topic Re: Returning Stuff in Fashion

Returning Stuff

Group 5 minus 1 — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:48:00 GMT

Don't know if this is a repeat post for me. When my Mom lived 300 miles away and we would visit ,piled on the bed in my old bedroom would be several bags for returns. Part of our visit to her would be doing returns. She was afraid to return things. I think becuz' of her background. She was the child of immigrants and treated badly by merchants. I think about that whenever I have to return stuff.

Speaking to someone the other day I realized that many peeps just don't like to do returns.

Hope this post doesn't upset or offend anyone.

Re: Returning Stuff

kaydee50 — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 14:05:02 GMT

I rarely return anything to any vendor. I have the brands and styles I stick to and don't spend a lot on items I can't see in person. Paying for returns is a waste of money for me.

Re: Returning Stuff

jubilant — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 14:17:36 GMT

Sad that your mom was mistreated. My reasons are a little different but I hate returns, too....even with Amazon. I didn't mind them when we had labels or they could be picked up from my porch. So many things aren't made for seniors these days especially if one is not tech savvy. I am somewhat tech savvy but learning anything new comes hard for many of us.

I have some fairly significant short term

memory problems since my stroke and now things are so much harder to learn. There are many out there like me who would spend a lot more if it were more simple.

I have learned how to scam a code to just drop off at ups but sometimes they have trouble when they scan it because it's on a flip phone! Learning a smart phone, at this point in my life, would just add a lot more frustration to my life and "why do that to myself"????????

Re: Returning Stuff

Alter Ego — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 14:14:28 GMT

I’m always surprised when I see a review and the person says they are stuck with an item. I want to reach through the screen and yell at them! There are plenty of reasons to complain about QVC, but they will take back items that have been worn. They actively say you can wear shoes and return if they don’t work (a true rarity). I would note it was worn and didn’t work out for whatever reason.

Nevertheless, returns are still a pain. For Q, to the extent I can, I’ll combine several in one box and send via FedEx Ground. I’m not sure Q likes that and not always possible. At least there’s no restocking fee!

Re: Returning Stuff

deeva — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 14:16:30 GMT

I don't have a problem returning stuff. Mostly at local retailers.

I buy much less at Q or HSN because of their return policies.

Re: Returning Stuff

Bri369 — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 14:18:42 GMT

I'm very careful about what I buy because I don't like to return. I will definitely return it if I don't like it or it's not what I expected. I mostly buy online where I can return to a B + M store if I have to. I avoid buying from places if the return process is complicated or it will cost me too much to return it.

I know a lot of people don't like to return gifts that are given to them. They feel it's rude or the gift giver will somehow find out.

Re: Returning Stuff

jubilant — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 14:33:54 GMT

One more thing I forgot to say. Many seniors have the money to spend and I believe if shopping channels made it easier and more convenient for us we would buy more.

It's probably costly for them so I imagine that might be a problem and try not to judge them too harshly. I see a lot of things I like and would buy if not for this problem.

Is is asking too much....maybe...I really don't know. I'm not as "up" on economics as I used to be.

Re: Returning Stuff

Group 5 minus 1 — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 14:58:39 GMT

@kaydee50 You are talking about returns in the mail? I am talking about getting in the car and driving. Those returns don't cost me anything (maybe gas). And Amazon returns are free.

Re: Returning Stuff

meallen616 — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 14:58:58 GMT

I don't like doing returns, but, I will if I have too.

Re: Returning Stuff

ScrapHappy — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:22:17 GMT

I work at a craft/hobby store for extra money. I'm usually at the register where the returns have to be handled. The returns are insane! WE have days when there are 15-20 carts FULL of returns. I hear people talking about returning what they just purchased after using it.

Re: Returning Stuff

Steffdoggy10 — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:18:59 GMT

I don't have a problem with returns. I feel that it is important to let the manufacturer know that their fabric is inferior, workmanship is poor, sizing is inaccurate, and whatever else is unacceptable. Money talks. I feel if more people would return items that are cheaply made, may be the manufacturing companies would have to step up.
May be wishful thinking though lol

Re: Returning Stuff

CrazyTimes — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 19:01:07 GMT

I've returned things over the years whether it be in store or online purchases. Sometimes it can take a while for the credit to post to my account, but otherwise, no issues with returning to any retailer. I have also given purchases to friends and family or donated things instead of returning those items. I probably return less than the average shopper. I shop more in person than online which helps me make fewer buying mistakes.

Re: Returning Stuff

They CallMe MRWILKES — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 19:40:57 GMT

Returns are an enormous problem for all retailers, online and brick and mortar.

$890 billion in 2024 according to the National Retail Federation!

That's about a 17% return rate on average, with online returns in the low 20% range.

The rate is rising annually and retailers note an increase in abuse and fraud which increases prices for all consumers such as returns of stolen merchandise.

In particular retailers cite shoppers who buy multiples of shoes and garments in various sizes and colors, intending on returning most of the items, a practice retailers call "bracketing." It's especially popular among younger consumers according to the NRF.

Re: Returning Stuff

Group 5 minus 1 — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 19:44:23 GMT

@They CallMe MRWILKES Years ago there was someone on the forum who told us she did that:Bought diff sizes to see which fit she liked best and then returned the rest.

Re: Returning Stuff

cjm61 — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 21:47:27 GMT

@Group 5 minus 1

I think most everyone will agree, returns can sometimes be a pain.

I rarely return because I don't buy an item with no feedback. No matter where I shop, if there are no reviews I won't buy. In addition, I thoroughly read over the garment measurements. Between this information and reviews I know what size to buy and if I will like it.

I also have to admit I never pay full price. I pretty much shop the Lunchtime/Primetime Specials, As Is, and special sales along with Free Shipping days. I am also lucky that if something doesn't fit I give it to my daughters, they always like what I get.

And one last comment, I know many complain here about QVC's return process as well as the return cost. QVC is one of the only retailers you can actually use an item for weeks then return. Like I said, I hardly ever make a return. I order hundreds of items during the year and might return 2-3. But, shoes can be difficult to know how they will fit. Trying them on in your home on your carpeted floor doesn't give a good perspective how they will feel walking for hours on pavement. Yes, I know for a fact people abuse this policy but I am more than willing to pay a return fee to have the privilege of trying something before knowing I want to keep it.

Re: Returning Stuff

Group 5 minus 1 — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 22:50:14 GMT

Couple of things: Measurements are not available in most B&M stores. Some of the stores I shop at have eliminated dressing rooms which makes it difficult to know about fit.

When I talk about returns I am talking about returns at a store and not mail order like the Q.

Re: Returning Stuff

Group 5 minus 1 — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 11:49:23 GMT

I remembered something last pm during a conversation w/Hubbs about returns. I have known peeps that will keep something new,never trying it on,etc just to have something NEW in their closet or dresser drawer. Sooo when they FINALLY try it on it doesn't fit and it is no longer returnable.