Store Returns are Out of Control

[Michael G.]

Talk about over abuse. :police:



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[retiredguy123]

Legally, merchants are not required to accept any returns unless the product is defective. They do it because it benefits them by making their customers happy and more willing to buy the products. So, if they lose money on returns, they only have themselves to blame.

I find it interesting that most independent jewelry stores will never accept a return and provide a cash refund. But Costco will sell you jewelry and accept a return for cash with no time limit, even years later. To me, that is reason enough to always buy expensive jewelry from Costco. Peace of mind.

[Pugchief]

Some people have no shame. And they are the ones who ruin it for everyone else.

[Topspinmo]

The only time I ever return something because it was defective.

[Rainger99]

We need a Library of Things.

Library of things - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_things?wprov=sfti1)

I know that you can check out canoes from the Sumter County Library.

A lot of tools are only needed once or twice a year. You hate to buy - and store - a tool that is rarely used.

[Velvet]

Sometimes return is built into the business model as in try on clothes at Amazon. But when it comes to Costco they have both a terrific return policy, and great loyalty among customers. Somehow they make it work.

[Michael G.]

Sometimes return is built into the business model as in try on clothes at Amazon. But when it comes to Costco they have both a terrific return policy, and great loyalty among customers. Somehow they make it work.

BJ's is nice, Sam's Club is ok, but Costco is habit forming.:bowdown:

[Aces4]

Sometimes return is built into the business model as in try on clothes at Amazon. But when it comes to Costco they have both a terrific return policy, and great loyalty among customers. Somehow they make it work.

Maybe not so much anymore. I previously thought integrity was taught but I'm beginning to think it is genetic. We have become more hesitant about buying things from Costco. We don't want jewelry some other moocher has worn unless it's tagged as used and a 1/3 of the price. We don't want area rugs or mattresses from there because who knows how the homes of these "return slobs" look like or if they have bedbugs. We don't want 3 months old TV's that have been used by product thieves. One can put lipstick and fancy clothes on a pig, but it is still a pig. An honest, under 5-7 day return is acceptable, the rest turns us off. May as well shop a flea market at that point.barf

[HappyTraveler]

We need a Library of Things.

Library of things - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_things?wprov=sfti1)

I know that you can check out canoes from the Sumter County Library.

A lot of tools are only needed once or twice a year. You hate to buy - and store - a tool that is rarely used.

YES! In two different states where I've lived, there was a local borrowing library of tools - which I utilized on a few occasions.

It's very useful when, like you said, you only need a tool once a year or for a single special project.

[bopat]

YES! In two different states where I've lived, there was a local borrowing library of tools - which I utilized on a few occasions.

It's very useful when, like you said, you only need a tool once a year or for a single special project.

A maker space too! The villages wood shop is ok, but a maker space would be better.

[CarlR33]

It does create a secondary market for wholesale sales where people buy pallets of these returns and resell them online. I have looked into it but don’t want my garage full stuff while I piece them out on FB marketplace for example. The individual stuff I have is headache enough.

[JMintzer]

Maybe not so much anymore. I previously thought integrity was taught but I'm beginning to think it is genetic. We have become more hesitant about buying things from Costco. We don't want jewelry some other moocher has worn unless it's tagged as used and a 1/3 of the price. We don't want area rugs or mattresses from there because who knows how the homes of these "return slobs" look like or if they have bedbugs. We don't want 3 months old TV's that have been used by product thieves. One can put lipstick and fancy clothes on a pig, but it is still a pig. An honest, under 5-7 day return is acceptable, the rest turns us off. May as well shop a flea market at that point.barf

None of those things are put back on the floor to be sold "as new"...

Once the tags are off, they don't "re-tag" items, nor to they re-box used electronics. Some stores (ie Best Buy) will sell "open box" TVs and other electronics at a significant discount...

[Aces4]

None of those things are put back on the floor to be sold "as new"...

Once the tags are off, they don't "re-tag" items, nor to they re-box used electronics. Some stores (ie Best Buy) will sell "open box" TVs and other electronics at a significant discount...

That should be the quality but is it controlled? We've seen some questionable packaging on shelves occasionally. Is used jewelry sold at a significant discount also?

[Rainger99]

That should be the quality but is it controlled? We've seen some questionable packaging on shelves occasionally. Is used jewelry sold at a significant discount also?

Is the Hope Diamond used jewelry?

[Aces4]

Is the Hope Diamond used jewelry?

Are they selling the Hope Diamond? Diamonds aren't anything special with the arrival of lab diamonds which are absolutely beautiful for a fraction of the price. I'm thinking more about gem jewelry and gold, both susceptible to scratches, out of shape and chipping. (No chipping for the gold.. that would be gouges, lol.) Many diamonds that are being worn are recycled.

[retiredguy123]

Is the Hope Diamond used jewelry?
I think so. That is why I would not buy it.

