https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:03:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285423 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 00:46:50 +0000 cat2 2285423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t mind these fees, I have usually had free shipping to me and splitting the cost of returns seems like a good way for a retailer to weed out the idle shoppers. I don’t mind because I’m not incurring the fee very often. I have had the fee waived when the retailer sent me a damaged pair of shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285395 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:30:49 +0000 Kate 2285395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Zaeobi, I'm finding when I call customer service to get more complete sizing info, they don't have it. Sometimes, they'll ask me to give them 24-48 hours to get the info from the warehouse, and then when they call back (if they do), they tell me, sorry, that info just isn't available. This just happened to me with Anthropologie. In that case, I wanted complete info on % of cotton and elastane in the full length corduroy trousers that Angie had posted the cropped version of. It made a difference to me, because with more than 2% elastane, those suckers would bag out on me. It's hard to believe manufacturers don't supply this info to retailers. And it's irritating as all get out that more complete sizing info isn't readily available on all items. My favorite retailer COS is a big offender on this count. I don't really enjoy having to guess from a picture! Isn't there somebody around with a tape measure?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285392 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:06:58 +0000 Roberta 2285392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I didn't know that about PayPal, thanks Ginger! One of my favorite brands, Title Nine, does charge you if you return an item. I think of it as a $6 fee for trying something on. They are very good about including measurements, all the textile information, and having genuinely helpful reviews posted. But every once in a while I still have to return something, and then that little fee annoys me. There isn't a Title Nine store within a hundred miles from me.</p> <p>But I see why they do it, and it reminds me to be a careful shopper. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285381 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 17:56:24 +0000 Ginger 2285381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dislike these as well but I can understand some of it, especially for small companies. In particular, if you pay with Paypal and then return, Paypal keeps all of their fee. So the retailer is out of pocket for Paypal's fee. It can make a big difference for small companies who can't get away with not accepting Paypal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285376 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 17:01:54 +0000 Zaeobi 2285376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@chewy Absolutely - &amp; providing at least the model's height (if not all their other measurements too) can help gauge how the listing photos might translate to my body. </p> <p>E.g. It's so frustrating to see an item as 'cropped' in the listing but it pools on the floor on me - I often see reviews that petites can 'just hem' an item, but unfortunately it's not always that simple (especially if the rise is too long/ the crotch point too low to fix). </p> <p>I know that's a lot of information for each listing (so companies likely need to invest more upfront in providing it) but I suspect that it would balance out with the amount of money they'd save from not dealing with 'unfaulty' returns &amp; extra customer service hours to respond to such requests in the first place. </p> <p>Slight side note but I'm also noticing many customer service reps not having more info on an item than what's already on the listing. That seems like another resource drain - if they can't access the warehouse/ access the staff who can, then what extra help is a company's 'contact us' chat adding? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285370 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:45:19 +0000 kkards 2285370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For those who wish to learn/read more&nbsp;<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://footwearnews.com/2022/business/retail/stores-charging-for-returns-1203312152/">https://footwearnews.com/2022/.....203312152/</a><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/retailers-wrestling-with-returns-mull-restocking-fees-176893.html">https://www.ecommercetimes.com.....-176893.ht</a></p> <p>I personally do not like restocking fees, but on the other hand, I don’t want to pay more for an item than I need to, and if I’m honest, I don’t want to pay for your returns. &nbsp;So, for certain retailers, I’m willing to pay for the privilege of returning what doesn’t fit, but it does limit how often and what I order from these retailers&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285369 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:43:51 +0000 Gaylene 2285369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally agree with.pushing retailers to give actual garment measurements—the more the better—and to include garment sketches at the same time so I can see where the measurement was actually taken as well as a closeup of the material. I also like seeing the garment on different bodies so I can judge how the item falls and moves. THAT &nbsp;kind of information makes it more likely I’ll get what I think I’m getting when I place my order—a good strategy for retaining me as a repeat customer.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>Some companies are moving in this direction already, but more need to get on the program. It took some time before customer reviews became commonplace but giving us more than “looser fit” is what I need. (“looser” than what—a straitjacket? And on what kind of body?)&nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285362 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:12:52 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2285362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think they need both- a general sizing chart, and specific garment measurements. And somebody needs to teach them the proper way to measure garments because I am seeing the most wonky measurements! The jacket that I paid $25 to send back for an exchange was one that I consulted with the company about sizing and provided them my exact measurements. And I had to go up two sizes! I think they should have paid for return shipping in that case. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285359 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 15:40:49 +0000 Zaeobi 2285359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If retailers want fewer returns, they should provide garment measurements (instead of vague size chart ranges)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285311 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 06:38:27 +0000 Gaylene 2285311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it’s a sign of the times—retailers are starting to pull back on absorbing the costs associated with the ever increasing number of returns. Requiring the purchaser to absorb the costs of returning a item which is not defective, mislabeled, or misrepresented doesn’t seem unreasonable as long as this policy is clearly communicated in advance.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>Return shipping is only one of the costs associated with returns. The restocking charge covers other costs like inspecting (and possibly recleaning/airing/steaming the item), repackaging the item, and, most likely, reselling the item at a reduced price if it is no longer current stock.&nbsp;I’m willing to absorb these costs for my infrequent returns but I suspect I might be in the minority here?&nbsp;</p> <p>I like online shopping because of the convenience and variety but, if I’m stuck with a return, I try to see it in the context of the number of items which have worked for me. So far the odds have been good—my returns run around 10-15%—so I’m willing to grit my teeth and absorb the costs for that level of return rate. I’m not enthusiastic, though,&nbsp;to see prices raised just to maintain the fiction of “free” returns for others whose return rate is much higher.