https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:54:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress/page/2#post-2148366 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 19:23:46 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2148366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree with others saying that Anchie’s experience is not unique—pretty sure it is standard for at least this continent with its 436 million inhabitants (EU pop, vs 265 mil in US + Canada). </p> <p>Here in Germany, I was surprised to learn that each storefront of a chain is considered its own unit. I’m not an accountant so won’t try to go into detail, but for most chains here, if you want to return something (I think 2 weeks is standard), you have to go back where you got it. No picking up a top at Esprit on Friedrichstraße and trying to return it to the Esprit store in the Mall of Berlin less than a mile away. (Exceptions are TK Maxx and, I think, Uniqlo). </p> <p>Related, but in a different part of retail, grocery store coupons on customer loyalty cards are valid for the location that issued them, not the whole chain. We have a grocery store 350 m away, and another in the same chain 450 m in the opposite direction. I’ve pretty much stopped going to one of them, because it was too hard to remember which coupon was for which store. </p> <p>The resistence to returns is also consistent across retail. For my son’s birthday, I wanted to get him a US football. They were sold out in one store I went to. On my way to a different sports store, I stopped at a Netto discount grocery store. They happened to have small Nerf-type footballs for €5. Not exactly what I was looking for, but I decided to get one as back-up, in case Intersport didn’t have any in stock. They did, so we didn’t need the first one. A few days later, when I went to return it at Netto, the cashier demanded to know what was wrong with it. I just said I didn’t need it the first time he asked, so he repeated the question. It was clearly unused and I had the receipt, so they accepted the return, but that bit of resistence was more than I ever got in Target, even more more expensive items. </p> <p>I’ve never enjoyed getting things packed up to mail them back for a refund. The process here seems the same as in the US. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress/page/2#post-2148359 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 18:37:42 +0000 Angie 2148359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Things are seldom black and white, aren't they! There is always another &nbsp;side to consider ;)</p> <p>I'm nodding along with <b>anchie</b> because I recognize the stress and difficulty of returning items<i></i><i> in stores</i><i></i> in Europe (and Asia). Been in that position a few times and try to avoid it. They generally give you a hard time without a refund. Returning online is different and a lot easier. </p> <p><b>avicennia</b>, you are right about that! Stores have to absorb the cost of returned stock which negatively affects their sales performance.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress/page/2#post-2148333 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 15:33:31 +0000 Jules 2148333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only order from stores that offer at least 30 days of free returns by default and send things back in the original packaging as anchie describes. That does limit my options in Canada but I've learned it's the only way online shopping works for me. I stopped ordering from Simons because they had a shorter return window for promotional "sale" items (I understand it for clearance items with a substantial discount, but if something was less than 20% off that's not a real sale in my eyes).</p> <p>As for the in store shopping experience, is anchie maybe talking about local independent boutiques (vs chain stores)? I would say return policies are generally the same for those around here. It can be a drawback, but when I had a favourite local place with an owner who acted like a personal shopper, I didn't find my rate of dissatisfaction was any higher with those purchases than with stuff from major retailers. The fact that she was curating a small selection for the local demographic (knew her audience) and the personal service while shopping made up for the lack of flexibility because I was less likely to make a "mistake" in the first place. I'm not totally sure that generous return policies make people better shoppers, and they do add overhead costs for stores. Of course it's the only way the online model works.