Community Chat

[Suzeecat]

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

[On It]

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.

[JaneMarple]

Is this for internet orders only?

[spumoni99]

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

[spumoni99]

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

[Trinity11]

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

[MorningLover]

“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.

[Kachina624]

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.

[Janey2]

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

[Trinity11]

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@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.

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