https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:29:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question/page/2#post-1019408 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 02:09:06 +0000 DonnaF 1019408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, SA have access to a customer's buying history or at least her online history.&nbsp; Nordstrom's generous policy with me has resulted in their getting 90% of my business.&nbsp; I check their web site multiple times per day (!!!) for markdowns, including markdowns on items I've already purchased, as well as new stuff.&nbsp; I try not to abuse their policies and wouldn't return worn items, but if their policies change they would not remain my #1 go-to place. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question/page/2#post-1019389 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 01:53:31 +0000 Suz 1019389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think they can see your order history. I know at least that if you order internationally, the clerks responsible for helping with those orders can see that portion of your history. (I know this because a SA who recently helped me could see a previous order and mentioned it to me -- there had been problems with Fifty-One on both orders, alas...)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question/page/2#post-1019384 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 01:48:18 +0000 Makrame 1019384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Suz. &nbsp;And I generally try to return everything that does not fit&nbsp;within a week or two of purchase, and return any other items I am on the fence about within a month. &nbsp;This usually means that these items are still being sold online when I return them - I figure this gives the store an opportunity to sell them.</p> <p>I am actually kind of curious whether online SAs have access to customer history (I would imagine they can at least see previous orders) and whether past customer behavior influences their decisions on price adjustments and such. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question/page/2#post-1019368 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 01:15:51 +0000 Gaylene 1019368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you've nailed the guidelines, Suz! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question/page/2#post-1019312 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 23:37:32 +0000 Suz 1019312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, I absolutely feel we have obligations to the merchants.&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>To be polite at all times to all SA and staff.&nbsp;</li> <li>To pay our bills promptly.&nbsp;</li> <li>To keep merchandise that we might return in genuinely pristine, "unworn"&nbsp;&nbsp;condition. Which means not wearing it apart from trying it on in our homes or the fitting room (whichever is relevant). And by endeavouring not to perspire in it, smear makeup on it, or otherwise treat it shabbily. (If I wouldn't treat my own clothes that way, why would I treat something that I might not even keep that way?)&nbsp;</li> <li>To make our returns&nbsp;within the season or the time frame offered by the merchandiser (whichever is shorter.)&nbsp;</li> <li>If requesting a price adjustment, to consider the company's stated rules and the reasonableness of our request. Unworn items that could be returned for original selling price and re-purchased&nbsp;at new sale price if not price adjusted&nbsp;-- that seems reasonable. </li> </ul> <p>Worn items already used for the entire season? No. <b>NOT</b> reasonable. The whole reason we buy at start of season is so we get the pleasure of wearing it in advance. Of course it might go on sale later! That's a given. If we wear the heck out of our clothes we'll already have used it enough times that we won't give a fig about that money.&nbsp;</p> <p>That's where the NAS is unique. Pre-season sale...so nobody has had the chance to wear the heck out of it yet when it goes on additional discount.&nbsp;</p> <p>All I can say is, if this means they are about to stock the store with a pile of new autumn stuff, I am waiting with credit card in hand! &nbsp; :-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question/page/2#post-1019307 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 23:22:14 +0000 christieanne 1019307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have so many mixed feelings about retail return policies after 25 years in the business at 5 major retailers. <br />First, I would agree that there are policies, and there are exceptions. I am much more likely to make an exception for a customer who brings in (I am brick and mortar) receipts, and possibly the garment to ask for the adjustment. And if they are nice and polite - especially to the sales team. Rudeness reverts me back to the policy very fast in defense of the front line team. <br />Second, having worked within an experimental "we will take anything back anytime" policy last year which now has changed to some fairly strict guidelines, I didn't see too many more "abuses" than we do now. But, we also had everyday low pricing so no adjustments were needed. Needless to say, we all know how that experiment ended up. I guess US consumers would rather play the sale and coupon game which is really rather silly imho. So much better off before for price but no one could see that. As far as