https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 14 May 2026 15:33:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much/page/2#post-1841365 Thu, 31 Aug 2017 23:30:48 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1841365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Sterling! If it happens, then I'll have to change, but I'm not planning to make any changes before then. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much/page/2#post-1841360 Thu, 31 Aug 2017 23:14:17 +0000 Anonymous 1841360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Super old thread, but it caught my interest because of a discussion I just had the day with the owner of a store. &nbsp;You want to know why this might happen? Because you are costing them more money than you are worth, in plain language. &nbsp;My store owner friend told me that every credit card sale AND return costs him a minimum of 5% per transaction, and that rate can increase as the "value" of your credit card (what points programs are associated with it, what level of card it is etc) increases. &nbsp;A Black Amex, Platinum VISA &nbsp;or its equivalent can cost a retailer 10-12% in transaction fees, PER transaction . So if you are a serial returner, you are &nbsp;costing that retailer a minimum of 10% every time you buy something , and if you return rate exceeds your purchase rate - well, &nbsp;you're not a favoured customer (especially to indie stores - this is less relevant to large national retailers ). &nbsp;Sure, larger retailers build the cost of shipping and using credit/debit cards into their retail price, but when you are reducing their margin all the time - I can see how it could happen. &nbsp;In Canada, free shipping is not a given, just because of the economies of scale of selling to a smaller population across a vast geographic area - so serial returning is not as much of a problem here. &nbsp;This also explains why indie boutiques and store are less likely to even offer returns, period. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much/page/2#post-1841357 Thu, 31 Aug 2017 22:41:45 +0000 Anonymous 1841357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know anyone that has been banned for a high percentage of returns, <b>Fashiontern</b>. &nbsp;I don't think you have to give this a second thought. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much/page/2#post-1841314 Thu, 31 Aug 2017 20:21:44 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1841314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thread! I prefer to shop online, because filters make it so much easier to find what you're looking for. I mostly shop outlet sites like The Rack and Last Call or the sales pages of women's clothing stores like Soft Surroundings and Anthropologie. Over the past two years, I probably have a 20 or 30% rate of keeping things. (I recently tried a batch of dresses from Sierra Teading Post and returned them all. I probably won't be back--by my own choice). I don't think about it any differently than walking back to a fitting room. Most of the places I buy have brick &amp; morter stores where I live, so returns are easy (another reason not to use Sierra). </p> <p>If I wanted to buy a handful of the same item, like T-shirts, I'd probably go ahead and order several types, all from the same place to get free shipping, and return the rest. 3-6 kinds of shirts, and 4-5 of each would be a lot of returns, but doing it all as a huge batch would just make the whole thing easier. So far I've never heard a peep from any merchant, though Jaileens email is interesting </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much/page/2#post-1655028 Wed, 04 May 2016 20:05:02 +0000 tallgirl 1655028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I buy a ton from Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic, for me and my kids, and also return a lot. The closest stores are more than an hour away so I often order multiple sizes or something 'just to try' that I know is unlikely to make the cut.</p> <p>I do marvel sometimes that prices are as low as they are, with free shipping in both directions.</p> <p>I will keep doing it though, until I am banned. Their return forms have an option to indicate 'ordered multiple sizes/colours' which to my mind encourage the kind of shopping I do - I don't feel guilty about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much/page/2#post-1654990 Wed, 04 May 2016 19:07:47 +0000 Anonymous 1654990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had to return a few things lately because I've been trying new brands and am not familiar with the sizing. I do my best, most of what I order fits and is what I expected, and I'm thrilled. But I'm not going to keep stuff that I'm not 100% happy with. Stores need to remember that I'm the buyer, and that I can take my business elsewhere if I so choose. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much/page/2#post-1654958 Wed, 04 May 2016 18:25:24 +0000 Greenjeans 1654958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, everyone, for your thoughtful responses. &nbsp;And thanks for delurking, <b>delurked</b>! &nbsp;Your perspective is an interesting one. &nbsp;</p> <p>I've made a conscious decision to stop worrying about this since &nbsp;without there being an industry standard, or little in the way of published policies, there's little you can do to ensure staying in-bounds short of never returning anything.</p> <p>I do appreciate knowing that STP's cut-off is 60% (and wish they'd be more straightforward about this) but don't believe that their policy necessarily translates to other companies.</p> <p>While being cut off can feel personal, it isn't. &nbsp;These are numbers driven decisions. &nbsp;Alas, there's something that feels unfair about them. &nbsp;I'd like to see more transparency in this area. