Why don't people keep what they buy????

[TnKrBeLlA012]

I think maybe you should look for another place to work... you sound very unhappy. I think your Christmas spirit is shot, too, LOL!

When I worked retail (As much as I hated it!) I could have cared less if they were buying or returning. All the same to me, really. I'm there anyways to work and I'd rather do that than stock shelves! I HATED stocking!

Anytime you deal with the public your spirit, be it Christmas or not is shot! Every new person we hire for the return area asks the question,"why do people return so much?" We even have customer's ask,"why do people buy and return so much?" So I thought I will ask the Disboard their thoughts on the subject. In the back of my mind I keep thinking, maybe this is Bush's fault?(just kidding) Believe me I am the nicest person you would encounter at a return desk. If your pleasant to me I will do as much as I can for you. I have given many discounts when people have forgot to bring in the coupon. I give price adjustments after the 14 day policy. My being nice was not the topic. Why do people return so much was.

 

[Missy1961]

Maybe the woman returned a lot of stuff at once because she doesn't get to go to the store very often. Or maybe she had some unexpected bills and returning the clothes was an easy way to get money (that happened to me once). And maybe the person who's telling you their life story is lonely & has no-one to talk to. As long as the customer has all the stuff they need to return the items and they haven't been worn, what's the difference?

BTW, I've worked retail, not returns but as a cashier.

 

[Tinkim]

I have no idea. I have been on both sides of the return counter though and it never bothered me except one time someone put $500 on lay-a-way for school and came in to cancel the lay-a-way back in the day when you had to enter each sku number and there was no "magic wand." Lately, I have had to return a number of things myself. I used to just buy stuff and keep it because I hated to return stuff but then I finally decided I was wasting money by not returning it. Clothes are tough. I had trying them on when DD is with me so if I need something I buy it and then try it on. If it doesn't fit I bring it back! At one time I always had "stuff" in my closet that was the wrong size, color, etc. and I felt bad returning it but not anymore. I also ordered a bunch of stuff from Wal-Mart.com for Christmas and they sent me an e-mail stating they were having a hard time locating the items and they may or may not ship. Since they were gifts I went to Wal-Mart and found them at a little higher price and bought them and then of course the packages started to arrive in the mail the next day. I am one of those people also who feel compelled to tell you why I am returning something. Sorry it is bugging you. Hope you have the day after Christmas off. That was always a long day in retail.

 

[mum4jenn]

I used to work in retail and let me tell you I do remember and I DO feel your pain. I don't understand it either. I could go into lots of reasons as to why but then this would turn into a big debate and probably get closed!! Many times it is just because the buyers just don't have any rspect for people that have to work in retail for a living. I have overheard conversations where people would laugh about buying more than they need or wrong sizes just to see if they could rattle the person working behind the counter that was taking care of the returns. I wlii leave it at that.

 

[Marseeya]

I enjoy it.

I like spending all that time driving 30 miles to the nearest mall, then spending an hour or two in the store, only to drive 30 miles back home and discover, that for any number of reasons, I don't need what I bought. So, another 30 miles there, 10 minutes waiting in line with grumpy shoppers and having to face a joyless cashier, then 30 miles back.

All so I can annoy the returns clerk!

 

[gr8tpanther]

Good thing you weren't working at my walmart today, because I returned an ENTIRE Lay-a-way! I took it OFF Lay-a-way and returned it. WHY? Because I ONLY wanted 4 things out of the $300 worth I had on, and their Add/Delete key wasn't working, so I had to return what I didn't want in order to get the sale prices of the things I wanted to keep! So, out of the $280 worth of stuff, I got $220 of it back.

 

[Mishetta]

"Bah, Humbug!"

I shop this way often because it's the only reasonable way for me to shop. I have an autistic son who doesn't take to shopping very well. If I'm going to maximize my time & energy I need to go as fast as possible, get it all home, try it on there, and bring back what doesn't work. Sorry if you don't cotton to that. Beleive me, you don't want us trying stuff on and carrying on in your store.

