https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:44:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning/page/2#post-1252484 Thu, 15 May 2014 17:13:52 +0000 cciele 1252484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Even though YLF has raised the bar for many of us, I really think that's the way to go! The result may be a higher percentage of returns, but I'm all for reducing the number of prphans and guilt-inducing pieces.</p> <p>I totally take the "dressing room" model of online shopping. I think I return over 95% of what I order online!</p> <p>B&amp;M, the rate is a lot lower. I think it's probably reversed -- I might return 5% of what I buy. I can apply my picky criteria more easily in store than online, so usually have more success with those purchases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning/page/2#post-1252413 Thu, 15 May 2014 14:45:29 +0000 April 1252413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I return a lot of things purchased online -- mainly shoes. &nbsp;(Let's face it, the selection at Zappos has largely spoiled in-store shoe shopping, particularly for those of us with fussy feet.) &nbsp;I feel it's better to try things and return them than not to try them at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning/page/2#post-1252371 Thu, 15 May 2014 13:33:13 +0000 jackiec 1252371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great topic! Good for you for returning 40% I am working on being better about returns, and that's largely due to YLF and PPP. For me it's very much been a mindset shift because growing up we never, ever returned anything. Ever. You went out, bought your outfit (ie back to school, once a year) and you wore it to death. My parents were the same. Actually, my mom made most of our clothes too so that explains why we didn't shop much. Oh and we were never ever allowed to return or exchange a gift - it wasn't done. So for most of my adult life this has carried through. I'm getting more critical about fit and colour due to YLF. If I lived in the states I'd like buy WAY more online and in turn return way more. The change room analogy is a good one. Living in Canada means that when I order to my box just over the border, I like to be pretty sure it's going to work otherwise the hassle of sending it back is huge. It's fine if I decide on the spot that it won't work, but making a keep/return decision in a pebbly parking lot outside of a mailbox warehouse isn't easy unless it's just a shoe fit issue. Online Canadian orders are fine, but we are much more limited in shops. I've done a fair bit of Gap/old navy ordering, and I must admit that of my Gap orders this year 100% went back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning/page/2#post-1252327 Thu, 15 May 2014 12:35:40 +0000 Janet 1252327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm another impulsive, emotional shopper, and I do end up returning a certain percentage of my B&amp;M store purchases (there are two things hanging in my closet right now, on the valet bar, with tags on that are awaiting final verdict, even though they were purchased weeks ago). But I try to return things in a reasonable time (they give you time limits for a reason) so they're not totally out of season, and yes, I see returned items back on the full-price racks all the time, so I feel no guilt. Actually, I feel a lot guiltier when I see a garment a year old with tags in my closet and realize I've wasted the money.</p> <p>As for online shopping, I find a large percentage of returns inevitable. Just look at my (still ongoing) search for white sandals. Four pairs down and I still don't have a keeper than makes my heart sing. But this search would already be over and my hands still empty if I restricted it to B&amp;M stores. I feel a bit like I'm single-handedly keeping UPS in business. ;-)&nbsp;</p> <p>I agree that YLF has enabled this -- so many terrific finds (and help finding the finds!) make it a little too easy to click a button and know that the maybe-perfect item is winging its way to you, you know? But as you say, viva, YLF has also made me more PPP.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning/page/2#post-1252311 Thu, 15 May 2014 12:14:47 +0000 viva 1252311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for responding.A few things really jumped out at me here.</p> <p>First, I am not alone, and my returning number is -- in this community -- quite average or even low. So, whew! haha. (Don't we all love to find out we are normal?) </p> <p>Second, returning is expected in the online shopping arena. I love what someone said about how returning 4 out of 5 things bought online is akin to putting back 4 out of 5 things tried on in a dressing room. That makes SO much sense to me.</p> <p>Third, there is also something about YLF that may be a factor -- which several people pointed out. Because of YLF, I am probably buying more and trying new things (the Zara pleated top would be one obvious example) and this leads to returns. Also, in order to keep something, it has to be JUST RIGHT. YLF has helped me to raise the bar of my expectations, and this has led to returns too.