A question on nordies impulse buys, alterations, and returns

Disha

Slightly sheepish here...
So, early this month, I got my bonus and a promotion.
Rather in the mood to celebrate, I went to Nordstrom - which had been my plan that day anyways.
I ended up buying this trench coat. The sales person convinced me that I should get it altered (sleeves shortened).

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/tr.....r-petite/3

She did not tell me that it was available in petite and nor did I do any research, since I was on a shopping high (full confession).
Now, I have buyers remorse, the coat feels meh, and the shortened sleeves- well, one is half an inch shorter than the other.
I would really love to return it, but wonder if it would be best to chalk it up to lessons learnt, and sell it instead. If it were not altered, I would have def. returned it, no doubt. But given that it is altered, should I even try to return it? Much guilt!

11 years ago

Shopping

8 replies

Latest reply was from Gigi

liana

Active Member

It's a cute trenchcoat, but if it doesn't make you feel fab, then you're right -- it's not for you.

I'm not sure of Nordstrom's policy on returning altered items, but regardless of the 'official' policy, I would definitely attempt to return it. A botched alternation is not acceptable; neither is pressure from a sales person.

Sometimes a return can be made at the discretion of the person you're dealing with. It's a good idea to prepare yourself ahead of time so that you can state your case with clarity, politeness, and firmness.

If you aren't successful in returning it, then you can always think about selling it. You have my sympathies! We've all made shopping mistakes here and there, so just dust yourself off and move forward.

Best of luck with the return!

11 years ago

Liz A.

Veteran

Yes, I would. If you are petite, she should have told you about the petite option. I think you have a case!

11 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I would try to return. The botched alteration alone is justification. Sorry it didn't work out!

11 years ago

Marmee

Veteran

Definitely return for the botched alteration, and explain that you'd prefer just to exchange it for the petite version.

11 years ago

Anonymous

I see altered items ( marked as such on the tag) all the time at Nordstrom Rack and have bought some jeans for DH that had been shortened. Return the trench and try the petite. It's a great looking coat.

11 years ago

Disha

Active Member

Thanks for your encouragement guys.

I thought everyone would say something to the effect of how dare you alter and then return. I anyways feel a lot of guilt returning stuff!

Though, I did feel pushed into this whole alteration thing...

Will go back there next Monday and report back - the Nordies I go to is an hour away, but only a mile from my main office where I have meetings every Monday. Makes the drive worth it!

11 years ago

Joyce B

Veteran

I also think you can return it, particularly because the sleeves are different length. Also because the SA did not suggest a petite size and rushed you into altering the coat right away.
For me, the lesson learned from your experience is to never alter a garment until you are sure that you want it.
I think you have a case. If the first person you talk to at the store does not help, get a manager.
Don't feel guilt when returning stuff. If you keep things that are wrong for you, nobody will come to offer help paying your credit card bill.
Just be sure you keep what you love and do not let anyone push you.
I think I am late for the party but those are my 2 cents anyway.

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

If Nordstrom did the alterations, then they really need to accept responsibility for the poor job they did. And the SA really should have checked to see if there was a petite option before steering you to alterations. I would at least try to return the coat. You don't have to feel guilty returning it, because you'll be telling them what happened, so they'll know it's been altered. It's not like you're trying to snow them over!

We all make mistakes when purchasing, and pushy SAs don't make things any easier. Forgive yourself and consider it a lesson learned about taking time before deciding on alterations. I have learned this very lesson myself, with alterations to expensive boots. So you're not the only one!

11 years ago

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