https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:27:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603819 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 17:37:04 +0000 Ginger 1603819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a bummer, and I'm sorry you weren't made aware at the time. Lisa and others have made good points. Even major retailers wouldn't give cash back for the gift card, so that would still be yours to spend at the location only.&nbsp; And now that you know, you can be a smart shopper and take your time. It's encouraging that they stock good, interesting brands that you already know you like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603438 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 19:05:49 +0000 Beth Ann 1603438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry! &nbsp;You did the one thing I try to remember to do when I need to return, and that is to return as quickly as possible. &nbsp;I like to know I've returned an item when there is plenty of time for the store to put it out again and get a good sale.</p> <p>There are so many different ways to shop --- major department stores, online, boutiques. &nbsp;You make far better use than I ever have of online shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603299 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 10:33:13 +0000 Staysfit 1603299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I have had that experience with small boutiques also. The only shops I go to now, are those that carry merchandise I know I love, and will return to repeatedly. They often give store credit, but it's credit I don't mind having/using. I guess I would just think of this experience as a true donation to the charity. Is your time worth the aggravation of returning to the store yet again?! Personally, I wouldn't, I would take the loss. (I may be somewhat frivolous with money, but never with my time which is my most valuable commodity.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603289 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 10:02:07 +0000 approprio 1603289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree with Gaylene and lisap that this is not at all unusual for small businesses.&nbsp;</p> <p>I prefer to shop at independents for all kinds of reasons.&nbsp;When you get to know a shop they'll often work with you to make sure you're satisfied (they let you try things out at home, talk you out of things that don't work, and give discounts for repeat business). </p> <p>This is undoubtedly a downside. They really should have made their policy clear at point of sale, but if you like their stuff don't let this put you off. If you get to know them there could be other benefits to shopping there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603255 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 04:46:49 +0000 Janet 1603255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh, I have also regretted the small-boutique returns-only-for-credit thing and am much more careful now. Sorry this happened to you. </p> <p>I did buy a Christmas gift for my husband in a local boutique that had this kind of policy, and I had to return it, but fortunately, I was aware of the policy, and I had something in mind for myself from the store if my purchase for my husband did not work out. So, even though he didn't keep the sweater, I now have a really lovely scarf and two pairs of fine alpaca fingerless gloves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603237 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 03:56:32 +0000 Peri 1603237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had that experience twice with local boutiques. It has really soured me to shopping this way. I do understand the store owner's dilemma and why they can't take returns, but that understanding doesn't make up for the fact that it is risky to shop this way. "Support local" would be a lot easier if we didn't often get punished for doing so! I do see both sides, but my response is to stick with stores that allow returns. They make their choice, I make mine!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603236 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 03:56:07 +0000 Anonymous 1603236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly , Gaylene . I have had this experience with my favourite local boutique . It also forces me to shop carefully and mindfully . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603226 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 03:10:50 +0000 Gaylene 1603226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Obviously, it would have been to their benefit to have informed you, as a first-time customer, about their return policy. But I also think Lisa has made a good point about why a small, independent boutique might not be able to offer the same return service as a larger store or chain to every customer. </p> <p>I've also found, once shop assistants and manager get to know you, they can exercise a great deal of discretion when it comes to the services they will provide. As a familar face, I've been allowed to take home items "on approval" without any charge being placed on my credit card. I've also been offered discounts, advised when an item was likely to go on sale in a few days, shown items that were in the back waiting to be tagged for the floor, or even given a scarf as a gift because it completed an outfit. I guess what I'm trying to say is don't be too quick to write off the advantages of becoming a regular customer at a small, independent boutique. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603224 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 03:08:16 +0000 Elizabeth P 1603224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've also come across no returns from boutiques... Even getting a credit is better than some offer, believe it or not. There is a boutique where my mother lives that I frequent when I go to visit... They will let you take things home "on approval" for 24 hours. That might be worth asking about in future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603220 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 03:00:15 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1603220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My experience with local boutiques is also store credit only, and I believe it's for the reasons Lisa mentioned. However, it is clearly printed on the receipt and posted at the register. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603195 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 02:39:51 +0000 Jaime 1603195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree the fault here was their not displaying their policy clearly/mentioning at point of sale. Returns for cash are very unusual here - most places apart from bigger international change give store credit and then only within a fairly limited time period. But the policy is clear from the outset. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603193 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 02:30:17 +0000 unfrumped 1603193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel better after your comments, actually. </p> <p>I think I got lucky with a couple prior other boutique returns and so was not very aware. </p> <p>I will keep this in mind and beware in future so I might have some of the opportunities but realize the limits of what I should pick out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603190 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 02:19:55 +0000 Anonymous 1603190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry this happened to you. I hope that you can find something for yourself or someone else. Accessories seem like a good idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603174 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 01:44:58 +0000 Anonymous 1603174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's common practice here, anyways, for independent boutiques to have &nbsp;" store credit only" policies. &nbsp;Smaller stores can't afford to have inventory &nbsp; on trade with customers like this. Each delivery they take from a vendor is payable in 30 days, usually, and to have things sold and then returned keeps it out of circulation for someone else to buy. &nbsp; It's the downside to shopping with an independent, I agree, but one often trades off one service for another. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603168 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 01:35:06 +0000 SandyG 1603168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry you had that bad experience after you donated to a charity. The small boutiques around here have the same policy of no returns, but with a gift card it should be highly, highly transparent. Something got lost in translation here and it's too bad, because it caused hard feelings and shop owners don't want that.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603136 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 00:20:04 +0000 unfrumped 1603136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aziraphale, I think you are right. I have benefited from generous return policies. I never <u>wear</u> something and return, but I do try it on and then decide. And I can see boutiques would not have the deep pockets to handle returns which might put them out of season with their small inventories.</p> <p>I've been so put off by the lighting in stores. It's weird and diffused and so you can't really see "you" and the clothes, or 360 view, and try on with the right shoes, etc.</p> <p>It will likely "color" my eventual purchase. Maybe a handbag or jewelry.<br />Of course there could be the perfect-fit sweater or something, Would just have to be mindful of "this is it." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603130 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 23:50:45 +0000 Aziraphale 1603130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no, I'm sorry to hear this. Well, now you know for future. Where I live, many, many boutique shops don't do returns (exchanges only). In fact it's the norm for small boutiques to do exchange only, and only larger department stores -- or mall chains -- to do returns. People who like to try on clothes at home and return them simply don't shop in boutiques, I guess!&nbsp;</p> <p>We live in a "return" culture, where people are increasingly shopping online and you have to be able to return things. So I can see how it must have come as a shock, if you've never shopped at a boutique before.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603127 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 23:42:29 +0000 Colette 1603127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, that stinks. I've never shopped anywhere that didn't have some type of return policy, at least seven days. But, I don't get to small boutiques very often at all so in not sure if that is the norm. I do have a tendency to always ask about the return policy before I complete a purchase at a new to me store. I think I get that from my Mom. Thank goodness they at least gave you a credit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603122 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 23:33:51 +0000 Kaelyn 1603122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yuck, I wouldn't go back there either! I almost never return items, but it needs to be an option. You can try something on in the store, love it, think about what it'll go with, take it home, and find that it just didn't work as well on as it did in your head. I'm sorry for the bad experience you had. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603119 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 23:30:59 +0000 unfrumped 1603119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The irony is that I picked out the Seychelles, which are at Nordie's and also I have&nbsp;a pair of Seychelle's I got through&nbsp;Anthro, and they were very comfortable.&nbsp; So not an exotic pick at all!. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603115 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 23:24:41 +0000 Helena 1603115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How strange to not allow any returns ... I know a few stores that do that, but as a matter of policy, they tell you when you make your purchase and usually have it very prominently signed too. Sounds chintzy of them to me. So sorry for your frustration </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603108 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 23:08:42 +0000 Anonymous 1603108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry this happened. &nbsp;I have had similar experiences at tiny boutiques. &nbsp;I doubt you would have gotten more than a store credit even if you screamed for the manager. &nbsp;And that comment about "not many returns" was just rude. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buyer-beware-ripped-by-return-policy#post-1603103 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 23:03:20 +0000 unfrumped 1603103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Or, lack of being able to return, that is.</p> <p>I am so annoyed with a local boutique that I would not shop there again, except now I have store credit.<br />Even worse, now I feel as though I should have hollered, where's the manager, but instead was a meek victim.</p> <p>At a charity event this past fall, I "won" an auctioned &nbsp;gift card to this local boutique; of course I bid and paid but paid somewhat less than the card amount. Woo-hoo, donating to charity and shopping, great combo!</p> <p>I could not get away to browse until this week. The store is quite expensive for my usual , and is mostly too, hmm, casual or perhaps unusual, not "business wear" but does stock interesting brands, Vince,&nbsp;Equipment,&nbsp;a small assortment of footwear, just &nbsp;a number of things I'm&nbsp;not too familiar with&nbsp;but are modern or trendy, so I would have a chance to try on and see if something "gets me" and can fit into non-imaginary lifestyle, something that would mix with other things. Just the type of place where one can imagine some new combinations and mix something fun with a more classic wardrobe staple.</p> <p>I focused on looking for impact items like footwear, perhaps a handbag if would work for everyday and not just sit on the shelf, a lightweight coat--something I'd wear a lot. <br />They had these Seychelle's Snare booties in navy and they were comfortable . low-heeled, almond toe for longevity--always a bit unsure of my R foot though. Wasn't sure&nbsp;I should do navy, &nbsp;but I have some gray and navy and navy print&nbsp;bottoms, &nbsp;so I thought that might work and work into spring when navy seems so appropriate.<br />Of course they were a bit more than my certificate--but not super-expensive. So I got them. And hello, never asked about returns because I guess somewhere in my tiny mind I just thought it would be a time-limit and I had time this week to try on and return if needed.</p> <p>Well, at home I'm trying to use my critical evil-eye and I tried them with different hems and lengths,&nbsp;and they just didn't work in a way that would be versatile. And did not look so good with skirts.</p> <p>So I decided, nope, these will languish, and I will be able to find something else fun and fab at this boutique another time.</p> <p>So I took them back <u>the next day&nbsp;</u>&nbsp; and was told they did not do returns, period, &nbsp;only store credit (this item was not on sale; was a regular item). I acted a bit flabbergasted, incredulous, but in the end chumped up and took my store credit. They said, "we don't get many returns because people uusally try things on".&nbsp; (?)</p> <p>Before getting the booties, I had also looked at an unlined gray lightweight silky trench that was interesting, but not sure the color was JFE because &nbsp;lighting in the dressing rooms&nbsp;was weird, as usual, and I was wearing a gray sweater as well. </p> <p>So now I'm paranoid about making another selection and I think whenever I do (or use up the full credit) I may have to cross it off my list.</p> <p>What a rube, huh! </p>