</p> <p>I'd still like to be less emotional in my buying (I really think I bought that grad dress because it was the first dress out of 20 that actually fit me, and it was on sale) and more on-target with my spending -- and reduce the returns that are because it was a bad purchase, but I feel better about the amount of returns I am making. And I have to say that I make returns immediately. I really want that credit, so I don't let things sit around, and that's better for the store and for me.</p> <p>Thanks again, all. Really interesting discussion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning/page/2#post-1252226 Thu, 15 May 2014 07:00:54 +0000 fuzzylogic 1252226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I have to add that regarding the incorrect size I exchanged rather than returned. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning/page/2#post-1252225 Thu, 15 May 2014 06:59:40 +0000 fuzzylogic 1252225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I have tried something on in store and have purchased it I very rarely return it. In fact, I can only recall one time ( the merchandise was faulty).</p> <p>Most of my purchases are made online these days.<br /> Last year I kept about 95% of the items (I think I was sent an incorrect size once?).<br /> Recently, as I experiment a little more- try different companies and styles, and experiment with trends- my keep rate is about 80%. The returns are due to incorrect size (ordered by me, I have expanded a little, giggle), wrong item sent, experiment failed and, um, my husband hated it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning/page/2#post-1252218 Thu, 15 May 2014 05:46:46 +0000 anne 1252218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I shopped online I returned about 1/3rd. Now I only go B &amp; M and I practically never do. I am a very reluctant purchaser to begin with and many shops in Australia, where I am, don't do returns. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning/page/2#post-1252193 Thu, 15 May 2014 04:57:47 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1252193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think any of the thrift stores in my area allow returns. Some will let you exchange for another item within a certain amount of time, but that's it. I've never even tried to exchange anything, although I can see how it would be necessary if you're buying for someone else like a child. I try to try things on when possible, and when it's not I make sure that I'm ok with the cost of the item being a sunk cost - as rabbit says, a donation.</p> <p>I know for a fact that the Macy's and Nordstrom's in my area put returned items back on the sales floor, because I see them with a barcode sticker on the back of the price tag all the time. I don't know why you wouldn't return items to stock - of course, you'd have to check for damage and a few things might be out of season already, but otherwise you shouldn't have any more shrinkage than you might get from inadvertent damage in the dressing room or general wear and tear from people looking at things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251750 Wed, 14 May 2014 20:40:01 +0000 rabbit 1251750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I ordered online in the past&nbsp;(mostly shoes), I'd return 80-90%, which as mentioned, is about equivalent to what would happen in a dressing room - I'd try on 8-10 items of clothes, and maybe buy one.</p> <p>Brick and mortar I haven't tracked, but I think is about 25% percent. &nbsp;In hindsight I probably should have returned more. &nbsp;I was rebuilding a closet from near scratch and started wearing early buys right away, and ended up with probably about 20-30% more clothing items than I needed in general.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm tracking CPW and cost, &nbsp;so getting a sense both of how many times I want to wear any one item, and also just how many tops is too many to wear in a season, &nbsp;so in the last month or two I've returned much more, and returned unworn clothing for store credit if the 30 days are up and I want something else from the store more than the item I have.</p> <p>My anchor department store is Macy's and their return policy appears to be open-ended with tags, I haven't tried without. &nbsp;As a result, items of clothing I buy there don't get returned as quickly, &nbsp;because I know that I can return them later on if I really don't prefer them to what I'm already wearing. &nbsp; From a place like Marshalls, when the month is coming to a close and I haven't worn it yet, I usually return, unless it's really a stellar find. &nbsp; I avoid Forever21 and any online retailers that don't have free returns now.</p> <p>To the question of returns cutting into the bottom line, &nbsp;prior to YLF about half of my small closet were orphans that didn't get returned on time, and were missing tags even if never worn out of the house, so &nbsp;I think the typical distracted and busy&nbsp;shopper is probably&nbsp;still taking the financial brunt of the retail markup.</p> <p>ETA: &nbsp;actually the one place I almost never return things is Goodwill. &nbsp;They have a someone restrictive returns policy, but it's more that I mentally switch the category from a clothes purchase to a charitable donation if I bought something that isn't getting worn as much. &nbsp;Tricky that, I'll have to watch it.