people think that stores should have little to no restrictions on returns. What do you think?

To get started, I think a 3 returns in 30 day limit is perfectly reasonable. I think returning a toy from TRU to Target or Wal-Mart is wrong. I think returning something like Christmas cards because you bought too many is wrong. I think stores are in the business of selling, not loaning and that returns should be rare, not common.

Just my opinion, of course, I'm wondering what other people think.

 

[ducklite]

I think that returning an item that the store sells currently without a receipt should give you the lowest sale price in the last 90 days as a store credit.

Returns with a receipt should give you your money back without quibble for up to six months in the same form payment was rendered in.

Returns of defective merchandise still carried by the store for an even exchange should be done without a receipt, no questions asked.

Anne

 

[iloveboardwalk]

I think that returning an item that the store sells currently without a receipt should give you the lowest sale price in the last 90 days as a store credit.

I agree with this.

Returns with a receipt should give you your money back without quibble for up to six months in the same form payment was rendered in.

I'd agree with this up to two months.

Returns of defective merchandise still carried by the store for an even exchange should be done without a receipt, no questions asked.

I disagree here because what if the item came from Target and the person wants to return it to Wal-Mart? I think that people have abused this particular issue and it's why return policies are so strict now.

 

[911neverforgotten]

 

[Daxx]

I think returning something like Christmas cards because you bought too many is wrong.

I totally know that this has my name written all over it as I posted my returning Christmas cards on the Wal-Mart post.

Why is this so wrong!? The store has a return policy, I abided by it and had my original receipt. If their policy is to accept returns with a receipt within so many days and I met that mark, why is returning Christmas cards so wrong!?!?!? I played by their rules, so why is that so wrong!??!!? I have every stinking right to return those unused Christmas cards b/c I abided by store policy.

If Target stated "No Christmas card/wrap/decoration returns or refunds after Dec. 20th" then I would abide by that and would've kept the cards if I didn't meet that return deadline.

Sorry -- but I played by Target's exchange/return rules and did not try to pull anything or rip anyone off. So, don't go telling me that I did something wrong when I followed Target's rules.

 

[ducklite]

I'd agree with this up to two months.

Well, if it was purchased as a gift it could be longer than two months. If I buy a wedding gift for my friend six weeks before the wedding, and they go on a honeymoon for two weeks after, it could be well over two months before they get around to making a return. It seems taht if there is a receipt, there should be no reason to not take the item back for up to six months. Maybe exclude certain seasonal items...

I disagree here because what if the item came from Target and the person wants to return it to Wal-Mart? I think that people have abused this particular issue and it's why return policies are so strict now.

It's an even exchange Target might get some of Wal-Marts and Wal-Mart might get some of Targets, but it will even out. And while in the store doing the even exchange, the consumer will probably purcahse additional items, so it would actually benefit the retailer.

Anne

 

[poohandwendy]

I think that returning an item that the store sells currently without a receipt should give you the lowest sale price in the last 90 days as a store credit.

Returns with a receipt should give you your money back without quibble for up to six months in the same form payment was rendered in.

Returns of defective merchandise still carried by the store for an even exchange should be done without a receipt, no questions asked.

Anne

ITA

 

[bicker]

Each retailer needs to set their own return policy, based on the level of service they wish to offer to their customers. Customers need to review and accept the seller's return policy prior to making their purchasing decision, and then be satisfied with what the return policy includes, and not expect service beyond that which is specified in the return policy.

 

[iloveboardwalk]

I totally know that this has my name written all over it as I posted my returning Christmas cards on the Wal-Mart post.

LOL! It was just an example! I didn;t even remember specifically that it was you, I just remembered the example of a person who had a long list of returns and why they thought they were ok. The reason stores have tightened their return policies is because people use them so excessively.

Why is this so wrong!? The store has a return policy, I abided by it and had my original receipt. If their policy is to accept returns with a receipt within so many days and I met that mark, why is returning Christmas cards so wrong!?!?!? I played by their rules, so why is that so wrong!??!!? I have every stinking right to return those unused Christmas cards b/c I abided by store policy.

If Target stated "No Christmas card/wrap/decoration returns or refunds after Dec. 20th" then I would abide by that and would've kept the cards if I didn't meet that return deadline.

Sorry -- but I played by Target's exchange/return rules and did not try to pull anything or rip anyone off. So, don't go telling me that I did something wrong when I followed Target's rules.

It was just an example. I have to say, I'm surpised they did take them back, the stores sell Christmas stuff at a huge, deep discount after the holidays because they don't want them anymore. But, I'm glad it worked out for you.

 

[Mono~rail]

I think a return within 60 days with a receipt is OK. Really, even 60 days is pushing it. An item could be put on clearance by 60 days then the store would be loosing money. I also think that if an item is on clearance at the time of the return/exchange, even with a receipt, the clearance price should be given.

I think that without a receipt nothing should be given.

I stick all my receipts in a certain pocket of my purse - just in case. Every month or so I clean it out.

Personally, it is very embarrassing to return items. I just don't like doing it. The only reason I return an item is if I open it when I get home and find it is broken or missing something. Even in those cases, I call the company and work with them to rectify the problem.