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much/page/2#post-1651063 Wed, 27 Apr 2016 00:23:03 +0000 karen13 1651063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thread. I buy a lot at STP. They have a retail store in a town I visit every few weeks, so I just do the returns there. Between losing weight, and shopping for a couple of different gear intensive trips, &nbsp;I've been buying a lot lately. I have been trying to be more discriminating in what I keep (yay YFL!), so my return ratio just jumped a &nbsp;lot in the past few months. I would not buy/keep nearly as much if they made returns more difficult.</p> <p>Before being acquired by TJ Maxx they had the best customer service, but an almost overly generous return policy - I saw people take advantage of it all the time. As of March 2016 they started informing me at check out that the return window is 90 days. Still plenty generous.</p> <p>At the bottom of your STP receipt they tell you how much you've "saved" over the years. It is a truly terrifying number. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much/page/2#post-1650926 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 20:43:08 +0000 LaPed 1650926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Viva that companies need to consider the cost of processing returns as part of their overhead if they wish to reach a global audience. And honestly, if a company's CS gets negative with me, there's about a 99% chance I won't shop there again. I'm not that married to any particular brand or retailer.</p> <p>JAileen, I've found that STP's customer service is not nearly as friendly as it used to be, ever since they got bought by the TJMaxx parent company last year. I've pretty much stopped shopping from them because they do seem to be actively discouraging returns. Because their items are often mis-labeled, seconds, etc, I've always had a pretty high return rate with them; I feel it's par for the course.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much/page/2#post-1650894 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 20:03:20 +0000 annagybe 1650894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've heard about being banned from returns a long time ago, pre internet shopping. I think it was either Limited or Express.<br />This doesn't necessarily apply to Sierra Trading Post as they apparently charge return shipping. But if you think about companies that offer free shipping and returns, you could be costing the company a chunk of change, especially if your return rate is higher than keep rate. Or even in store returns cost time and money to process.&nbsp;<br />Sometimes the customer is not right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650887 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:53:31 +0000 nancylee 1650887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Embarrassingly, I was banned from Bluefly about 10 years ago for having too many returns! &nbsp;I was searching for a formal gown and probably bought and returned 5-10 of them within a short time frame.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm back in their good graces now..haha! &nbsp;I'd be surprised if any retailers do this anymore since it's become so commonplace to buy/return...at least in the U.S.&nbsp;</p> <p>FWIW, I routinely return TONS of items to Amazon, Zappos, Banana Republic, and Nordstrom with no problems whatsoever. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650883 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:48:11 +0000 Marilyn 1650883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Has anyone heard anything about Banana Republic?&nbsp; I buy a large percentage of my wardrobe there (petites online) and have made quite a few returns lately......I recently lost some weight and between the ridiculous vanity sizing and finding things that work on me now it's been&nbsp; frustrating.</p> <p>I understand their side of it regarding returns but in my defense I'm struggling trying to put a new wardrobe together.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650876 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:40:32 +0000 Greyscale 1650876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I return a lot but I'm trying to be a little more discerning. I realized at some point that the Gap cash registers must show my purchase / return history, which was unsettling and made me feel a bit guilty. I think I'd bought something in the store, and then found it much cheaper online and returned the store one, and they commented on it.</p> <p>My bad habit is probably returning stuff I buy in brick &amp; mortar stores. I have an awful time making decisions, so I'm in the habit of buying things and reconsidering later. I try to stay on top of the returns but it does take a lot of time to return things! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650870 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:35:10 +0000 Greenjeans 1650870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, thanks for the Anthro link, <b>Laurinda</b>. &nbsp;The frustrating thing about these letters is that there is a range of unpublished policies - from generous to tight - but there's no way to know what they are until you get cut off and then, of course, it's too late to do anything about it. I bet that Anthro shopper would have appreciated a warning before getting cut off. &nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks for posting the STP email, <b>JAileen</b>. &nbsp;I got something similar - though not as clearly stated - a bunch of years ago and continued to order, albeit more conservatively, and think I'm in good standing with a return rate of around 40 - 50%. &nbsp;But gosh, they could still be more clear about their terms, right?