returns go, we have people who obviously have found items (with tags on) in closets and want to return a year or more later. If the item is still in inventory, we can return w/o receipt for a store credit. I did have someone upset at me after I made that offer for her and she demanded cash. She really wasn't into the compromise. She called corporate and they told her she was lucky I made the exception at all. <br />Third, as a consumer, I would ask for a price adjustment if it is within about 30 days. That seems reasonable. It isn't right to buy a winter coat, wear it all winter and ask for price adjustment at end of season. That's just me. <br />Fourth, if you ask and they agree - no guilt needed! Companies have policies, training and supervisors to hold team's accountable to their expectations. Don't feel bad if they bend the rule for you - it's a win win most likely. </p> <p>Ok - long winded - sorry! I hope you ask for the adjustments. Everyone should be as educated consumers as you all are as it would make retailers jobs so much better </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019254 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 21:47:49 +0000 Gaylene 1019254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I agree that it's impossible to know how something will fit, or work with your wardrobe, without trying it on. But, I guess, I'm just wondering if there are any limits anymore? Do we, as customers, have any obligations to the stores who court our business?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019244 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 21:30:18 +0000 Suz 1019244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are all good questions, Gaylene. I imagine we all draw personal lines, but who is to know which lines are reasonable? It's tricky. I definitely don't want to wear somebody's perspired-in garment or stretched out shoes. But on the other hand, how can you tell if it is going to work without trying on.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019240 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 21:24:02 +0000 Gaylene 1019240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really can't point fingers at anyone because I've also asked, and been given, a price reduction when an item I purchased at full price was reduced by 30% a few days later. And I totally agree with Makrame that stores with generous return/refund policies are the ones where I like to do my shopping; knowing I can change my mind and return something without being hassled, or I can get a credit if an item doesn't live up to my expectations is a big incentive for spending my dollars in that store.</p> <p>My concern is more in line with Mochi's question about where I, as a hopefully responsible adult consumer, ought to--or even if I should--draw the line. Should I feel entitled to a refund if an item is discounted a few weeks, or even a month, after I've purchased it? Does not wearing something because of temperature fluctuations influence the call? What about snipping off a plastic tag? How long can I legitimately wear an item around the house and still claim it is in "pristine" condition? Is wearing a skirt for a couple of hours to see how it mixes with other items in my closet the same as than trying to stretch out a tight-fitting shoes by walking around in them for several hours at home? If the temperature is sweltering, and I'm perspiring in that cashmere sweater, should that make a difference? How long can I hold on to an item while still expecting a full refund if I decide I don't want it--Two weeks? A month? Two months? Six months? A year? A decade? Are there any limits I ought to put on my requests and expectations or, as long as I can justify my actions in my own mind, am I entitled to whatever I can get from a business who wants to keep me as a customer. At what point do I endanger those very policies that have become so important to me? And do I have any responsibility in creating a situation where the regular price is no longer affordable for an average buyer?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019216 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 20:14:49 +0000 catgirl 1019216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I agree&nbsp;- something that immediately falls apart or is ruined when cared for as labeled is a different story.&nbsp; I am definitely a serial returner at Nordstrom, but they do get most of my business now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019212 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 20:08:15 +0000 Suz 1019212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No pummelling from me here. It's obviously a complex issue. As I said, other than this time, I've only ever asked for a price adjustment once, and it was completely within the company's stated guidelines. I do not agree with taking back <b>USED</b> stuff...unless, I suppose, it's something that falls apart on the first wear, which seems to be a quality control issue, not a returns issue, per se. Nor do I think it's fair to ask for price&nbsp;adjustments on things that are months old. But I still feel okay about asking in this circumstance. Unworn items, priced for a special sale initially and then marked down further before the season begins.... &lt;shrug&gt; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019209 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 20:04:41 +0000 Makrame 1019209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can definitely see Gaylene's point - that low prices or generous return policies&nbsp;have to be compensated for by a price hike elsewhere.