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Return of the Returns


Why is it so hard?


Returns. Every consumer that has ever purchased anything fears this word. It is probably the most annoying thing for a consumer to open up a brand new item, and find it defective. What do the stores do about it? They offer, note the word "offer," a return policy. Most are very liberal. 90 days, just have a receipt, etc. Countless stories are told of "return horror," but it doesn't have to be so. Here are a couple tips on returning your merchandise:

1. SAVE YOUR RECEIPT. Just think about it for a second. Nothing can 100% prove that you purchased an item, but receipts come pretty close. Stores like to be sure that you bought the item from them. It can be frustrating when you don't have it, but we have no way of knowing that the CD player we're giving you 49.95 for isn't one that you bought on discount right down the road for 39.95. 

2. REPACK THE ITEM. Granted, this is not always possible, but do the best you can. I don't like getting stereo's returned period, but when the customer says that they "couldn't fit it back into the box," well, that's even worse. It came in the same box you're returning it with, so I'm sure you can figure out a way to get it back inside.

3. DO IT QUICKLY. As soon as you find out that something is wrong or you don't like it, return it immediately. I once had someone try to return something that was over two years old, which, obviously, we did not carry any longer. Don't hesitate, just do it.

4. CLEAN THE ITEM. Most of the time, the consumer has used the item being returned. CLEAN IT! We don't like getting smelly clothes, dirty dishes, or toddler pools covered in mud at the service desk. Show some decency and clean it up.
 
5.  BE HONEST.  This especially applies to food items.  Don't drink 22 beers out of a case that you bought and then return the other two, saying the beer was bad.  That's just stupid.