topic Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy in Community Chat

Nordstrom's Return Policy

Marp — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 16:35:41 GMT

$2 Billion of Retail Fraud Could Be Ruining Nordstrom’s Legendary Return Policy

(Excerpt)

Nordstrom is finally cracking down on shoppers who take advantage of the company’s leniency by banning them from making purchases online and in stores. Of serial returners, Sterken said: “In cases like this, or other types of situations where we suspect unfair or dishonest activity, we’ll follow up with the customer directly and may ultimately make the decision to stop serving them in our stores and online.”

Full article: https://www.yahoo.com/style/2-billion-of-retail-fraud-could-be-ruining-nordstroms-legendary-return-policy-180331477.html

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

Bri21 — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 16:39:30 GMT

Good for them.

People are taking advantage of generous return policies.

It seems Nordstrom has cracked down on getting cash back when you return a gift. Now, you get a Nordstrom gift card. I'm sure they were losing a lot of money by giving people cash.

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

Plaid Pants2 — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 16:56:08 GMT

I am 100% all for retailers who crack down on those who abuse the return policy.

It's about time that the retailers started getting tough with them!

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

sunshine45 — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 17:02:15 GMT

i have a family member who works for nordstrom. you cannot believe the stories i hear about the returns that they get. someone returning a pair of jeans where the zipper broke after having owned them for five years? someone returning a wedding gift......after 20 years? someone taking something off of the rack from one floor and trying to return it on another floor? someone returning shoes that have been worn for several years and claiming "they didnt wear well?" there are so many crazy and unreasonable stories that i hear often.

i think the return policy adjustments they have made are definitely a step in the right direction.

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

RainCityWoman — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 17:05:53 GMT

Nordstrom originated in Seattle where I live. The Nordstrom family is from Seattle. People here are loyal to them. I have always thought the return policies were far too liberal and encouraged people to take advantage of them. I know someone who never had to buy more than one pair of athletic shoes because she would return them at certain intervals for one silly reason or the other, and would get a replacement. Of course, that was before we had data banks on each customer. Perhaps Nordstrom got wise to what was really happening.

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

millieshops — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 19:18:57 GMT

I love to shop Nordstrom, but they've needed to revisit their return policy for years. Other retailers are also doing that. I think in the long-run, it's good business.

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

SahmIam — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 19:21:14 GMT

As ALWAYS... there are those that will RUIN a good thing for everyone else by being a POS.

ALWAYS.

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

Wsmom — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 19:26:11 GMT

@sunshine45 wrote:
i have a family member who works for nordstrom. you cannot believe the stories i hear about the returns that they get. someone returning a pair of jeans where the zipper broke after having owned them for five years? someone returning a wedding gift......after 20 years? someone taking something off of the rack from one floor and trying to return it on another floor? someone returning shoes that have been worn for several years and claiming "they didnt wear well?" there are so many crazy and unreasonable stories that i hear often.

i think the return policy adjustments they have made are definitely a step in the right direction.

Same types of stories with Costco and the returns. On top of the stories I'd heard, I actually knew someone who would return stuff to Costco years later because it was time to upgrade: Computer, lamps, you name it. She was very proud that she did that, thought it was funny and saw nothing wrong with it.

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

Floppo — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 19:41:26 GMT

Recently bought some cosmetics at Nordstrm's Rack. Asked checkout girl if they are returnable.She said "well,maybe if they're used once". WHAT? Asked "how can you tell if something was used once?" She said " we have someone woking here who can tell"......palm slap

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

Jordan2 — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 19:53:57 GMT

I know someone who visits a store somewhere in Arizona when she visits her sister. All returns to Nordstrom go to this store and it is sold as is for a vastly reduced amount. People line up for this store and it is the type of store you could go to daily and find new things. I can't believe people that buy a dress for an occasion and keep the tags on so they could return it. I would be so nervous that I would stain the dress, I couldn't enjoy myself. I am not a serial returner of purchases, and often wonder how many returns would get you banned? I sometimes return groceries and they make you write your name and address, I sometimes wonder if I'll get banned from the supermarket!

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

SahmIam — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 20:19:52 GMT

I worked retail to put myself through college. I went from clothing to behind the cosmetic counter and the stories I could tell ya...

As for telling if something is used, there are many ways. I always check my products before leaving the store and every so often, I've caught a used product being sold as new and the SA was shocked when I showed her.

Good for Nordstroms for doing this. Other HE retailers already have and for the same reasons. Now, they just have to make sure they give out SAMPLES so you won't have to return the product (like Sephora does). So far they do but if they stop....bleh.

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

momtochloe — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 20:29:44 GMT

@Wsmom wrote:
@sunshine45 wrote:
i have a family member who works for nordstrom. you cannot believe the stories i hear about the returns that they get. someone returning a pair of jeans where the zipper broke after having owned them for five years? someone returning a wedding gift......after 20 years? someone taking something off of the rack from one floor and trying to return it on another floor? someone returning shoes that have been worn for several years and claiming "they didnt wear well?" there are so many crazy and unreasonable stories that i hear often.

i think the return policy adjustments they have made are definitely a step in the right direction.
Same types of stories with Costco and the returns. On top of the stories I'd heard, I actually knew someone who would return stuff to Costco years later because it was time to upgrade: Computer, lamps, you name it. She was very proud that she did that, thought it was funny and saw nothing wrong with it.

