Please stop repackaging/sending gross customer return items

bluehydrangea · ‎07-30-2010

Yesterday, I opened two QVC packages that I just received. Both were from the full price (not "as is") section.

One was a Kim G. sweater that had been on waitlist. It had the "repackaged" label on the item bag (a clue that it was formerly returned). When I opened it, the sweater reeked of perfume. Perfume scent just doesn't wash out of garments. I've tried with a previous item. Even though I loved the item (because I already owned it in other colors), I returned it.

The second was an Anybody bra, supposed to be new in package, from the full retail section. The item bag had a "repackaged" label on it, the bra was all rumpled and messy looking (thru the plastic) AND there was a big, dead, smeared bug on the inside of the item bag. Disgusting. I was mortified. I didn't even open the item.

I literally packed these up as "damaged" returns and ran to the post office.

QVC, I know times are tough and we all order and return lots of stuff. But sending out things in these types of conditions will only cost you more (because I returned mine marked damaged, and you've literally processed/handled this item several times over which incurs costs) BUT this also harms your reputation. Moving forward, I am second guessing ordering anything from "wait list" because I now recognize it may be a returned item that I eventually receive and there's a high probablility that it will be damaged/unsavory in some way. You need to do better screening returned items before you repack them and return them to inventory.

Sweet Kitties · ‎09-03-2017

Thanks for the heads up. I won't be buying waitlist items any more either. I recieved some items that were clearly used & returned. Once I bought a white purse that had black smudges in several places. How could they not notice that? I guess they didn't care & were hoping someone would eventually just keep the purse because they didn't want to bother returning it. Even worse, sending out used underwear is so gross!

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

I suspect that there aren't enough people working in the "returns" department and they may be under pressure to process a certain number of articles per hour. I never buy "as is" items but if an item is supposed to be "new" it should not be "repackaged."

@bluehydrangea I trust you got fully refunded for the article and all shipping charges.

cjm61 · ‎09-07-2014

@bluehydrangea

Although it can be disappointing when you really want something and it doesn't meet your expectations, QVC will give you a full refund. Sounds like you will get all your money back.

Because of their generous return policy, they have to repackage returns. I do agree that there are a lot of defective items that slip through the cracks for unknown reasons. QVC sells approximately 388,000 units daily just in the US alone and if they could not repackage and sell the returns they could not possibly stay in business. They are hanging on by a thread as it is.

And just an FYI, I pretty much buy exclusively online and have received returned items sold as NEW from every online retailer I've dealt with.

I have no issues with waitlist and As Is items and know full well they will most likely be returned items. But if it bothers anyone, and it seems to for some on this forum, I highly recommend not purchasing items in these categories. You will most likely get a used or, at the least, an unused returned item. Many items in stores are returns as well. Most often they just do a better job of making them "look like brand new". There are steamers in the back rooms and new tags are replaced.

DJs mom · ‎06-06-2012

@cjm61 I don't think it is fair to compare returned items in store to online shopping. In the store, one can inspect the item and decide if they want to take a chance on it. Online you cannot. If I smell perfume on an item or see a dead bug in the packege, in the store I have the choice to buy or not. Not the same when the retailer is sending you the item via mail.

KittySoftPaws · ‎07-21-2020

@cjm61 I feel the same way. When you go into a retail store they are not marking items down just because people have tried them on. They would go out of business if they did. I get it about the perfume thing, that would be off putting. I think the Q should put a disclaimer on every item that says if this item is not returned in manner it was received, you may not get refunded. That way you can maybe cut down on returns and those whose abuse the leniant return policy.

"Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts." Charles Dickens

cjm61 · ‎09-07-2014

Again though @DJs mom , you are purchasing a waitlist or an AS IS item. One should expect these to be returns.

Yes, I have received items with a perfume scent. No issues since I wash everything before wearing. It's a chance you take with online shopping. You cannot touch, see or smell the items.

Again, one should not purchase online if they don't like to receive a returned item.

DJs mom · ‎06-06-2012

Again @cjm61 I still stand by my statement, no comparison to brick & mortar where you can inspect the item and decide if you want to purchase. I can't imagine an item stuffed in a plastic bag sitting in a hot delivery truck reeking of perfume. If someone has asthma and opened the package that could trigger an attack. I NEVER said one shouldn't expect returns, but I would expect a return without the odor of perfume or a dead bug in the package.

wilma · ‎03-13-2010

@bluehydrangea

Sorry about the issues with the items you ordered. I couldn't deal with the perfume due to my asthma, and the bug is gross. Hope you get full refunds.

I've had a couple issues with brand new QVC items over the years. It is disappointing and frustrating when that happens. I have also purchased a few "as is" items from the Q. I don't remember ever having a problem, but I know others have. I agree with you that their packing and shipping issues don't help their bottom line or help them retain customers.

This is just one reason why I prefer shopping in person. I can inspect and try on the garment before buying. The only problem is the inventory in stores is not as varied as it used to be. Sometimes I have to order online to find what I'm looking for when I can't find in local stores.

Have a Good Day!