Perhaps a transfer would be in order...

I too have a special needs child & so when I need something, I run in a store, grab up a few of different sizes & styles & bring it all home to try on at my convenience. Naturally some stuff has to go back to the store. I've tried shopping on line but that turned out to be a hassle in shipping stuff back. So some people have good reason to shop & return.

If that's such a problem, maybe retail isn't your cup of tea?

And in Bon Jovi's words ~ "Have a nice day!"

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I return broken things.

We do have a pair of shoes to return--but that is b/c I found a great deal the day after Thanksgiving and my youngest is between sizes. The shoe was only sold in whole sizes--so I bought both pairs for her. The ones that do not fit are awaiting return. And the deal was a real deal-not one of those fake ones. I wasn't about to leave the last pair of either size there and return with her later in the day to verify a fit.

Customer service is just that--service. Service the customer be it to help them buy something, to sell something, to exchange something or to process their return.

 

[Marseeya]

Customer service is just that--service. Service the customer be it to help them buy something, to sell something, to exchange something or to process their return.

Yeah, really. I guess we could all just quit bothering retailers and do all our business online. But then we'd be hearing how long the unemployment lines are.

I worked retail for years and I could never understand anyone complaining about it being busy (other than obviously being tired). Without the customers, we would have been without a job!

 

[Aimeedyan]

Anytime you deal with the public your spirit, be it Christmas or not is shot! Every new person we hire for the return area asks the question,"why do people return so much?" We even have customer's ask,"why do people buy and return so much?" So I thought I will ask the Disboard their thoughts on the subject. In the back of my mind I keep thinking, maybe this is Bush's fault?(just kidding) Believe me I am the nicest person you would encounter at a return desk. If your pleasant to me I will do as much as I can for you. I have given many discounts when people have forgot to bring in the coupon. I give price adjustments after the 14 day policy. My being nice was not the topic. Why do people return so much was.

Okay, your topic.

Why do people return so much?
- it didn't fit
- they found something else they like better
- they found it cheaper someplace else
- they needed the $ back due to budget reasons and will buy it later when they have more money
- it was the wrong color
- it was the wrong size
- it didn't work with the decor
- the person didn't like it
- something on it was defective
- they didn't read the fine print on it and decided they didn't want something dry clean only
- they realized the person they bought it for was allergic to wool
- the color looked bad on their skintone
- they put it on at home and it made their butt look huge
- the shoes hurt their feet
- the hemline was too long
- they didn't have time to try things on because they were on lunch
- they didn't have time to try things on because their baby needed to nurse
- they didn't have time to try things on because their special needs child was ansy
- they didn't have time to think through their purchase because they were in too much of a hurry
- they bought multiple like items to try them out at home to see which looked best
- their child couldn't shop with them and thus try things on
- because they can
- they learned on the Today show that pink is the new black instead of purple
- their child decided they wanted another toy for their birthday instead of the one they bought already
- the scarf didn't match the hat
- junior got kicked off the basketball team and doesnt need athletic shorts anymore
- you overspent your budget and decided to cut back on gifts
- you decided to wait to buy all clothing until tax free weekend
- you decided to buy in another city with lower taxes
- you wanted to tick off the returns desk clerk
- their husband turned his nose up to the new tie when they got home
- the wife decided she didn't like the shirt her DH bought her when he got home
- they bought it for a job interview and then to save $ decided to wear it with the tags and return it later
- it was a gown for prom and worn with the tags so it could be returned
- the wedding was called off
- the wood color didn't match
- the pillows didn't match the couch
- MIL decided she wanted donations to the save the whales fund instead of gifts this year so you returned her gift
- the lotion made your face break out
- the smell of the perfume smelled like dead rats on your skin
- the sweater shrunk
- the sheets didn't fit the pillow top mattress
- the size was packaged wrong
- the cd was broken when you opened it
- the weather turned warm again before you could wear that sweater anyways so you returned it
- you wanted to waste half your day standing in line to return it
- you shopped for your boss and he hated your choices
- you bought 1 too many strings of lights
- the tree was too big when you put it up
- the lampshade didn't fit the lamp afterall
- fido didn't like the treats you bought him
- the store was closing and you quickly grabbed what you thought you might like in a rush
- you had to pee and didn't have time to browse
- you had an interview the next morning but didn't have time to try things on so you grabbed the outfits that you thought might work and tried them on at home later that night
- the purse didn't match those shoes afterall
- the heels were too high with the skirt
- DH decided he'd rather have silk boxers instead of satin
- the baby isn't a girl but a boy and you just bought 3 pink dresses
- you got into a fight with your best friend and don't plan to give her that new watch
- your child gets in trouble and punishment is no birthday gifts
- your child gets in trouble and is grounded from attending a friends birthday party so you return it
- the floormats dont fit your car
- the antenna didn't make your tv reception any better
- the doll stand was too tall for the new doll you bought