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251736 Wed, 14 May 2014 20:16:35 +0000 DonnaF 1251736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I shop online a lot and return probably 80% for fit, color, and/or fabrication issues.&nbsp; I buy mostly from Nordstrom, and most of what I buy isn't available at my local b&amp;m stores.&nbsp; I also buy (and keep) way more than when I bought only at b&amp;m stores so I don't feel too guilty about all my returns.&nbsp; Before YLF, I would keep items that were 6 - 8s; now I hold out for items that are 9s or 10s.&nbsp; When DH gets home, I will ask him about a casual dress that was delivered today.&nbsp; The length is about three inches above my knees so maybe it's a bit short, but the non-Petite one I tried on seemed too long and the neckline hit too low.&nbsp; No room to let down the hem. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251603 Wed, 14 May 2014 17:52:37 +0000 Angie 1251603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that a high percentage of returns is<i> </i>absolutely inevitable when you shop a lot on line - especially when your feet are fussy, you're fussy about fit and&nbsp;fabric quality, and you're unfamiliar with the sizing of said retailer. </p> <p>I don't tend to return the items I purchase&nbsp;in stores that frequently. But online purchases are a different animal. My return rate is especially&nbsp;high online with designer pieces because my expectations are even greater for that price point. And when you can also get stunning quality and design&nbsp;from non-designer pieces, I REALLY have to love the quality and style integrity of the designer piece a whole lot extra in order to drop the moolla - <i>which I happily do if I think it's worth it.</i> Case in point: Sole Society Ankle Strap Pumps for $65 make me and my feet&nbsp;just as happy as my Salvatore Ferragomo loafers that were ten times the price. Both online orders - no returns. No cognitive dissonance either.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251601 Wed, 14 May 2014 17:50:47 +0000 Dee 1251601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I'm on the high end of the return scale.&nbsp;I don't do a ton of online shopping, with the exception of Zappos when I lived in the US. I probably kept one pair out of four at the time, so around 75% returns?</p> <p>At B&amp;M stores, it's probably around 40%. Even if I like it in the dressing room, I like the try things on again at home and see how they work with existing pieces in my wardrobe. Or I decide the quality isn't worth the price after all. And then back it goes - at least I'm good about that, rather than letting it languish unworn with the tags still on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251594 Wed, 14 May 2014 17:40:49 +0000 Gaylene 1251594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm obviously old school here because I don't do much returning--probably 10% or less of what I buy. My reasons are (1) having to pay return shipping costs because I live in Canada, which can really add up quite quickly, and (2) going to back to many stores usually means driving and parking hassles. If I'm at B&amp;M store, I usually take the time to really assess the item before I buy it; if I'm in a hurry, I usually just walk away. If I buy online, it's usually from a source<br /> where I have a pretty good idea of the fit and quality.</p> <p>Oddly enough, if I do return something, it is often to my local boutique because the owner encourages me to take something home to see if it will work with my wardrobe. I appreciate this courtesy so I always make my decision within a few days so I can get the item back to her promptly. In turn, she acknowledges my being a good customer by giving me a 10-15% discount on items I buy from her shop which is a further inducement to buy from her. With service like that, I'm more than happy to buy my Eileen Fisher tops and COH denim from her instead of waiting for sales.</p> <p>On the surface, liberal return policies seem like a good thing for consumers, but, like <b>Always Trying</b> mentions, those "gently used" or "slightly dated" items often can't be resold at full cost. It seems logical to me that retailers need to recoup those "free" shipping costs and markdowns by increasing retail costs. The fact that I can readily get a 10-15% discount from my boutique owner on her newly stocked items seems to reinforce that thought in my mind. I've also started wondering if the thought of being able to return items doesn't factor into my impulse buys which, all too often, end up in purge pile quite quickly. That's one reason I've really tried to limit my shopping to times when I can make a clear, unhurried, and more thoughtful decision about how something will fit into my lifestyle and closet before I hand over my credit card number.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251587 Wed, 14 May 2014 17:26:55 +0000 Suz 1251587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't actually kept track of my returns. I should probably do that.&nbsp;</p> <p>I shop quite often online, and an awful lot of it goes back. It's impossible to know the fit or fabrication when you're shopping online, but I don't have many brick and mortar options where I live. So it is what it is. I return much less of what I buy on my rare in-store shopping expeditions.