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress/page/2#post-2148332 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 15:21:04 +0000 anchie 2148332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there is some EU law that regulates online shopping and returns that states that everything must be returnable within 14 days. B&amp;M shops are not regulated in the same way and can do whatever they want. There maybe few exceptions where store allows return because they are trying to compete with online shops, but it is rare and not really clear. Hopefully there will be more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress/page/2#post-2148330 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 14:59:29 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 2148330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, anchie, that is very different to anywhere I’ve ever lived as far as store policies. I wonder what the stores are thinking as far as allowing online returns so easily but never from in store. </p> <p>The 24/7 access to a package drop off would be so amazing, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress/page/2#post-2148328 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 14:54:22 +0000 Anonymous 2148328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>anchie - I think your experience is pretty unique .Web returns in Canada Canadian stores most definitely do not work that way. &nbsp;And not having to pay up front ? &nbsp;That's quite incredible. I'm sitting staring at a pair of Zara boots I bought and don't want to keep, but have already cut the tag off (had to to separate them to try them on properly) . &nbsp;The thought of trying to request the return and hoping I don't get tossed in jail for not having an attached tag is making me want to go back to bed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress/page/2#post-2148320 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 14:18:56 +0000 anchie 2148320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I must admit, I don’t really understand return stress. I am almost exclusively online shopper for more than a decade now. Returns here are very easy, convenient and free. It takes literally a minute to pack things back - there is already prepared return label on a sticker, and box or bag also has already prepared resealing strip that you just have to peal protection from. Post office is 5 min walking distance from my home and it has a return drop box accessible 24/7 where you scan your return yourself, no need to interact with another person. Return window is short- only 14 days, but that is OK with me, I anyway make decision quickly, and you can return anything- no questions asked, there is no such a thing as final sale where you can’t return something. For most things I don’t pay upfront- I just pay for what I kept, also within 14 days, so you don’t have to wait for your money to be reimbursed.<br /> On the other hand - B&amp;M shopping is stressful to me and I avoid it. When you buy something in B&amp;M store here contrary to online shopping, you cannot easily return it. Only if it is defective and you can only get store credit. If it turns out not to be comfortable, doesn’t go with the outfit you planned for or you changed your mind - tough luck - you are stuck with it. So I am always under lot of pressure in B&amp;M store to make right decision quickly, and I made so many mistakes because of it. I was always baffled when in rare occasion when I was shopping in person and I would post pictures here asking for help and you guys would tell me take it home and play with it. If only... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148314 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 13:15:33 +0000 avicennia 2148314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is an important consideration about returning online purchase to brick and mortar stores. At Ann Taylor the return is deducted from the store’s sales numbers, making the store look less profitable to the corporate office. Yes they get to put the item on the sales floor, but it does drag down their numbers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148304 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 11:46:36 +0000 Bijou 2148304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ LisaP - I have been very grateful to have highlighted what happens to return purchases, thanks to you and other forum members for raising sustainability issues on the forum. It has meant that rather than embracing online purchases, I limit myself to what I know I will not have to return online (brands I know my size and fit) and local purchases. I have been lucky that my needs are very few in 2020 - I can definitely go quite a while without needing anything other than replacement underwear and basics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148279 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 02:40:23 +0000 Janet 2148279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not bought much in the last eight months, but I’ve purchased a few items in-store from: DSW, Eddie Bauer (no try-ons but I managed to get the right size, and it’s gear so I’m not super picky about it), and TJMaxx (same — hoodies).</p> <p>My online purchases were from Amazon (guitar straps so no fit issues, plus underwear I already knew would work), Zappos (easy returns), Madewell (a tee I already had so knew my size), Athleta (very delayed refund on mailed returns), and Nordstrom (fortunately those worked out and I only had to mail back one item). Plus a sports bra from Knix that worked so no return worries there. </p> <p>I’ve not had bad experiences with returns this year, but not many have been necessary. The hassle of online shopping and returns, along with other concerns, has definitely put a big dent in my shopping. I’m really not minding it much at all. I don’t need anything more really. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148277 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 02:03:48 +0000 ZoeyGirl 2148277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have the tendency to order multiple sizes, or make mistakes, and make a number of returns. It is a personal policy of mine to return to B&amp;M stores to avoid the environmental toll of shipping and to increase chances of my returned items going back into inventory. For example, last Christmastime, I made returns to Ann Taylor, Gap, and Nordstrom and I purposely asked what happened to the items - there was a thread about sustainable returns only a few days before I did this. Gap told me it took a day to process the returns/ change tags if needed, and then my returned items would be on the floor to sell. At AT, a woman was steaming the top I returned before I even left the store in order to add it to the floor. At Nordstrom’s, the woman working the returns counter didn’t know where the returns went. She belatedly thought of the rack, but she also didn’t check the shoes I was returning for scuff marks or anything. It was concerning, to say the least.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I’m not sure what I will do when I need to purchase clothes again. I may try more shopping in store, but I also know I will avoid stores during cold and flu season.&nbsp;I guess my conclusion to this is that I’m hanging out with you, trying to do the best I can. I’m not concerned about being flagged for too many returns, but I do think companies should stop free returns. That doesn’t seem to benefit anyone, though I guess I should acknowledge I live in area where I can get to most retailers in 30 min or less.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148272 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 01:09:22 +0000 DonnaF 2148272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If there’s a possibility that anyone would be fired for too many returns, I would be. But, knock on wood, I haven’t been and have a pile of returns I need to make in the next week or two. So far, I haven’t made any returns in San Francisco which is where I used to go. I go out to the suburbs where my bank is open. The first time I went, the returns were made outside and the wind was blowing HARD. Now it’s done inside and I feel pretty safe what with universal masking and physical distancing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148267 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 22:18:03 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2148267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Totally agree about Amazon--besides their handling of returns, their HR and vendor policies are enough that I don't shop there. If I could cash out the stuff my family sends from there, I would. I think the family dynamics involved are already clear from what I posted earlier.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I know Nordstrom handles returns better, because I've seen merch labeled as returned at the Rack. I think companies here might do better too, because they are so picky about returns.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148262 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 21:56:08 +0000 Angie 2148262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Greyscale</b>, CA and WA are very in-sync as far as their handling of the pandemic - and yes it's thankfully working. Lots still boarded up and not open here. Some open, but boarded up with only one very controlled entrance and exit. Some retailers have open dressing rooms, and others don't. Life still very restricted.&nbsp;</p> <p>I hear you on how tedious returns are! I tend to purchase online from places where I can return <i>on foot in-stores.</i> Hard to do with places that do not have brick 'n mortar stores though - like Boden. And sooooo many other great sustainable and ethical retailers with the-right-goods-for-me that only have an online presence and I am trying to support (many of which I've been spotlighting this year).&nbsp;</p> <p>As for the pandemic, I am in and out fast to do returns. Here in WA, there is a mask mandate. No mask - no service. 99% of people wear a mask as soon as they leave their front door. Everybody in retail stores is wearing masks and seems very careful. It makes me feel safer entering stores the few times that I do.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148235 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 16:52:19 +0000 Greyscale 2148235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, there are a lot of reasons I don’t order from Amazon, but I’m pretty sure the things I return to Nordstrom and the like are resold. In fact, once I received a pair of pants that had clearly been worn! But I’m sure that’s not true of every store or every item, and I do want to shop at stores that don’t destroy their extra or returned merchandise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148205 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:57:49 +0000 Windchime 2148205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ever since someone posted here about being “fired” from being a Nordstrom customer because of too high a percentage of returns, I’ve been extremely cautious about how much I order online (not that I ever ordered that much before). &nbsp;I don’t order unless I’m almost positive the item will work for me. &nbsp;The problem is that it’s really not possible to determine that when you can’t feel the fabric and try on before ordering.