[Velvet]

I think so. That is why I would would not buy it.

I’m not picky, I’d accept it.

[Michael G.]

None of those things are put back on the floor to be sold "as new"...

Once the tags are off, they don't "re-tag" items, nor to they re-box used electronics. Some stores (ie Best Buy) will sell "open box" TVs and other electronics at a significant discount...

You are correct, in fact Costco sells their return mattress to a Company
that rebuilds them using the frame only.

[vintageogauge]

Lowe's has in various cities outlet stores that sell all kinds of stuff that was returned, from can's of paint to riding mowers and snow blowers. If you are handy and can do minor repairs there are great deals to be had there.

[Rainger99]

Are they selling the Hope Diamond?

From my experience, everything is for sale.

[RRGuyNJ]

Talk about over abuse. :police:



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We know a guy in NC that brags about getting a new vacuum for free every year when he returns the old one to Costco claiming it stopped working. Several years ago he returned a working washer and dryer to Costco in Las Vegas just so he didn't have to pay to move it back to NC (large appliance return policy has changed) I don't think he liked it when I asked how he can live with himself? He makes the statement quite a bit "when i go to meet Jesus" I told him he may have to change his ways. LOL

[thevillages2013]

We need a Library of Things.

Library of things - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_things?wprov=sfti1)

I know that you can check out canoes from the Sumter County Library.

A lot of tools are only needed once or twice a year. You hate to buy - and store - a tool that is rarely used.

Tool rental stores still exist. Home Depot is one

[GSheer]

The most ridiculous Costco return I have ever seen was the return of dead plants! Is it Costco’s fault that they were never watered!

[Marmaduke]

The most ridiculous Costco return I have ever seen was the return of dead plants! Is it Costco’s fault that they were never watered!
I believe Home Depot and Lowes have that same policy, if bought within the same season, not like 5 years ago.

I never retirement a plant, but we've bought a few over the years that just didn't take, through No fault of our own.

This year, we bought 2 African lilies, where one flourished and one died. Same soil, same irrigation, same sunlight. It happens!

[Miboater]

When I first joined Costco waiting by the membership/ return desk there was a guy returning one of those big rear projection TV's that had to be at least 10 years old. They accepted the return as that was before Costco changed their electronics return policy.

I also worked with a fellow senior engineer who would buy all his clothes at Costco and would return them when they started to wear out after a few years. I never understood that but moths would fly out of his wallet whenever he opened it.

[Cliff Fr]

I recently worked at Publix for a few years. I would quite often see people return food that was almost completely eaten for a full refund.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

YES! In two different states where I've lived, there was a local borrowing library of tools - which I utilized on a few occasions.

It's very useful when, like you said, you only need a tool once a year or for a single special project.

We have that here in The Villages. It's mostly durable medical supplies (canes, commodes, grab-bars, etc) but it's also kitchen supplies and a bunch of other stuff including small tools.

[ThirdOfFive]

When I first joined Costco waiting by the membership/ return desk there was a guy returning one of those big rear projection TV's that had to be at least 10 years old. They accepted the return as that was before Costco changed their electronics return policy.

I also worked with a fellow senior engineer who would buy all his clothes at Costco and would return them when they started to wear out after a few years. I never understood that but moths would fly out of his wallet whenever he opened it.
There are always people who will try to take advantage of a situation. Seems to happen a lot at places like Wal-Mart, Target, etc. My granddaughter used to work at the customer service counter at a Target store and had dozens of stories about how people would try to return merchandise for cash that was old, obviously used, and in some cases not even purchased at Target!

However as Costco is "members only", it is quite possible that it happens much less there than at other stores. If you have to pay for the privilege of shopping there is seems that it would be much less likely for a member to abuse that privilege and risk losing his/her membership.

[PilotAlan]

Costco has a very generous return policy because they can control who can buy there (unlike normal public retailers).
If you abuse their return policy, they can and will revoke your membership.

[Switter]

Maybe not so much anymore. I previously thought integrity was taught but I'm beginning to think it is genetic. We have become more hesitant about buying things from Costco. We don't want jewelry some other moocher has worn unless it's tagged as used and a 1/3 of the price. We don't want area rugs or mattresses from there because who knows how the homes of these "return slobs" look like or if they have bedbugs. We don't want 3 months old TV's that have been used by product thieves. One can put lipstick and fancy clothes on a pig, but it is still a pig. An honest, under 5-7 day return is acceptable, the rest turns us off. May as well shop a flea market at that point.barf

If I am not mistaken, Costco does not sell previously purchased items unless it is unopened. I think they sell everything else to an auction house. At least that's what I heard

[oldtimes]

Years ago, in my younger days, I worked at Filenes and it was common practice for the prom gowns to be returned the day after the prom.