Those are just some off the top of my head... HTH.

 

[True North]

I thought this thread had the easiest answer in the world:

LIEING MIRRORS!

I have been there when you look at it in the mirror at the store that is on an angle and has the perfect light. I seem to be 6 foot 2 and have no fat at all. You get home later and realize you have been tricked. That expensive shirt has to go back becuase you look down right silly.

 

[SUSIEQ]

It's my time and my money so I will return all I want!!

My thoughts exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[LisaR]

Many times it is just because the buyers just don't have any rspect for people that have to work in retail for a living. I have overheard conversations where people would laugh about buying more than they need or wrong sizes just to see if they could rattle the person working behind the counter that was taking care of the returns. I wlii leave it at that.

Yep, that is exactly what all my friends and relatives do. Our lives consist of buying way more then we need and then spending our time returning it to the stores because we don't have any respect for people that work retail.

Lisa

 

[kilee]

I think Christmas shopping brings out the worst in a lot of shoppers and workers. Mostly because the workers are overworked during this season. Then there are so many people who hate to shop that have to for gifts.

 

[robinb]

I think the OP has a problem with "recreational" shoppers. Those people who buy stuff for the thrill and return it the next week because the can't afford it. I admit that I have returned things more than once because of a bad case of buyer's remorse. But ... as long as I follow the rules, hookairs if I return something? I have been very careful this year about getting Gift Receipts for all the Holiday (not just Christmas ) gifts I have been buying so my freinds and family can return things if it's not right.

 

[Serena]

I have people that buy and buy and buy only to return it later. But I'm sure the OP is just like everyone else that has a hard day. Some days are easier than others and some days it's an effort to make it till the end.

I hope tomorrow's better for you.

 

[Poohnatic]

I have worked in retail for 22 years. My break is spent running to a store, grabbing what I'd like in the size I think will fit. Fortunately, my favorite clothing store knows this-and happily take my return. Next week, I might be spending more than I returned.

The way I look at it is that anyone returning stuff in my store is IN my store. I've got a great opportunity to get them to walk out with different stuff. After all, they pay my company and that in turn pays me.

Suzanne

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Wow, Aimeedyan, that's a pretty comprehensive list! Not much that I can add.

I don't return a lot of merchansise and I can see being irritated at people who buy and return stacks of stuff that they are only buying to feed their compulsive desire to shop and they know they will be returning once their DH sees it, they get the CC bill, they come to their senses, etc.

I don't think that most people fall into this catagory. I usually buy what I think I want/need/will keep. Sometimes I'm buying for one of my kids who I don't have with me and I'm not sure of the size so I'll buy 2 of different sizes and return one. I mainly do that when there is a good sale with an extra % off because if I go back and do anything but an even exchange I won't be able to take advantage of that extra % off. I don't usually even do this, though, because I do not like to return items any more than you like to get unnecessary returns.

