https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 01 May 2026 16:06:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87399 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:03:40 +0000 Melody 87399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, in this economy, I would think it's good to get customers into the store even if they're coming in to return an internet purchase. Returning by mail probably reduces the likelyhood that the customer will exchange or buy something else. If I'm in the store for a return, odds are that I'm coming out with something else.</p> <p>And I do make returns a good bit. I live in a rural area and have a jam-packed schedule. When I do make it to a mall, I usually have two small children in tow who make sport of hiding in the middle of clothing racks and giving their poor mom a heart attack, so I must make my purchase decisions lightning fast. We hit a mall Friday night so I could buy something new for a job interview, and I gave hubby $4 in quarters and sent him with the kiddies to ride some rides. He came back in 20 minutes with the whole bunch complaining of being starved, so I just bought the 3 items I was considering and went home to make my decision. So Friday, I am planning on returning one of the items ... they still made a good bit on my net purchases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87371 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:05:58 +0000 Chris 87371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not a catalog/online shopper for a variety of reasons but I would second what Taylor has already posted regarding returns.<br /> You would actually not believe the things people try to return (the worst was a caterer who would buy crystal platters and we always suspected he used them, washed and returned. Well he finally forgot to wash one! Tried to return and the jig was up.)<br /> Returning a few items because they didn't fit properly or a second opinion changed your mind is not out of the ordinary and stores are perfectly willing to do so. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87361 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:30:18 +0000 Anonymous 87361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I nevar used to return anything until I began shopping for my mom when her MS kept her from getting out. I'd even buy gifts for her to give nieces and her mother, take them to let her make her choices and return the rest.</p> <p>About returning things that have been worn...I am a volunteer buyer for a charity and usually have to go through Customer Service to purchase with a tax number. Once at a Penny's, a couple of women ahead of me were returning the worn clothing of an entire wedding party! the bridal gown, veil, 6 bridesmaids long gowns, flower girl dresses, ring bearer suit, mother-of-the-bride outfit and all the shoes. The stuff was obviously worn. After consulting a manager they actually took it back. I was astounded. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87317 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:45:59 +0000 elpgal 87317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I return a lot of clothes. In part this has to do with the proximity to the mall and not having much time to try them on in store long enough. A lot of clothes feel different when I wear them for an hour or so.</p> <p>I am considerably smarter with respect to shoes and hardly ever return anything. The extensive reviews at Zappos are very helpful too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87304 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:47:28 +0000 shana 87304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, I bought two tee shirts from J Crew this summer that were defective (developed holes right where the tag is sewn into the shirt after the first wash). I mentioned it to one of the SA's last time I was in and she immediately said that I definitely should have bought them in and they would have made amends. I didn't even think to do that just figured I was out of luck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87303 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:44:25 +0000 shana 87303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to never return anything and ended up with a closet full of orphans and mismatched clearance items. Since finding ylf, I'm shopping smarter but also branching out more out of my comfort zone and trying new things which means more returns unfortunately. I ALWAYS shop with at least one kid in tow (my husband thinks this is a great way to curtail my shopping) so I will admit to sometimes just grabbing and trying on at home before deciding. I generally don't buy anything online or sight unseen until I have at least tried the item on in the store or have some confidence about the sizing of that brand so I don't do too many online returns. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87264 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:37:21 +0000 Vani 87264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't return a whole lot as I don't purchase until I am atleast 90% satisfied with an item. I even carry leggings and heels/flats with me as required when I go shopping just so I don't have to wonder about PPL and other issues with proportions. Still, there are times when I really do want to try something with other items from my closet, in which case I bring it home. Other times I like something a lot but am still very unsure about it and would like to get feedback from everybody here. In either case I like having the option to make a return.