</p> <p>Good to know, <b>Aquamarine</b>. &nbsp;I keep hearing wonderful things about Nordies, a store I enjoy but don't shop much at. &nbsp;Reconsidering . . . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650852 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:04:43 +0000 Laurinda 1650852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've heard of Anthropologie/Free People/Urban Outfitters banning people for returns. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140402214926-5186391-blacklisted-from-anthropologie" rel="nofollow">Blacklisted from Anthropologie</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650844 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 18:37:19 +0000 Anonymous 1650844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Amazon also owns 6pm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650787 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 17:31:28 +0000 Anonymous 1650787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i></i>I did not know that Amazon owns Shopbop and Zappos. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650785 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 17:26:14 +0000 kkards 1650785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think&nbsp; Sierra Trading Post---which sells a lot of hardlines (i.e. stuff that doesn't need to be tried on, and that is often sold in store in a box or other packaging) is trying to insure that the customer doesn't use them as a rental. in addition much of the hardlines merchandise becomes unsellable once it is out of its original packaging, so they take a loss. </p> <p></p> <p>FYI Marilyn, yes if you buy on line OR in store, they are tracking you...for what you buy and what you return......and if you buy on line, not only is the retailer tracking you, but so are many of the other sites that you visit that you don't buy on. </p> <p>Sterling --its so funny to me that Amazon says they want to get into the women's apparel business as they own both Shopbop and Zappos---which IMO means they are already in that business.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650712 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 15:49:08 +0000 Marilyn 1650712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow!&nbsp; I had no idea.&nbsp; I do a lot of online shopping to get petite sizes.&nbsp; I definitely return more than I keep but that's the nature of the game with online shopping, IMO.&nbsp; It makes me a bit uncomfortable knowing they are keeping tabs on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650709 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 15:42:48 +0000 viva 1650709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I definitely have a 60%+ return rate with JCrew. I consider my home my fitting room because the closest JCrew is an hour away. I hate the idea that online retailers are going to push back on high returns -- to me, it's the price they pay for reaching a global audience. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650704 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 15:32:20 +0000 Anonymous 1650704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't see how any store could ban a shopper from returning clothing that doesn't fit, isn't the color they expected, or whatever. It's online shopping, and we can't see or feel or try things on like we can in a brick-and-mortar store. I guess if I were ever banned, I'd simply find another place to shop. They should know they'd lose customers that way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650702 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 15:18:09 +0000 Anonymous 1650702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was thinking about this. &nbsp;Amazon has stated in the past that they want to infiltrate the women's clothing market. &nbsp;Since all of the women's clothing is purchased online, they have to expect a high return rate for a myriad of reasons (fit, color, fabrication). &nbsp;If they start banning people due to a high return rate on clothing, they are literally shooting themselves in the foot. &nbsp;I think of them as much more sophisticated than this (but I have been proven wrong many times).</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650612 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 13:31:24 +0000 Anonymous 1650612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok. I have been hanging around here a little while, but had to sign up because I have lots to say on this topic. </p> <p>First, I used to work at a catalog company that sold older women's apparel (think lots of polyester). I worked in the circulation area, and we segmented customers who we would mail, and which promotions they would receive. We did a study and flagged the high returners to not mail because they did not provide an acceptable bottom line. That certainly made sense from a business position. We did not stop them from receiving emails, and we did not stop them from buying and returning without the catalog. Just made it so they would have to access us another way than receiving the catalog. </p> <p>Fast forward, I classify myself a high returner. Plus, I will almost exclusively return only places that I can do so in store. As a second choice, I will return free by mail, but besides Amazon where they credit immediately, I don't even like he delay in a return. </p> <p>Now for a fun example - I last week made a purchase from Loft. They had 30% off. I bought a bunch of stuff, mostly needing to try it on. I can't always find it in store, I buy talls in their bottoms, etc. had to get plenty since I don't want to pay shipping. Then, two days later, I see they have 50% off most of what I ordered, plus the white jeans I