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285308 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 06:07:51 +0000 Sal 2285308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As the model of retail changes then the costs move around - less rent in malls, less merchandising, less sales assistants but more online photography, more warehouse staff (or robots?) and more support for customers online. </p> <p>I do think restocking fees could a hard thing to sell - sizing and fabric is erratic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285300 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 05:00:51 +0000 Anonymous 2285300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had not noticed yet, but thank you for the heads up.<br /> I will not order from a store that did not have what I wanted in stock but could order it. That happed with our local mall Nordstrom’s that then soon went out of business and closed. I think it means that the store is in trouble. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285296 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 04:51:11 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2285296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't encountered it, yet. But I find the idea irksome, since stores are relying more and more heavily on online shopping. When I do shop in stores, it's pretty common that what I want to try is not there, but "we can order it for you online." Well, gee, I could do that myself. I'd so much rather try a couple of sizes to compare. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285272 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 02:09:34 +0000 Jaime 2285272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure what I think of this. I do think the mass order and return culture could use some reigning in. On the other hand, as rightly pointed out, ordering more than one size of a garment you hope to keep makes sense. I don't recall facing this myself, but I also don't order much from online retail stores. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285270 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 01:53:26 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2285270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen,<br /> I had to pay return shipping on an international package- it was close to $25! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285267 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 01:21:06 +0000 JAileen 2285267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a recent return where shipping was $18. &nbsp;So not a restocking fee, but still pretty shocking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285266 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 01:08:55 +0000 Jenni NZ 2285266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, interesting! So not the same as return shipping fee? No wonder I had not heard of it then. Have never had to pay that. But then I seldom return stuff, have had to sometimes of course and regard the return shipping fee as the cost of the whole adventure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285264 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:53:50 +0000 Jenn 2285264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I should clarify that I don't mind paying shipping, even return shipping. The extra fee on top of the shipping is what gets me. That feels to me like something that should be built into overhead. It reminds me of the restaurants that have started charging a 5% "supply chain fee" in addition to menu prices. Just raise your prices.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285256 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:24:38 +0000 Jenni NZ 2285256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not sure that I agree with you, Chewy and Jenn and Style Fan. I do understand that it is difficult to work out the size when shopping online but then it does encourage returns with everything that entails in terms of resource by buying several sizes. I also get that it costs money to provide a dressing room, but it also costs the customer money to get there unless they live next door. So there is actually customer resource goes into it then too, and maybe overall it might encourage more thought into purchases in general ( and I am not getting at you three because I know you do think about your purchases) if it costs something to return?<br /> I am probably also influenced by the fact that here in NZ very little shipping is free. It is a pleasant surprise when it is. Generally I factor in the cost of shipping in my decision as to whether to purchase the item or not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285251 Sun, 09 Oct 2022 23:12:46 +0000 Style Fan 2285251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have seen some small independent retailers charge a restocking fee.&nbsp; I hesitate to order from them.&nbsp; I often order two or three sizes because sizing is inconsistent.&nbsp; And the garment may not work for me.<br />As Jenn says, we are not charged to use the dressing rooms. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285250 Sun, 09 Oct 2022 23:12:00 +0000 slim cat 2285250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did pay that for the shoes return- figured it’s better for the planet well-being ( like shoes going to other customer versus landfall/garbage). It was $10 from what I paid ( shoes were on sale for $79 or something like that). I guess it’ll be happening more frequently for many companies ( too much on-line shopping and crazy amounts of returns that only big companies can handle without extra $ ). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285242 Sun, 09 Oct 2022 22:29:00 +0000 Jenn 2285242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with chewyspaghetti and want it included in the price. No one charges me $7 to use the dressing room in a brick and mortar and that also costs money. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285241 Sun, 09 Oct 2022 22:07:43 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2285241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would rather that cost be included in the price. Many clothing retailers have sizing that is very inconsistent, so ordering multiple sizes is the most efficient way to find the right size. Having a portion of my return money held back feels like a slap on the wrist for making a return, whereas paying more for a product and offering free returns feels like good customer service. It does give me pause in ordering when I see the restocking fee. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285236 Sun, 09 Oct 2022 21:29:24 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2285236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni- it’s an extra fee you pay for returning an item. Or rather, an amount of money they take out of your refund. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285232 Sun, 09 Oct 2022 20:52:15 +0000 kkards 2285232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is a cost to returns…and now we the customer are being shown what it is. &nbsp;I think especially if you are a small company it’s hard to determine who to handle theses costs, do you take your total returns cost and prorate them across all items that you sell, thus increasing costs on everything, or do you just assign the cost of the returns to the actual items returned? Both options will impact your overall sales and either seem to be a good answer/option<div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/unwanted-gifts-online-returns-amazon_n_5fdd2e8cc5b60f8288564bf9">https://www.huffpost.com/entry.....8288564bf9</a><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285227 Sun, 09 Oct 2022 20:15:11 +0000 doggeh lover 2285227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Grrrr.....I can understand it more for big electronic purchases, like TVs, Computers, etc. But clothing? Hell nah! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285220 Sun, 09 Oct 2022 19:37:45 +0000 Sal 2285220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven’t seen it for clothes - it’s not uncommon in engineering products and components.</p> <p>Whilst it is off putting if it’s not charged then it will be hidden somewhere in the price. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285217 Sun, 09 Oct 2022 19:32:28 +0000 Jenni NZ 2285217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What is a restocking fee? I have never heard the term? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restocking-fees#post-2285210 Sun, 09 Oct 2022 18:56:09 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2285210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have started seeing restocking fees for some of the companies I am looking at buying from. I thought these had gone away, but now they seem to be back. Antone else noticing this? </p>