topic Re: Stores Charging for Returns in Community Chat

Stores Charging for Returns

Suzeecat — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:27:39 GMT

I copied this from a newsletter and have not confirmed the accuracy, but it's a reputable source. Many more stores are starting to charge for returns.

Take a look at this list of companies starting to charge for returns. Make a mental note to be careful when you’re not 100% sure you’ll keep whatever you’re buying. Knowledge is power, folks!

Abercrombie & Fitch: $7
Anthropologie: $5.95
Barnes & Noble: Varies
Big Lots: 20% of purchase price
Dillard’s: $9.95
DSW: $8.50
Foot Locker: $6.99
JCPenney: $8
J.Crew: $7.50
Lands’ End: $6.95
L.L. Bean: $6.50
Kohl’s: Varies, plus a 15% restocking fee for large items
Neiman Marcus: $9.95
Nordstrom: $9.95
Petco: Varies
PetSmart: Varies
REI: $5.95
Saks Fifth Avenue: $9.95
Ulta Beauty: Varies
Urban Outfitters: $5
Wayfair: $4.99 for orders under $35, more for big items
ZARA: $3.95

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

On It — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:33:33 GMT

I worked in retail for a while during my lifetime. Returns were my pet peeve. They require a great deal of time and multiple steps to get the item satisfactorily returned to active inventory status. I can understand why the retail sector needs to recoup the costs of accepting returns.

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

JaneMarple — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:33:58 GMT

Is this for internet orders only?

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

spumoni99 — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:35:06 GMT

I returned something to JCP a few days ago, no charge.

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

spumoni99 — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:37:16 GMT

I found the article, this is for when you ship something back to the store not for in store returns.

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

Trinity11 — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:41:27 GMT

Nordstrom returns are free. Saks, 14 day free returns. L.L Bean free if you have their credit card.

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

MorningLover — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:47:31 GMT

“Free shipping and free returns” has long been the policy for many retailers, but amid rising shipping expenses and a tough environment for retail sales, some companies are now implementing return fees to ship back unwanted products, Business Insider reported.

Which Retailers Charge Return Fees?

While many retailers still offer free returns, others will charge you a fee to ship back your purchases. The following retailers all have return fees for shipping and/or restocking:

Abercrombie & Fitch: $7
Anthropologie: $5.95
Barnes & Noble: Varies
Big Lots: 20% of purchase price processing fee
Dillard’s: $9.95
DSW: $8.50 (Free for DSW VIP Gold and DSW VIP Elite)
Foot Locker: $6.99
JCPenney: $8
J.Crew: $7.50
Kohl’s: Varies, plus 15% restocking fee for large items
Petco: Varies
PetSmart: Varies
Ulta: Varies
Urban Outfitters: $5
Wayfair: $4.99 for orders under $35, there may be additional charges based on the size and weight of the item
Zara: $3.95

How To Avoid Return Fees

Although some retailers charge restocking fees, for the most part, you are just being charged for the shipping if you choose to return by mail. Most return fees can be avoided if you return the items to the retailer’s physical store.

If you don’t live near a physical store, you may be able to drop off the item for free at a participating return site, such as a UPS store or your local post office.

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

Kachina624 — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:42:19 GMT

I'd question the validity of some of those charges. At a time when many retailers are teetering on the brink, it would be most unwise for them to shoot themselves in the foot by aggravating customers.

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

Janey2 — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:44:37 GMT

I just went to the Nordstrom website. It says nothing about charging for returns. That could be for Nordstrom Rack.

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

Trinity11 — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:46:40 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
I'd question the validity of some of those charges. At a time when many retailers are teetering on the brink, it would be most unwise for them to shoot themselves in the foot by aggravating customers.

Macys changed from a year to 6 months then 3 months. Now? 30 days. The industry is cracking down hard on returns in general.

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

GenXmuse — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:47:47 GMT

I know retailers charge for shipping if you use their label but is this in top of that?

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

Winkk — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:48:02 GMT

Some of those listed are for return shipping, not a return fee. I shop LL Bean a lot online and only pay shipping. I've never been charged a return fee.

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

Tinkrbl44 — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:51:57 GMT

For the most part, I think returns to retailers is part of the cost of doing business.

Like it or not, they have to realize not everything works out and they should expect to offer good customer service.

However, I think we may see serious consumer pushback on returns charges .... can anyone see CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS on the horizon?

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

MorningLover — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:52:19 GMT

@Janey2 wrote:
I just went to the Nordstrom website. It says nothing about charging for returns. That could be for Nordstrom Rack.

I found this..
How much does Nordstrom Rack charge to return by mail?

Returns are processed in 10-14 business days and refunds can be expected 5-7 business days after processing. Please note, a returns shipping charge of $9.95 will be deducted from your refund per prepaid shipping label used.

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

Kachina624 — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:54:27 GMT

I wonder if those charges could be for pre-paid return labels on internet orders like QVC has for $6.95?

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

Spacrazy — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:57:26 GMT

Well, as most of you know, it's a joke in some communities (even show business) that you intend to return a garment as soon as you wear it to "such and such" a function. That, to me" is wrong and should have a "penalty". This and shoplifting are going to be the demise of brick and mortar as we know it.

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

kaydee50 — Tue, 23 May 2023 19:04:34 GMT

As long as these are "shipping" fees and not "return" fees I see nothing wrong with them. Returning an item to the store should be free.

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

chrystaltree — Tue, 23 May 2023 19:04:56 GMT

I don't have a problem with any store charging for returns. People take advantage of return policies. They don't shop carefully, they don't try things on, they don't think about colors and styles they already own. They just think "I can return it" if it doesn't work out.

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

DJs mom — Tue, 23 May 2023 19:49:09 GMT

These are return shipping fees, not return fees. I have recently returned in store at Kohls, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack. My cousin works at Saks, there is no return fee in store. I returned by mail at Footlocker and was NOT charged a return shipping fee - Footlocker sent me a label free of charge. This could be because I am a Footlocker rewards member.

Re: Stores Charging for Returns

10sluvr — Tue, 23 May 2023 19:54:49 GMT

@spumoni99 wrote:
I found the article, this is for when you ship something back to the store not for in store returns.

looks like the charge might be if item was originally shipped for free.