</p> <p>I will say, though, that for me Nordstrom's strategy definitely worked. &nbsp;I have switched to doing probably 80% of my clothes shopping though Nordstrom, even though I do not have a bricks-and-mortar store. &nbsp;I used to mostly buy clothes at local mall stores&nbsp;(Macys, JCPenney, AnnTaylor, Loft, Talbots&nbsp;etc.) but I very rarely buy things there anymore. &nbsp;And Nordstrom's return policy, free shipping, and generous price adjustments have played a big role in this switch. &nbsp;I did not enjoy stopping by a Loft store only to see that an item I bought a week ago and haven't worn yet is now 20-30% cheaper. &nbsp;And most of the time these stores would not do a sale-to-sale adjustment. &nbsp;I suppose if you like something, it should not matter that it is now cheaper than when you bought it, but somehow it did make me feel cheated as a customer.</p> <p>One of the reasons I buy more things from Nordstrom than I would otherwise is that I know I can buy an item in my size and have it price-adjusted if it later goes on sale. &nbsp;I have never been refused a price adjustment on online purchases, and the sales associates are super-nice about it. &nbsp;I certainly feel that Nordstrom has the right to&nbsp;change their policy at any time (or, rather, request a more strict adherence to the current policy), whereas I have the right to change my shopping behavior in response. &nbsp;:) &nbsp;</p> <p>I will say that at the time I ask for a price adjustment, whether it is within the two week window or slightly over, the tags are usually still on because I am still debating whether to keep something. &nbsp;So if I decide the item is not worth it to me at the current price, I will simply return it (and the store will have paid return shipping costs, only to have to resell the item at the lower sale price).</p> <p>As to Una's example with REI - DH and I used to buy lots of camping gear from LLBean because of their generous return policies. &nbsp;I think that over the years we have purchased lots of things from them at higher prices than other retail outlets precisely because we wanted to know that we could return things without hassle if needed. &nbsp;I don't think we returned all that many purchases. &nbsp;So to me, this again was an example of generous policies and good customer service&nbsp;attracting customer loyalty (and we were certainly well aware of the higher prices we ended up paying). </p> <p>Anyway, the reason a wrote this long response is because to me this kind of CS is the deciding factor in picking a retailer to buy from. &nbsp;So I hope that stores like Nordstrom continue to take this into consideration, along with their bottom line, of course.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019184 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 19:09:45 +0000 catgirl 1019184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to go with Gaylene here.&nbsp; I know REI just changed their return policy from "return anything, any time" to a one year limit, which I still think is generous.&nbsp; I have a friend who would return something to REI&nbsp;after YEARS of use, like a tent, and want a full refund because a zipper finally broke or whatever.&nbsp; I teased him that he was the cause of this change, but I half-think it's true.</p> <p>And I&nbsp;have been at events in New York, though I'm sure it happens everywhere,&nbsp;where people have openly bragged about how they will be returning the dress they are wearing to Macy's afterward.&nbsp; Really?</p> <p>I think Nordstrom is amazingly generous with returns and credits and price adjustments.</p> <p>Not saying anyone here would do these things.&nbsp; And I think a return or exchange like Suz mentions is probably not the kind of thing policies are intended to exclude.&nbsp; And there is also the fact that clothes are often deliberately overpriced in order to be marked down.&nbsp; It's not easy to parse out.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Maybe I'm just a stickler. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019173 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 18:51:33 +0000 Lisa 1019173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've only had price adjustments on items with the tags still on them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019155 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 18:13:36 +0000 catherine 1019155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like saving money as much as anybody else.&nbsp; However, like Gaylene, I worry about the effect that a company going as low as it possibly can might have on the people who work there.&nbsp; In the end, low prices do not come from magic.&nbsp; More often than not, they come right out of the hide of the front line worker (see Walmart).<br />On the other hand, I am sure that many people feel like they want or need low prices for reasons of their own. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019148 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 17:55:45 +0000 Gaylene 1019148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know I'm not going to be popular here when I say that I'm not so convinced that asking for further discounts is always to our advantage as consumers. Yes, it is nice to have the extra $50 dollars in hand, and, yes, a good customer will often turn that refund into another purchase from the store, so it seems like a total win-win situation for everyone.