</p> <p>Khris, I've never ever even thought that something that fades, shrinks or distorts in any other way after the first washing can be returned. Until YLF of course I've never had to return something for that reason yet but it is nice to know I won't be stuck with a defective item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87225 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:27:33 +0000 chewyspaghetti 87225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>medusa- that is a design flaw and it's not the same thing as buying something to wear for one occasion and trying to return it as new. Any garment that doesn't hold up to washing as per the instructions should be able to be returned. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87191 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:28:20 +0000 medusa 87191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do a lot of returns because I have to photograph my clothes and get forum approval before I keep them. :-)</p> <p>I am also one of the apparently awful people who has returned something after washing it. It was a Banana Republic blouse which grew by two sizes after being laundered. When I tried it on in the store if fit perfectly, after being laundered it was huge. I exchanged it for the one two sizes smaller which I couldn't even button all the way in the store - after being laundered it fits fine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87148 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:53:07 +0000 Srujana 87148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to do returns very rarely but I find that lately, even though I spend loads of time in fitting rooms, I'm never satisfied with a purchase until I come home and see it in my own mirror...especially since I've slowly gotten more adventurous with trying on trends. So right now, about 30% of my purchases get returned for sizing/mismatching issues, always unworn. Its a hassle to keep track of return dates, but I don't think its a habit I'll break any time soon... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87140 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:42:13 +0000 shiny 87140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, related topic, I know that Talbots' will order anything from the catalog for you, call you when it's in, then you can try it on and there's no commitment if it doesn't fit. In the distant past they did this for me, when I was interested in a petite dress that was in the catalog but not in the store. They ordered the dress in three different sizes for me, which was nice. It's great because you don't have to pay any shipping at all.</p> <p>Curious if anyone knows whether Jcrew will do this? If they would, I could order several of the petite suits I'm looking at, try them on, see how they fit... without wasting all the shipping $ and hassle returns... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87114 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:41:16 +0000 chewyspaghetti 87114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do my fair share of returns. I don't buy things just to see, but sometimes they look different than you thought once you pair them up in an outfit, or you miss some aspect that you didn't see in the dressing room. It is hard shopping with kids. Mine are 10 and 13, and it's still hard. I go without them when I can, but then I feel rushed anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87101 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:05:15 +0000 Sarah 87101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try to be fairly certain on an item before I buy it in-store. Returning is definitely hard on the sales people, and I don't want to be flippant about it.<br /> I do return more online items for fit reasons.<br /> When I go into a store with intent to shop and buy, I try on a lot of items (if I have the time). I usually walk away with something that I really love. The time I spent pretty much guarantees I won't be returning anything.<br /> On the other hand, if I am rushed or if the sales people rush me, I might be more inclined to return because I wasn't able to try it thoroughly.<br /> And rarely, I buy something that I *think* will go with something I already have. If it doesn't, I return it.<br /> When I do return, I try to share the reason.<br /> JCrew is definitely one of those stores that seems to frown on returning. I actually don't shop there as much as I used to, but I do on occasion and just make sure it's something I really love. That, or I make an appointment with the personal shopper and bring items in that I want to try with possible purchases.<br /> Defining my personal style has certainly cut down on returns, too. And if I buy something and you all give it a thumbs down, it will probably go back too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87090 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:16:20 +0000 shiny 87090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I buy something in a store, I'm very unlikely to return it. I'd say maybe 1 in 50 purchases. Very rare, because I do - usually - take the time in the dressing room to ensure good fit and consider what it will go with in my closet. If I'm still not sure, I leave it for a few days. If I still want it after a cooling off period, I go back. The rare items that get returned are typically the ones that I bought in a rush!!! In those cases, I try to return as quickly as possible. Within a week, tops.