[Rainger99]

We have that here in The Villages. It's mostly durable medical supplies (canes, commodes, grab-bars, etc) but it's also kitchen supplies and a bunch of other stuff including small tools.

Where in the Villages? Do you have a website or phone number?

[raananh]

Items i saw in my own eyes being returned by shameless people:
1. Dead plants
2. Half-used gallon of milk.
3. Stained cloths

Also, I went to the UPS store, were you can easily return items purchased from Amazon. A man in front of me, for 20 minutes, returned at least 20 different toys for kids, all opened and used.

[raananh]

I worked for an electronics company that sells items such a printers, sewing machines, fax machines, scanners, etc.

If you did not know, all those machines have built-in counters that measure how much the machine was used: how many stiches or pages printed, faxed, scanned, etc. Pressing certain buttons show the usage of the machine.

When we receive a return of what looks like a "never used machine", before we try to refurbish it, we check: how much was it used?

Guess what we found? Machines that were used 1000s of times before they were returned, and nothing is wrong with them.

People bought those machines for a "project" and then returned them when not needed any more.

[Michael G.]

This to shall all end, then watch the complaining.

[pauld315]

I saw somebody once returning about 20 of those plastic stackable totes to Walmart. They were telling somebody in line that they bought them a week before, used them to move and are now returning them to get their money back !

[Michael G.]

Charge a restocking fee like Best Buy does, maybe that would slow down returning
small items.

[JMintzer]

That should be the quality but is it controlled? We've seen some questionable packaging on shelves occasionally. Is used jewelry sold at a significant discount also?

The "questionable packaging" is most likely from some idiot customer trying to see what's inside the box...

[JMintzer]

Are they selling the Hope Diamond? Diamonds aren't anything special with the arrival of lab diamonds which are absolutely beautiful for a fraction of the price. I'm thinking more about gem jewelry and gold, both susceptible to scratches, out of shape and chipping. (No chipping for the gold.. that would be gouges, lol.) Many diamonds that are being worn are recycled.

Ant of those flaws would be quite apparent, no?

[Aces4]

Ant of those flaws would be quite apparent, no?

Sure, just take your jewelry loupe with you.

[Aces4]

The "questionable packaging" is most likely from some idiot customer trying to see what's inside the box...

I guess I'm picky but I really don't like shopping in stores where a lot of their stuff is returned. We do shop there occasionally but normally for food with far out expiration dates so we know it's pretty new product. I'm not the store police, feel free to shop there. As you've read the return items horror stories, there is a certain class of people shopping there that I don't care to rub elbows with. Not that they are poor, that wouldn't bother me. It's the lack of integrity.

[Nana2Teddy]

Talk about over abuse. :police:



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My brother was a Ralph’s (Calif) supermarket manager for many years, and he used to tell us stories about what people would return. The most shocking I remember was the day after Thanksgiving one year a woman walked in with a completely stripped turkey carcass and told him the turkey was awful and she wanted a full refund. He had to give it to her per company policy. I was shocked back then, but now it wouldn’t surprise me at all.

[retiredguy123]

My brother was a Ralph’s (Calif) supermarket manager for many years, and he used to tell us stories about what people would return. The most shocking I remember was the day after Thanksgiving one year a woman walked in with a completely stripped turkey carcass and told him the turkey was awful and she wanted a full refund. He had to give it to her per company policy. I was shocked back then, but now it wouldn’t surprise me at all.
If that is the company policy, so what? The company can change their policy if they want to.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Where in the Villages? Do you have a website or phone number?

VHA Helping Hands - The VHA (https://www.thevha.net/vha-helping-hands/)

[JMintzer]

I guess I'm picky but I really don't like shopping in stores where a lot of their stuff is returned. We do shop there occasionally but normally for food with far out expiration dates so we know it's pretty new product. I'm not the store police, feel free to shop there. As you've read the return items horror stories, there is a certain class of people shopping there that I don't care to rub elbows with. Not that they are poor, that wouldn't bother me. It's the lack of integrity.

How do you know how much is returned at the store you DO like?

[JMintzer]

Sure, just take your jewelry loupe with you.

https://media.tenor.com/si5jkGl1tV8AAAAM/tony-stark.gif

[Aces4]

https://media.tenor.com/si5jkGl1tV8AAAAM/tony-stark.gif

Exactly!

[Aces4]

How do you know how much is returned at the store you DO like?

Not a problem when one shops at the right stores. We're elderly, work to eat healthy and not many vegetables or grocery items that we eat are returnable to grocery stores. Our mattress was purchased on line and not a return item, furniture has been ours for awhile, solid wood from a fine manufacturer, have clothes up the wazooso we don't purchase much anymore. We buy many things, if needed, directly from manufacturer. You know it's not just a matter of a returned item that is the problem, many at Costco USE and return stuff. We all do what makes us comfortable so Costco works just fine for many and that doesn't bother me.