</p> <p>B &amp;M shopping in my midsize city, aside from a Covid anxieties, is unsatisfying these days. &nbsp;Most stores seem to still have mostly discounted summer clothing, with very few appealing fall/winter styles. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>So...it’s a good time to trim down the wardrobe, since I’m not buying much right now. &nbsp;I do need one or two updated pairs of pants for work and hope I can find them online...and won’t need to return...<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148204 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:54:06 +0000 LaPed 2148204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't love mailing in returns, but living in an area with less and less brick-and-mortar retail, I don't really have a better option. It's usually hassle-free, but I sometimes have trouble with smaller companies that don't have an online returns platform, so offer no ability to track the status of the items you've sent back. Dropping off packages at my local PO and UPS store does take longer now due to COVID restrictions, since they only allow a few customers in at a time.</p> <p>I haven't been fired from anywhere yet; I have a pretty high return rate with Zappos because shoes are such a crapshoot, but I guess I keep just enough to be a worthwhile customer. I don't know how I'd ever find shoes if I didn't have to option to order and try multiple sizes. Ditto pants.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like you, I've been doing quite a bit of online secondhand shopping, and when something doesn't work out I can usually resell it pretty quickly. I've had really good luck buying and selling through brand-specific and interest-based swap groups on FB.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148199 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:40:40 +0000 Anonymous 2148199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your phrase "risk budget"! Will have to steal it :)<br /> I hate having to mail away returns because they take so long to process. I used to order much more from Nordstrom cause I could return in store, but they closed the nearest one.<br /> Shopping b&amp;m is extremely stressful to me now, and my local options are not great. There's very little I need at this point anyway. What I own is fine for now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148193 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:24:43 +0000 Anonymous 2148193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>CTV's Marketplace just aired an investigative report on what happens to  Amazon returns. It's not good.  It just reinforced my distaste for  ordering things that might have to be returned, and clanged a bell in my head about what a first-world abuse of relative wealth and purchasing power it is to play that game of ordering multiples of things .  Do you know where so much of it ends up?  Yes, I know I sound harsh and judgmental and wish I didn't - but I guess the only way not to is to not voice my opinion     I hold myself to these "standards" but I understand I'm in the minority .  There is nothing I need that badly that I can't find locally.  That all said, I am grateful for the ability to be able to return to Nordstrom or The Bay pretty easily .  With retail at a tipping point, I wonder how long any of these freedoms will last .   </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148165 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 01:20:51 +0000 Carla 2148165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The pandemic has inspired me to be an online shopper, but I don’t love it as much as B&amp;M shopping. &nbsp;I’ve acquired 18 wardrobe items in 2020:</p> <p>6 at B&amp;M (2 before March)<br />8 online purchases<br />4 thrift</p> <p></p> <div>Prior to 2020 my total online wardrobe purchases could be counted on the fingers of one hand! &nbsp;4 of the 2020&nbsp;online purchases were sourced or ‘lemminged’ &nbsp;with the help of YLFabbers. &nbsp;Interestingly, I’ve used just 50% of my annual clothing budget, and have no big shopping plans in the offing. </p> <p> </div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148151 Sun, 11 Oct 2020 22:02:05 +0000 Anonymous 2148151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As someone who has been shopping almost entirely online since it first became an option, the formula for being blacklisted is mysterious because not surprisingly, I return a lot of things!&nbsp;</p> <p>If I get shut down at a particular retailer, so be it, but it hasn't happened yet.</p> <p>The return process is kind of a nuisance so I've recently made a point of motivating myself by not ordering more things until the returns have started back.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148148 Sun, 11 Oct 2020 21:49:53 +0000 slim cat 2148148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just want to add that in our mall I see everyone wearing masks, SA disinfecting the pads and counters, returned clothes being put on hold for 24 hours ( or 72 hours in some places ), hand sanitizers available everywhere. <br />I don't feel uneasy in the mall - it's a public transportation that I have mixed feelings about ( I don't drive ). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148146 Sun, 11 Oct 2020 21:46:03 +0000 avicennia 2148146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you Greyscale. The stress of returns is a factor in why I’ve cut down on shopping. My worst COVID store experience was actually dropping a box off at the UPS Store — the place was packed with people and the clerks were oblivious. I also understand the worry about too many returns. I was punished by Yoox several years ago for too many returns and it took me two years to bring up the courage to buy from them again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148142 Sun, 11 Oct 2020 20:38:40 +0000 slim cat 2148142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Same worry over returns to the Nordstrom. I do most of my ECCO shoes' purchases there because of generous return policy and good pricing.<br />Recently I returned 2 pairs of shoes that didn't work for me and the yellow ECCO 7 sneaker that started to give me pain . <br />I usually return in the store ( except couple times through the mail &nbsp;during total shutdown in the spring ).<br />Since I work at the mall I'm not afraid to go to any store - been there done that . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148136 Sun, 11 Oct 2020 19:47:56 +0000 Sal 2148136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a change in the retail scene - and clothing is at the forefront of it because of sizing and fit issues. Books, makeup, Electronics, homewares and plants have some issues but different to clothing, footwear etc. </p> <p>Returns are normally restricted here- two weeks or one month, with paying for postage. To sell more online companies need to be clearer on measurements and good photos. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148133 Sun, 11 Oct 2020 19:28:26 +0000 Laurie 2148133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm efficient at online returns, but I usually return Loft items to the store as it is convenient. I had 3 things to return yesterday, and I just have to say how shocking and depressing it is to go into a retail store. Very little merchandise at all.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148128 Sun, 11 Oct 2020 18:45:36 +0000 Greyscale 2148128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, good point - I bet our fitting rooms aren't open either.</p> <p>Nemosmom - yeah, I've been shopping on Poshmark a bit, and when something isn't the right size, I just relist it right away. Since I'm mostly spending my balance from selling other things, it feels like there's more room for slight mistakes. Sure, I'll lose some money reselling it, but at least it's not sitting in my closet making me feel bad. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148126 Sun, 11 Oct 2020 18:33:49 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 2148126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Earlier in the spring/summer I know there were slowdowns in getting things shipped out as well as getting returns, well, returned and credited to accounts. NAS had a bit of that even though that was later in the summer. I think most of the big retailers have improved their supply chain and been pretty decent since August-ish, but USPS and the others are still a possible weak point. I suspect that the Christmas shopping season will be longer this year as people want to make sure things get to them in time - from what I've seen in my retail job, people are already buying for the holidays (also for budgeting reasons probably).</p> <p>Most places near me aren't allowing trying on in store anyway, even if they're open otherwise. You have to take it home to try on, and presumably they're quarantining items for a certain period of time that have been returned. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148125 Sun, 11 Oct 2020 18:28:43 +0000 nemosmom 2148125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I am also usually between sizes, or have other fit issues, so I often have a lot of returns.&nbsp; I have been shopping, but not outside my normal stomping grounds. Instead, I rely heavily on Poshmark and Uniqlo, mainly because I can get actual garment measurements.&nbsp; That has been key to getting something that actually fits when it arrives. I feel fortunate that I have not needed shoes - I send those back nearly 9 times of 10.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returns-stress#post-2148121 Sun, 11 Oct 2020 17:31:10 +0000 Kate 2148121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m pretty bad at mail back returns too, Greyscale. I’ve got a couple on my desk right now that are past due. Hangs head in shame.</p> <p>I also used to do mail order and return in store, but that’s not possible in most places in DC, and even where it is, I’m not taking the risk of doing that.</p> <p>My solution has been to dial back on shopping. It’s not been difficult, since there is so little I need. The pandemic has really opened my eyes to how much unnecessary shopping I did. Shopping my closet is now my norm.</p> <p>When I do order something, it’s because I’ve identified a pressing need. In those cases, I turn to tried &amp; true online vendors where I’m confident in choosing the correct size, and don’t have to order multiple sizes.</p> <p>Unfortunately, that doesn’t work with shoes! Whenever I do need shoes, I look to see if Amazon sells the shoe in question, since I can drop off an Amazon return at my neighborhood UPS without having to pack it up. UPS simply scans the Q code Amazon supplies for returns. </p>