&nbsp;</p> <p>(Still loving my Reiss jacket....) &nbsp; :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251578 Wed, 14 May 2014 17:11:35 +0000 kkards 1251578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>viva -- like you, i am an emotional shopper. i would say that of my B&amp;M buys, i return about 25%. my on line returns are about 50%, mostly because of fit. i used to buy a lot when i would travel, but i have tried to curb that, because i found that those tended to be my biggest regrets. and trying to return so of the out of town purchases was tricky. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251567 Wed, 14 May 2014 16:51:47 +0000 Peri 1251567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not kept track numbers wise but I would say my rate of returns is very high. I'd guess 75% of online shopping. Ex: 5 items came today and there is a chance that I might keep one of them.&nbsp;And really, I don't consider that unreasonable. If I was at a store and took 5 things into a dressing room I'd consider it a huge success if I liked one of them enough to buy. Most likely I'd put all 5 back.</p> <p>With B&amp;M purchases I'd say it is lower...probably 40%. But still not nothing, because most things I have to try at home with different combos before I really know I want it.</p> <p>I don't feel bad about this shop and return, just frustrated I can't find more things I like. I never make emotional purchases because shopping is not at all fun for me. I am on a very considered hunt for a good wardrobe and I shop according to holes and needs. I don't consider it my fault when I can't find things to fill these needs, and I don't feel guilty about returns of items that disappoint. My feeling is that the stores should do better! But, this is one reason why I'm a fan of Nordstrom online. I think their policies are very realistic and so they get rewarded with what money I do spend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251549 Wed, 14 May 2014 16:17:02 +0000 Anonymous 1251549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I shop, try on at home, and return if it does not suit me. &nbsp;I have no qualms whatsoever about this practice. &nbsp;I am certain I return well over 50 percent of what I bring home. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251547 Wed, 14 May 2014 16:15:40 +0000 Mo 1251547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Adding the the chorus of high returns of online purchases. &nbsp;You just can't know without putting the item on your body. &nbsp;As for in-store purchasing, I think it's been a couple years since I've returned anything. &nbsp;I know if I want it or not. &nbsp;And I'm not a big impulse buyer.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251543 Wed, 14 May 2014 16:11:58 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1251543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On average with online orders, I probably return over 50% of things, either for fit issues or just that they weren't quite what I thought I was getting. I'm not a shy in store returner, either; sometimes you get it home and it won't work with the outfit you envisioned, or you look at your budget and you were just a little more crazy than you should have been. But since fit issues are normally already culled out with B&amp;M purchases my return rate there is probably around 25%. </p> <p>I never used to return this much, but then I had a lot of things in my wardrobe I never should have bought. And nowadays I'm trying to be a little adventurous, which means trying new styles and brands which don't always work out. If my budget and my time were tighter, I could buy the basics from several stores whose fit I know, and almost never have to return anything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251540 Wed, 14 May 2014 16:08:31 +0000 always trying 1251540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gee with all these returns no wonder there is so much on the markdowns in stores these days, as some do not put returns back with the regular merchandise.&nbsp;&nbsp; Wonder how much &nbsp;of the on line stuff travels around!&nbsp; Looks like about a 45 to 50 percent of&nbsp;on line &nbsp;clothing and shoes gets returned. You guys probably keep a lot of people employed.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251533 Wed, 14 May 2014 15:59:40 +0000 retailgirl 1251533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I return a decent amount. I quite often order multiple sizes, and if I am ordering stuff on sale, I'll order multiple colors and if they don't work, then I am returning a lot! And I wear a 10.5 N shoe so I buy all my shoes on line...and 80 percent go back. But I order from the same three or four brands, and I pretty much know how things fit. I think returns are a necessary evil for an online retailer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251513 Wed, 14 May 2014 15:39:53 +0000 Laurinda 1251513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I return around 80% of online purchases&nbsp;for color, size, or fit issues. For many items you can't tell until you see it in your wardrobe, or try it on and realize the color is not a good shade, the shoe seam rubs your toe&nbsp;or the pants make annoying swishy noises.</p> <p>Before YLF I would have been okay with items being 5 or 6/10; now I expect at least an 8/10.