Also, I will return if an item is defective.

 

[MrsPete]

I think the OP has a problem with "recreational" shoppers.

This is my impression as well. Like it or not, shopping is a favorite hobby for MANY people. They go out and buy on impulse, then once they get it home and reconsider, they don't want the item. Why? Plenty of reasons:

Why'd I buy another white sweater? I knew perfectly well I already had three, but it looked so good in that display.
Look at that -- I already had a gift for my cousin; now I don't need this crockpot.
Yeah, it was on sale, but now that I think about it, I really don't need it.

Stores have to accept some of the responsibility for this problem. They send out massive ads in every Sunday's papers, run sales emphasizing that today's the best day to buy, offer 10% off today's purchase if the customer signs up for a store credit card . . . they don't do much to encourage REALISTIC BUYING.

 

[TnKrBeLlA012]

Okay, your topic.

Why do people return so much?
- it didn't fit
- they found something else they like better
- they found it cheaper someplace else
- they needed the $ back due to budget reasons and will buy it later when they have more money
- it was the wrong color
- it was the wrong size
- it didn't work with the decor
- the person didn't like it
- something on it was defective
- they didn't read the fine print on it and decided they didn't want something dry clean only
- they realized the person they bought it for was allergic to wool
- the color looked bad on their skintone
- they put it on at home and it made their butt look huge
- the shoes hurt their feet
- the hemline was too long
- they didn't have time to try things on because they were on lunch
- they didn't have time to try things on because their baby needed to nurse
- they didn't have time to try things on because their special needs child was ansy
- they didn't have time to think through their purchase because they were in too much of a hurry
- they bought multiple like items to try them out at home to see which looked best
- their child couldn't shop with them and thus try things on
- because they can
- they learned on the Today show that pink is the new black instead of purple
- their child decided they wanted another toy for their birthday instead of the one they bought already
- the scarf didn't match the hat
- junior got kicked off the basketball team and doesnt need athletic shorts anymore
- you overspent your budget and decided to cut back on gifts
- you decided to wait to buy all clothing until tax free weekend
- you decided to buy in another city with lower taxes
- you wanted to tick off the returns desk clerk
- their husband turned his nose up to the new tie when they got home
- the wife decided she didn't like the shirt her DH bought her when he got home
- they bought it for a job interview and then to save $ decided to wear it with the tags and return it later
- it was a gown for prom and worn with the tags so it could be returned
- the wedding was called off
- the wood color didn't match
- the pillows didn't match the couch
- MIL decided she wanted donations to the save the whales fund instead of gifts this year so you returned her gift
- the lotion made your face break out
- the smell of the perfume smelled like dead rats on your skin
- the sweater shrunk
- the sheets didn't fit the pillow top mattress
- the size was packaged wrong
- the cd was broken when you opened it
- the weather turned warm again before you could wear that sweater anyways so you returned it
- you wanted to waste half your day standing in line to return it
- you shopped for your boss and he hated your choices
- you bought 1 too many strings of lights
- the tree was too big when you put it up
- the lampshade didn't fit the lamp afterall
- fido didn't like the treats you bought him
- the store was closing and you quickly grabbed what you thought you might like in a rush
- you had to pee and didn't have time to browse
- you had an interview the next morning but didn't have time to try things on so you grabbed the outfits that you thought might work and tried them on at home later that night
- the purse didn't match those shoes afterall
- the heels were too high with the skirt
- DH decided he'd rather have silk boxers instead of satin
- the baby isn't a girl but a boy and you just bought 3 pink dresses
- you got into a fight with your best friend and don't plan to give her that new watch
- your child gets in trouble and punishment is no birthday gifts
- your child gets in trouble and is grounded from attending a friends birthday party so you return it
- the floormats dont fit your car
- the antenna didn't make your tv reception any better
- the doll stand was too tall for the new doll you bought

Those are just some off the top of my head... HTH.

Way to much thought!!!!!!!!!!