</p> <p>Online shopping is completely different. I'd say I return over 50% of what I buy online. That percentage is higher if you take out the items purchased that I'd first tried on in the store, or that I'm duplicating. I return because it doesn't fit, or the color is different than it looked online, or the fabric or quality isn't what I expected. I have no qualms about returning items bought online. </p> <p>If stores would prefer us to mail back our returns, then they should give us free returns. Or make them very cheap. I'm going to do what is least expensive and most convenient to me. This is my Jcrew beef: I can't buy their petites in the store. Only online. I have no idea how they are going to fit. Especially if their fit is inconsistent! So I have to pay shipping both ways if I return - it's a big reason I buy very little from Jcrew. With that said, the few times I have had to return at their store, nobody gave me any grief. </p> <p>ATL: I once duplicated a pair of dress slacks I had originally purchased in the store. The ones I received by mail, were a totally different quality of material. So I did take those back, and now I'm very hesitant to buy anything online from them. </p> <p>Nordstroms: I bought a lot of things from NAS, and ended up returning all but a skirt and a purse. I expected that might end up being the case. I returned by mail; they make it very easy and inexpensive. It's not easy for me to get to their store. </p> <p>Bloomie's: I often buy petite items online, items not available in store, and frequently have to return. I return in store because it's close. I have never had any grief from them. </p> <p>All these places could call me when a petite customer returns an item... I'd swing by and check it out! I'd MUCH prefer to buy everything in the store, rather than online, but being petite, many of these retailers don't really give me that choice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87057 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:51:59 +0000 Kristen 87057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I worked at Forth &#38; Towne before they closed, and our store was the one that handled all the online purchases going in and out. We would have days when the returns completely overwhelmed any sales that we had! </p> <p>That said, working there is what got me to realize that I actually COULD return things that I had changed my mind on; prior to that, if I made a purchase I later regretted, I just ate the cost and shoved it in the back of my closet. I was too embarrassed to admit I made a mistake! But seeing all those women return items, whether they were in good shape or bad (most were in good), was a lightbulb going off over my head.</p> <p>Now, I do return many items, either online or store purchases. I always make sure to do it as promptly as possible, and I keep the tags and receipts together until I am positive I can work something into my wardrobe. A lot of times I'm actually helping the store because I am returning something I bought with a coupon or special discount, and it's still full-price when it comes back into their inventory. And most of the time, I end up buying something else while I am there, so they often still end up even or ahead of the game by the time I am done. I don't feel badly about it at all; I see and pay my credit card bills, I know they're making a good profit off me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87055 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:26:22 +0000 crwilson 87055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do a lot of online shopping and thus a lot of returning because it's so difficult to judge size, fabric, color, etc. online. I always return them online too though since the reason I was ordering online in the first place is because I live hours from stores. I do some returning of items that I've bought in stores, too, though because I'm often in a hurry when I'm shopping and make bad decisions. Plus, I have a very hard time visualizing how something will go with other items in my closet - I have to actually see it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87047 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:28:10 +0000 Louise 87047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>God do people really buy and wear stuff once then return it!<br /> Online purchases i frequently return due to fit problems. However store purchases i usually keep because i've tried them on in store. They only get returned if they don't pass YLF muster </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87037 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:49:46 +0000 RoseandJoan 87037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear what you are saying about shopping with kids, I presently have my two in a double pushchair which in most stores won't fit in the changing room.</p> <p>If this is the case I make a point of speaking to a sales assistant/ manager to explain the situation so they are aware that a percentage of the clothing will be returned.</p> <p>If I am shopping in a new store and I am unable to try clothes on I like to ask the sales assistant regarding the sizing. I was horrified recently to find that my uk 10/12 frame was considered a size XL.</p> <p>I never buy on a whim, I will leave the store to have a coffee and think about how the item will fit into my wardrobe. I find this extra important now as I have a limited budget of £30.00 per month and a whole warbrobe to build after losing my baby weight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87034 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:07:56 +0000 cciele 87034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I return a lot (over 50%) of my online orders, because it is so hard to get a good fit, especially for pants and shoes.</p> <p>Items I have bought from brick-and-mortar stores, the percentage is much lower. Sometimes I buy things because I am so indecisive in the store and don't want to spend half an hour waffling, so I take it home and decide there within a few days. Also, I buy clothes for my spouse and kids, and am often returning those items because they don't pass muster (e.g., my 6-year-old freaking about knee-length shorts because she hated hems at her knees. I had no idea!). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87028 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:57:32 +0000 marianne 87028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taylor, that's interesting about online returns in a store. I probably return about 25% of what I order online and try to return it to a physical store (usually it's the Gap lines), and I thought it wouldn't be a big deal to them.