&nbsp;</p> <p>The pickings are much more narrow at B&amp;M stores for size and selection,&nbsp;but they do&nbsp;tend to be where I find the few items that 'make my heart sing'.</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251499 Wed, 14 May 2014 15:10:52 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1251499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do most of my shopping online. I used to just keep things, even if I didn't love them. And then I would find them at the back of my closet, never worn. </p> <p>I've done a big closet purge this year, partly due to a size change and partly due to wanting to get the most out of what I have. The consignment shop in town has been very happy.</p> <p>Lately I have become much more rigorous about returns&nbsp;-- I only keep things I really like. I mostly order from retailers that have good return policies. If it doesn't have a good return policy, I have to be pretty sure that I will like it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251498 Wed, 14 May 2014 15:10:47 +0000 rachylou 1251498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. I return mainly because things don't fit or look wrong on me. I don't think I return because I realise something is not my style. But maybe I should be doing so... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251496 Wed, 14 May 2014 15:09:19 +0000 deb 1251496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I shop online a lot so my returns are usually because of poor fit. I think that is to be expected with online shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251493 Wed, 14 May 2014 15:06:04 +0000 Pree 1251493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this a great topic and thanks for starting it.&nbsp; I do return a fair amount as well (also in pristine condition with the tags on). I do try to consider things before I buy and try to have strict criteria like others mentioned.&nbsp; But sometimes I am in a rush and I buy things that really aren't what I need. I very much like to try things on when I get home with the other items I am going to wear them with and see how much wear I will really get out of an item and if they fit a wardrobe hole.&nbsp; My style is evolving since reading the YLF blog so I&nbsp; am buying new and different items.&nbsp;&nbsp; I also return items if I am over my budget and don't absolutely love them (also a new thing I have started since joining this forum).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251488 Wed, 14 May 2014 14:59:40 +0000 JAileen 1251488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Because I live in the sticks I order a lot online. As others have said, you just don't know how something is going to work until you try it on, be it fit, color, or quality of materials. I don't order from just anyone (I'm very particular about shipping costs), so I do have a good idea of fit and quality from Lands End, for example. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251480 Wed, 14 May 2014 14:46:13 +0000 Laura J 1251480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think returning as much as you have is a lot. &nbsp;I think it makes sense. &nbsp;I'm building a new work wardrobe for a new job in another country, updating my style, and finding comfortable shoes after discovering I need a different size. &nbsp;It's a lot at once and I can tell you I've returned a ton lately. &nbsp;I think with shoes it's imperative that you try wearing them at home in addition to the store. &nbsp;I'm trying to get quality shoes at a discount. &nbsp;For me, this involves driving to stores that are an hour away. &nbsp;I will buy any shoes that I like that seem comfortable in the store. &nbsp;Then at home I will wear the shoes for an hour or two (mostly sitting). &nbsp;Out of the 10 shoes I recently bought, I am returning 5 of them because they weren't comfortable at home. &nbsp;I always return the items in pristine form, tags attached, and they never leave the house. &nbsp;I guess I should also mention I'm shopping at Nordstrom Rack, Sax Off Fifth, and Neiman Marcus Last Call. &nbsp;In those places perhaps more than others I feel like if I don't get it, it won't be there when I return (and I have a lot of driving to do to return). &nbsp;</p> <p>For clothing items, I bring them home and see how they look with the rest of my wardrobe. &nbsp;I have a plan to keep my wardrobe minimal (and easier to move). &nbsp;I've become very picky about what I keep. &nbsp;</p> <p>I love the idea of keeping track of purchases like you do! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-buying-and-returning#post-1251477 Wed, 14 May 2014 14:41:27 +0000 Marlene 1251477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I return a lot...70%? &nbsp;I like to try stuff on at home, with my own mirror and my own closet so I can see it styled with my current wardrobe. Even if I try it on at a store, I am still overwhelmed by my surroundings and cannot get a true gauge of an item while in a changing room. &nbsp;So most of it goes back once I see how it plays with the rest of my clothes.</p> <p>I return about the same for online purchases. &nbsp;I tend to buy from the same places all the time so that I have a good idea about fit beforehand. &nbsp;Then I have essentially the same issues as I would in-store. </p>