@Wsmom you must know my brother who did this for years. I used to get so angry with him as I told him those costs are being pushed off to others and he would laugh and say that I was being my usual goody two shoes . . . people just have no shame anymore I swear . . .

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

lulu2 — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 20:31:52 GMT

I've known a number of serial returners. I've mentioned a colleague who ordered from QVC Once In A Lifetime jewelry for special events, then returned the items after the event. She always had a new outfit because she'd wear it once, then return it.

I have an aunt who is a serial returner. She never kept it a secret that the stunning outfits (head to toe) she wore on Saturday to family weddings would be returned Monday morning.

Remember when all shoe stores were carpeted so you would not scuff the soles? You could never return a pair of shoes with a scuff on them.

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

GusMo — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 21:14:28 GMT

@Jordan2 wrote:
I know someone who visits a store somewhere in Arizona when she visits her sister. All returns to Nordstrom go to this store and it is sold as is for a vastly reduced amount. People line up for this store and it is the type of store you could go to daily and find new things. I can't believe people that buy a dress for an occasion and keep the tags on so they could return it. I would be so nervous that I would stain the dress, I couldn't enjoy myself. I am not a serial returner of purchases, and often wonder how many returns would get you banned? I sometimes return groceries and they make you write your name and address, I sometimes wonder if I'll get banned from the supermarket!

It is in Phoenix. I went there years ago and it was overwhelming! Hoards of women would stalk employees when "new" merchandise was brought out and descend on the items like seagulls! The store was not fancy at all...Somme items were new looking, others looked very worn! I believe the store is called Last Call.

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

sunshine45 — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 21:23:13 GMT

@GusMo wrote:
@Jordan2 wrote:
I know someone who visits a store somewhere in Arizona when she visits her sister. All returns to Nordstrom go to this store and it is sold as is for a vastly reduced amount. People line up for this store and it is the type of store you could go to daily and find new things. I can't believe people that buy a dress for an occasion and keep the tags on so they could return it. I would be so nervous that I would stain the dress, I couldn't enjoy myself. I am not a serial returner of purchases, and often wonder how many returns would get you banned? I sometimes return groceries and they make you write your name and address, I sometimes wonder if I'll get banned from the supermarket!
It is in Phoenix. I went there years ago and it was overwhelming! Hoards of women would stalk employees when "new" merchandise was brought out and descend on the items like seagulls! The store was not fancy at all...Somme items were new looking, others looked very worn! I believe the store is called Last Call.

i believe it is called LAST CHANCE.

LAST CALL is affiliated with neiman marcus.

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

123 Jewelry — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 05:23:52 GMT

The store in Arizona is called Last Chance. I believe they are opening one more location in the U.S. My understanding is that the prices are incredible and the crowds are crazy.

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

skuggles — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 05:45:01 GMT

Good for them. They're a great store with excellent customer service. Why should they allow abuse of their good will.

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

Mominohio — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 13:58:41 GMT

I've never been in a Nordstrom's nor do I know the details of their return policy.

What I will say is that I often 'hear' people on these forums complain about customers taking advantage of a generous retail return policy. And while I'd never condone someone stealing merchandise and trying to return it, or someone buying something somewhere else and trying to return it elsewhere, much of the problem is that people take advantage of a liberal return policy within the parameters of the rules set up by the store itself, then get slammed for doing so.

If a retailer says something like 'we accept returns at any time for any reason' then no customer should feel bad about returning something nor should they be chastised for doing so. The company set the policy and put it in writing (and in their advertising). If the company can't do that any longer, they need to change their policy and advertise the fact.

So I have no problem with someone returning a worn out pair of boots after 7 years of wear, if the store was generous enough (or stupid enough) to instate that policy. They bank on the fact that a very minute percent of people will actually do it, and capitalize on the fact that it will attract many customers just because the option is there (that most will never use).

I do firmly believe that the merchandise should have been purchased from the company the customer is returning to, and if the company doesn't require a receipt, then it is the company that is at fault for their woes, not the customers.

And yes I realize many people won't be honest, and therefore why return policies have tightened over the years. A few will always ruin it for the many.

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

Plaid Pants2 — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 14:04:08 GMT

I remember reading on these forums, people bragging how they would buy an expensive purse, or outfit to wear to an event, only to return it afterwards.

In other words, when they purchased the item(s), they had NO intention of ever keeping it/them.

In fact, they were only "renting" the purchase.

Shame on them!

Re: Nordstrom's Return Policy

Bri21 — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 14:21:58 GMT

I would feel ashamed to return a pair of boots after 7 years.

That item is no longer returnable, IMO.