People are just jackasses … am I right or am I right? I mean, this article in the L.A. Tiimes illustrating why stores are cracking down on merchandise returns had me panicking for a second. I recently returned a set of towels that shredded after one washing – and after I had tossed the tags, receipts, etc. I figured the new policy they would be talking about would have precluded me from getting my money back. Meanwhile, shitty towels are such a rip-off!
But nevermind, I'm off the hook on this one.
Apparently the returns policies that the major chains are revising are ones that let you bring back just about anything, anytime, no receipts, no problem. Stores are promising to crack down on “serial returners” and folks who want free electronics upgrades or larger sized kids clothes in place of the gently used ones because they’re losing tons of money.
One San Diego attorney admitted he took advantage of generous return policy at Costco, buying high definition TVs and returning them as the prices got lower and the technology got better. Once, he waited in line behind a guy returning a grill – complete with burn marks from frequent use.
Or this:
At Shoe Pavilion … One women came back with a $9.99 pair of shoes three months after she bought them, demanding a refund because, well, they looked as if someone had been walking in them for three months, he said. "Basically, she wanted us to give her a free pair of shoes."
I mean, when you go out and buy the first version of an iPod – or iPhone or latest gadget – you have to know it’ll be one bettered in about five minutes or during the next quarter, whichever comes first. Nobody owes you an upgrade!
And yeesssss, for all my sanctimony here, I’ve pushed it on returns a time or two (yeeeeeears ago, in my youth, I swear), taking back a coat that I said wasn’t warm enough (wore it and didn’t want it anymore) and shoes that pinched when I tried them on and – surprise! – continued to pinch when I wore them home and the next day.
So yeah, it’s probably good that they’re changing the policy. What will those people who buy and use rugs from Ikea -- and then return them -- ever do?
How about you? Do you take advantage of store return policies? Do you do it in front of the kids?
