topic Re: No more free returns in Community Chat

No more free returns

Grouchomarx — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 19:16:18 GMT

I recently noticed a few companies that used to allow free returns have changed their tune. Loft used to be free now it's $8.95. HSN used to be free now it's $7.95. These are hefty fees! I am disappointed. Must be more careful what I buy now knowing it will cost so much to return if it doesn't work out. I hope that Old Navy and BR don't do the same thing.

Re: No more free returns

Anonymous032819 — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 19:23:40 GMT

It makes perfect sense to me, because businesses have been hurting because of the pandemic.

Not everybody has as much disposable income as they once did, so while people are ordering on line, they may not be spending as much as they once did.

So, businesses have to make up for that lost revenue somehow, through either raising prices and/or no more free shipping/return.

Re: No more free returns

PreKteacher — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 19:27:52 GMT

Those fees do sound like a lot. However, we used to have an au pair from Thailand, and she said you can't return things to stores there. So, I guess we should be grateful that we can return unwanted items here!

Re: No more free returns

mspatmac — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 19:43:37 GMT

FedX, UPS and USPS are all raising their shipping charges and it's supposed to get worse as the holidays approach. I don't think most online businesses can afford to absorb the cost.

Re: No more free returns

GenXmuse — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 19:46:53 GMT

Wow! I didn't think HSN ever did unless the item was defective.

Re: No more free returns

sunshine45 — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 20:09:09 GMT

@GenXmuse wrote:
Wow! I didn't think HSN ever did unless the item was defective.

@GenXmuse

HSN didnt unless you had and used a HSN card. then you used to get five free returns a year (not sure if that is still in place or not?)

Re: No more free returns

GenXmuse — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 20:16:23 GMT

@sunshine45 That's what I thought too. If they do free returns then I've been doing it wrong the lasts ten years. Lol

Re: No more free returns

rms1954 — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 20:22:33 GMT

HSN won't refund S&H if you exhcange for size/color of an item if they are out of stock.

Re: No more free returns

lovesrecess — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 21:26:53 GMT

I think the big return fees may cost some stores customers. I can sell the item online in some cases and save $8.95 and break even.

Re: No more free returns

izziebee — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 13:09:59 GMT

Some will build the extra cost into prices of items imho.

Re: No more free returns

lovesrecess — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 15:22:24 GMT

Seems like jacking up return fees may be counterproductive. If you have less money to spend now, I am sure a hefty return fee will make customers think twice before buying.

Re: No more free returns

stevieb — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 15:37:14 GMT

@sunshine45 wrote:
@GenXmuse wrote:
Wow! I didn't think HSN ever did unless the item was defective.

@GenXmuse
HSN didnt unless you had and used a HSN card. then you used to get five free returns a year (not sure if that is still in place or not?)

@sunshine45 @GenXmuse Apparently that's gone asunder, possibly thanks to 'new management'... I recently ordered an item from HSN using their card and the item looks nothing like expected. Not only will I have to pay for the return, but I was told by their CS that since this item shipped directly from the vendor, there is no Easy Return label and I'll have to take it to the post office to return it... I also learned that the return price is either 7.95 or 9.95 depending on weight when an Easy Return label is used... More to the point, I really don't want to have to go to the post office to return this item but it's either that or gift it and eat the cost... Had an Easy Return label been made available, my letter carrier would have picked it up for me... The CS rep. was quick to point out that most items do come with the Easy Return label but when I inquired how the customer is supposed to know which do ad which don't, I was told I'd have to call to find out... Whatever... I'd just recently started shopping HSN again, so it'll be very easy to walk away... These merchants are cutting their own throats with their costs and their iffy customer service... They don't want everyone running to Amazon, but they're their own worst enemies...

Re: No more free returns

Lipstickdiva — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 14:36:57 GMT

It appears HSN no longer offers the free returns for cardholders. Their website says nothing about that anymore.

They upped the minimum return label fee to $7.95 a long time ago.

I think a lot of people think with both HSN and QVC that a return is free because they don't have to go to the PO or UPS and pay for the return if they use the return label. They don't realize a return label fee is being subtracted from their refund.

Other than the free returns for HSN cardholders, HSN did not offer free returns. They are the only shopping channel that I know of that still refunds original s/h though.