</p> <p><b>BUT</b>, I think it would be naive to think that a store doesn't try to recoup the costs associated with a generous refund/return policy by increasing the overall price of its merchandise. So, if I buy at full price, in effect, I am covering the costs associated with your refund--or your items that cannot be resold at regular price because they have been returned months later--or your items that cannot be resold except at a rock bottom price because they are not in pristine condition. And buying only on sale doesn't really protect me from price inflation because 40% off of $100 shirt still makes that shirt more expensive than if the markup can be lowered so the regular price is only $75. </p> <p>Nordstrom's original decision to create a demanding customer who could only be satisfied by the generous policies offered by their department store has been a highly successful marketing strategy, but it's interesting that Rae talks about how the company is starting to alter its training to advise taking a firmer line with certain types of customers. As North Americans, we have created a culture of customer entitlement that shoppers in other countries look at in amazement, but I can't help but wonder if the pendulum isn't starting to swing back as our expectations keep rising.</p> <p>*putting on my fuchsia crash helmet now because I have the feeling I'm in for a bit of a pummeling here* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019136 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 17:38:38 +0000 Suz 1019136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree, Rae, and I actually like that there is some flexibility. It just seemed unfair that Debbie got dinged when I did not!&nbsp;</p> <p>And it definitely encourages me to buy more. In fact, I already did -- more than making up the difference!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019115 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 16:47:21 +0000 rae 1019115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*Nodding along with Marianna*</p> <p>Definitely helps to be honest, and yes there are always exceptions where it seems like the right thing to do. I should also say that I come from two stores where there were a lot of fraud attempts and dishonest people, so our managers often have to take a more firm "we are not a rental service" approach with training us.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the sale-to-sale NAS adjustment, I think I would have adjusted, too. It is not even cool enough to wear most Fall items, and the customers who come to NAS are typically pretty loyal, good customers. It makes sense to reward them when the price drops before the temperature does! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019064 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 15:07:53 +0000 Suz 1019064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I agree with you about the returns. And also that customers are likely to use the adjustment to buy something else, ultimately spending more. That describes me, anyway. You can bet I will be shopping there again -- even with all the inconvenience of being in Canada it is worth it to me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019058 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 14:50:25 +0000 ironkurtin 1019058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is always worth asking if you can have the discounted price.&nbsp; You lose nothing and potentially gain a discount. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019026 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 14:17:46 +0000 Janet 1019026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is pretty interesting. After seeing a few threads about price adjustments, I decided to look up the items I bought at NAS to see if any prices dropped. The Amber Sun sweater ($11 difference), the Trouvé shoulder patch blazer ($25 difference) and Yigal Azrouel jacket ($32 difference) are now priced lower. A total of $63, when I spent about $1800 on sale day. Of course, tags are still on all of these because they're not in season yet for me. </p> <p>I am such a solid Nordstrom customer that I would think they'd do the price adjustment for me if I went into the store and saw one of my usual SA's. $63 is not going to break me, but it sure would buy something else! Chances are good I'd turn right around and spend it with them anyway, before I even left the store. </p> <p>One could argue that I could return the items, get the money back, and order the same things online at the reduced price, but that to me is far more wasteful of Nordstrom's resources than just receiving a price adjustment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019017 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 14:05:02 +0000 Mochi 1019017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me the returns, shipping, price adjustment etc are surely built into the prices we pay at Nordstrom. That said, I myself would not want to abuse their kindness, but I would not get into an ethical quandary about it. I did feel bad returning one-worn shoes to them, but they hurt my feet like hell, and the woman was totally cool about taking them back. All in all, I buy stuff from them and recommend Nordstrom heartily to my friends, so I think they're making out okay. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019014 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 14:01:22 +0000 marianna 1019014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, exactly. I always put myself in the customer's shoes in these situations -- they can return/re-buy, so why not just simplify things for everyone? AND make a customer happy! So I'm the "soft" one in our group, always making exceptions. Others definitely are not as soft as me.&nbsp;</p> <p>So... it comes down to who you talk to. If you're not satisfied with the first&nbsp;answer you receive, talk to someone else. :)</p> <p>And I don't want to sound like Nordstrom has no consistency with rules, but it does ultimately come down to a judgement call and not a rule book. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019013 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 14:00:19 +0000 Traci 1019013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm surprised at the strong sentiment that Nordstrom should be more strict with their return policies and enforce even rules across the board. &nbsp;I think in order to provide good customer service you have to provide some amount of individualized care. &nbsp;People don't tend to feel good about customer service if the rules are so strict and evenly enforced by the higher ups, with no ability by the person on the floor to use their best judgement. &nbsp;</p> <p>It sounds like price adjustments have almost become the rule rather than the exception, though, and I think that's where it feels off. &nbsp;The SA's aren't applying the adjustments when someone has a good reason to have gone over the 2 week limit,&nbsp;it sounds like many of them are just applying the adjustment whenever asked. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1019003 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 13:29:03 +0000 Suz 1019003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was amazed, actually. I didn't really know about the two week policy when I phoned. People here were calling, so I figured, okay, I will inquire!&nbsp;</p> <p>But it did occur to me that they wouldn't offer if if the item was no longer available in my size or the colour I had bought. And I mentioned to her that this was the case -- items not on sale in my colour. She said, no problem! I can do that for you.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think it makes good sense, ultimately, simply because it saves people from doing returns and re-buying at the new price -- which adds to costs overall. Many people will not yet have worn their NAS purchases and could easily return them (with "free" shipping that actually costs the company money).&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1018996 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 13:12:57 +0000 marianna 1018996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, it definitely depends on the customer service rep's personality -- like with everything, some people are more by the books, while others don't mind bending the rules! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1018890 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 03:32:29 +0000 Suz 1018890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Marianna -- that is so interesting. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/price-adjustment-on-nas">Debbie has a thread about how she was refused an adjustment via online chat.</a> Meanwhile, I got mine on the phone no problem. I wonder what influenced this SA? It must have been my lucky day.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1018772 Sat, 31 Aug 2013 22:47:35 +0000 marianna 1018772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was a CS rep at Nordies (and still am very&nbsp;part-time) and&nbsp;I can tell you there is no consistency with the rules. The only rule is to "use your best judgement" so you may get different answers from different customer service reps. What Rae said is technically spot on... two week price adjustment policy, and no sale to sale adjustments. But I rarely follow those rules, because Nordstrom is all about good customer service and I feel like making exceptions is&nbsp;the right thing to do. Other CSRs can be&nbsp;more strict. It also depends on a lot of other factors -- such as, how you treat the CSR and if you're being honest. If you come in with something that's clearly worn and say that you never wore it and want a price adjustment, we're going to be less likely to help. If you're honest and say I wore it once and now it's on sale, can you help me get a price adjustment? Then I'm more wiling to make an exception. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1018703 Sat, 31 Aug 2013 20:25:38 +0000 Suz 1018703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I had no idea I was doing something that isn't allowed...truly! From others' messages on here it sounded as if it was common practice. I never do it up here except for GAP, BR, and those places. I think I've only asked for an adjustment once and it was two days after I bought the item.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-new-price-adjustment-question#post-1018689 Sat, 31 Aug 2013 20:02:21 +0000 Mochi 1018689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this demonstrates that whatever their website says, they don't have a consistently-enforced policy. </p>