got recently are now 60% off. Guess what? I reordered a bunch of the stuff I bought two days ago. Because they won't adjust the price when they sold it to you on sale. So, I am positive I will be making a huge return in the next week or so. I believe the minimum shipping, plus the changing prices contribute to this problem. I can stand to pay more if I feel great about something, but for a questionable quality, possibly one season purchase, I'm not really ok with that. Which could get me into quality that is hard to find at any price point, but one thing at a time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650602 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 13:25:12 +0000 shedev 1650602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p></p> <p>I've returned the most to Nordstrum. I don't think I've returned anything to them since last years NAS. I'm at 1 out of 2 at Yoox. I've only returned one thing to Amazon, but it does make me leery of buying from them.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650586 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 12:44:37 +0000 Glory 1650586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have often wondered about this. I return loads of stuff due to sizes, fit, workmanship. I will confess to sometimes being a bit embarrassed about returning, especially BM stores.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650570 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 12:24:55 +0000 Chris987 1650570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If anyone would be banned from online returning it might be me. I have returned a LOT of stuff at TJMAXX for years...mostly in-store since they just offered online shopping this year for the first time...and never a peep except the occasional SA who is grouchy for other reasons. No problems either at Nordstrom, Zappos,&nbsp;or Macys.&nbsp;Don't have&nbsp;much return volume anyplace else. I tend to stick to the big names with free shipping and free returns or a store near me.</p> <p></p> <p>JAileen very glad you responded to that email&nbsp;from STP....sounds like they wanted to give you some sort of warning but do it politely. IMHO If they or any other retailer&nbsp;are going to be successful in the online shopping world they need to understand why a good return policy is critical...for all the reasons everyone listed in previous comments here.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650564 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:10:45 +0000 Aquamarine 1650564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, I shop mostly online at Nordstrom. They are as easy to order from and return to as Zappos, which is why I do it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650559 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 10:33:59 +0000 Anonymous 1650559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do the majority of my shopping online. &nbsp;That results in a high return percentage. &nbsp;I have never been banned, nor do I expect to be banned in the future. &nbsp;Why would I care if I have been banned? &nbsp;There are other outlets. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650489 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 03:20:01 +0000 JAileen 1650489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I used to get emails with huge discounts from STP, but I haven't for awhile. I've only made one purchase from them in the last six months, and returned it. It looks like they have fired me! </p> <p>ETA: Here is the email they sent<br /> Hi, my name is ___, and I’m the Account Relations Specialist at Sierra Trading Post.</p> <p>I am checking in with you today because your return rate is currently at or above 60%. I want to make sure this is not due to a deficiency in our customer service, a lack of quality in our product, or inaccuracies on our website or in our catalog. If it is, let us know so we can correct those issues promptly. We understand that sometimes a return is unavoidable, especially when you shop online.</p> <p>If you have a question about fit, color, quality, availability or anything else, you can always contact our customer service department via chat, email, or phone. If you need specific technical details about a product, our knowledgeable product specialists are easily accessible through customer service as well. Rest assured that we go to great lengths to make sure your product is right the first time, so you avoid the hassle and expense of returning an unwanted item. For example: our fit models evaluate whether a product runs small or large, and include specific size notes whenever necessary, and we use the Brannock Device to standardize all shoe measurements.</p> <p>We continue to stand behind our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. You should feel good about using the return policy when dissatisfied with any purchase. Ultimately, we believe reducing your return rate will increase your satisfaction with our company and help us continue to provide great deals on great brands.<br /> Please feel free to contact me directly if I can be of further service.</p> <p>Sincerely, </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/banned-for-returning-too-much#post-1650488 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 03:16:59 +0000 Jules 1650488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting - I order a fair bit Qfrom Gap / Old Navy and my rate of return is probably higher than 60% of dollar value (most of what I do keep is cheap kids' ON stuff). I actually recently missed a return deadline on several items I really couldn't wear, and called to beg their favour. They very nicely &amp; easily allowed me to return the items - I got the impression my customer status is good. </p>