<br /> I very rarely return something I bought at a store. I am extremely indecisive and it's easier for me to pass on an item than to justify the purchase. Even though I hear you on the kids issue - I can't shop with my kids in tow at all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87011 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:36:29 +0000 agrace 87011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taylor,<br /> yes it is always helpful to hear from different perspectives and I completely agree. To be totally forthcoming, I should admit I worked for years and years at Banana Republic and can vividly remember my managers grimacing over the same issues you are talking about! I should also clarify to see I am talking about returning unworn, unused items.<br /> On the flip side, for those stores where I am a very frequent shopper if I have an occasional worn or washed item that did not hold up to the standard presented by that store I do not hesitate to take it back in. </p> <p>But yes, in general - I hope it goes without saying that this would only be regarding unworn, unwashed items! </p> <p>I also think it depends a little on the store too...when it is a massive retailer like Old Navy I feel it is less damaging to return new items than to a little boutique type store. </p> <p>So, anyways - thanks for sharing! I'm hoping to hear how other people have curbed their return habits :0 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87009 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:27:55 +0000 taylor 87009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Being in retail and on the other end of this, there are a couple of reasons why *chronic * returners are frowned upon.</p> <p>Please understand that we are happy to do a return...no problem , however...</p> <p>Part of the problem is some people buy tons of stuff on the net and then return several hundred dollars into the nearest store. These throw the stores numbers off, as they are viewed as instore returns,and when MANY people do this the number grow into the thousnds very quickly, and you have alot more inventory than your store can handle.</p> <p>We also sometime have items that are many months old...or no current market to sell these old items...they never make the floor for sale...waste.</p> <p>Also many people wear, and use these items for a single event and then and then want to return them. I don't know about you, but when I purchase a new item..I want it new , not used. We can tell when a item has been worn, and thus it cannot be resold....no matter how they try to convince us otherwise. They are covered with dog hair, cat hair, cigarette smoke...you name it, and cannot be resold..waste</p> <p>Also, we know who the chronic return people are,just discouraging when we see them buy things, only to know they will be back next week and return it all, or most....too bad they bought it in the first place...could have sold that to a customer who was looking for that size.</p> <p>Most people have a legit reason to return items...I do return items once in a while myself,sales people we are happy to do so. It is the chronic return person that makes us all wonder *why did she buy all this stuff in the first place* Just a waste of time all around. Most stores have a very generous return policy, but they are tightning up because of the abuse...*I am only going to wear it once* and then return it. If you don't love it ....just dont buy it.</p> <p>I hope you understand a little more how stores view this. Few things you can take home on a trial basis...clothing, for some, has become a trial basis...changed my mind just don't like it, wrong color, too expensive, thought I would lose weight...on and on </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87008 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:12:43 +0000 agrace 87008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>whoops...spelling error in my post -should say 'their' not there...sorry! </p> <p>"I feel like J.Crew is one of those which is why I do not frequent their store very often" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87007 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:03:56 +0000 marianna 87007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am definitely a chronic returner, especially to Nordstrom because their policy is so lax. I am actually scared that they're going to ban me from the store because I return SO much.</p> <p>I give Nordstrom the majority of my business, though, because I know that I will never lose my money. I can confidently purchase something, take it home to try on, and know that if it doesn't work I can bring it back, no questions asked.</p> <p>Nordstrom's shoe department is also really good about returns. Even if you've worn a shoe once and it's just not comfortable, they will take it back. I love it. GREAT customer service. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-clothes#post-87004 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:56:30 +0000 agrace 87004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like Angie once blogged about being a chronic returner and I must admit I really am a chronic returner. I think the main reason is I have to shop very fast bc I usually have children with me so I like to buy things and then really try it on at home with my right shoes and outfits. I'm a loyal customer to a fault so nothing irks me more than when stores frown upon returning. (I feel like J.Crew is one of those which is why I do not frequent there store very often)<br /> Anyways, I'd like to break the habit but at the same time I don't see a way around it. Fact is, you simply do not know how something will work in your wardrobe till you get it home and try it on again. At least in my opinion :)</p> <p>Of course, now you have many stores tightening their return policy too which is another good reason to break the habit!</p> <p>Thoughts? How often do you all find yourself returning items these days? </p>