Fashion

[Alsace Gal]

I received one of those letters twice, first one three years ago, the second last month.

If the sizing would be consistent there would be no need for most returns, they advised that I take my measurements, as if that makes any difference in their sizing. Each different color in pants are different lengths and and fit.

I read once where the vendors pay for the returns, which makes me believe the Q is making a bundle on returns.

I love the Q, but wish the quality and sizing would improve.

[just4me]

Yes I noticed that too.  I just returned something and not crazy about return fee.  That is the risk of online ordering.  But the paperwork said if item is damaged there is no fee.  (Mine was not damaged.)

[Alsace Gal]

The cost of returns for customers is quite a bit. I added the cost for me to return Earth and Clark shoes, because of quality, and then WWC leggings, it came to over $100.00. , actually more.

Many may disagree, but even one dollar earned from each return is a large amount of revenue, with the many thousands of customers.

[World Traveler]

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@Alsace Gal wrote:

The cost of returns for customers is quite a bit. I added the cost for me to return Earth and Clark shoes, because of quality, and then WWC leggings, it came to over $100.00. , actually more.

Many may disagree, but even one dollar earned from each return is a large amount of revenue, with the many thousands of customers.

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But let's not forget that it cost them to pay the employees who handle the returns. Those employees have benefits, I assume. They open the returned box, decide what to do with it by taking the time to read the return slip we filled out, sort it into the proper place for the customer's wishes to be honored, etc.

If it is a return and not an exchange, then the billing department people are involved. If it is an exchange, then the processing department gets involved with the inventory, and then the shipping department gets their hands in it. 

If they make money on our returns, I don't see how.

However, I do feel that if I paid "only $3" or had "free shipping" to get the product, then I should pay only $3 or nothing at all to return it. I have been using their shipping label that comes with the product; however, their instructions clearly state you can send it back any way you want. If it is cheaper to send it third class or some other way, you are free to do so.

[icezeus]

I do not notice that as much as I notice some of the hosts encouraging that you purchase more than one of an item. The worse would be KL, I think every presentation that she makes she encourages you to purchase "multiples".

[shoekitty]

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@Snoopp wrote:

I still think they are making money on the returns.  Of course, the sales may have slowed once people figure out how much it costs to buy and return.

Shoekitty says

Yes, you are indeed right.  There is quite a profit in QVC's shipping and "handling" fees.  This was reported in a Business magazine a few years ago.  Where as most companies, especially brick and mortar stores, have competitive prices and sales, QVC uses a full retail mark up, then adds shipping and handling.  Most online stores include these fees in purchase price that still is competitive or on sale.  They claim the costs of returns and shipping on taxes the end of year as business expense.  QVC makes a profit on the fees. I think they use a different business  financial model than most businesses.

I know for a fact I can order an item at most online stores at a sale price or use a coupon, and still get free shipping and returns.  Many places that offer free shipping charge a return fee to use their label from 4.95 to 6.95.  Exchanges are free, and they charge no return fee if item is damaged or not as described

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[Savannah Barbara]

I have been a member of QVC for a very long time and recieved my first return letter a couple of weeks ago.  But the quality of their products have gone downhill and almost everything I get now is so disappointing that I have to return it.  Especially Susan Graver.

So after getting the letter I will probably not buy anything anymore unless I can't live without it.

[Valueshopper]

Yes, they are now even charging you for the original shipping fee. Horrible, I just won't be shopping anymore. I WAS a frequent shopper for many many years.

They are really goughing us!

[ChynnaBlue]

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@Snoopp wrote:

Has anyone else noticed that qvc is really pushing the ease of returns lately?  There has been a big push to mention how easy it is to try a product and return if you don't like it.  Of course, this coincides with the new shipping pricing.  The shipping fees must be yielding a lot of money since they are encouraging returns during presentations.

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No, no more than usual as of late. They've always talked a lot about returns. "Just get it home and try it and if you don't like it, but I know you will, you can always return it."

[jaxs mom]

I haven't noticed an increase, they've always stressed that you can return within 30 days and to try it for 30 days and if you don't like it you can return it.