Buyer Beware - Issues with Returns Lately?

fathenry

Just had a terrible experience with one of our local stores in Washington/Seattle Area called Romy. If you buy a promo item at Romy, be sure you want to keep it. I just tried to return an item and they have a no return policy on anything that is considered a promo. Their signs do not advertise this anywhere, however it shows up on your reciept after you make the purchase.

I forget, it's not Nordstrom everywhere-always a shock. In addition, Romy's customer service email is no longer operational. Oh well. I guess I'll be more keen on this in the future when I shop outside of the large retailers. Anyone else had any issues with returns lately?

16 years ago

Shopping

7 replies

Latest reply was from cciele

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I did not know that you were local! Hello :0)

If you are used to Euro return policies, any shop in America is a breath of fresh air! Not to steal your thunder – I hear you. Only Nordies is Nordies wrt return policies. Thanks for sharing this info. Hard luck that you couldn't return the item.

16 years ago

shana

Veteran

I think all the stores are tightening their return policies. I know that GAP/BR/ON went from 90 to 30 days late last year and recently AT/ATL went from 90 to 60 days. Another sign of the recession, I guess. Understandable to a degree though - given how fast items sometimes get marked down, something could go from full price to clearance in 90 days. The stores end up eating the cost. Like Angie said - better than other parts of the world. In some stores in Asia, they wouldn't even let me try something on before I purchased!

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

So right, Shana. And I'm sticking up for retail here. I think that a 30 day return policy is MORE than fair. Stellar in fact.

In HK, Taiwan and Singapore, you often have to guess if something will fit because you can't try it on. Absurd, but the truth.

16 years ago

anne

Veteran

Japan too

16 years ago

Chris

Active Member

It's usually much harder to do returns in independant boutiques than the large chains. You are right - have to really check and hunt for return policy or ask outright.
30 days seems reasonable to me also. The only time it might be dicey is Winter holidays when people shop early and put things away to give as gifts - we will see if they make allowances at that point.

16 years ago

Melody

Active Member

I agree with Chris ... I don't think a 30 day return policy is adequate for the holiday season. I absolutely will not buy clothing as Christmas presents from stores with a 30 day return policy.

16 years ago

cciele

Veteran

Sorry to hear about your experience, Melody. Definitely a warning to double-check a store's return policy before purchasing!

I've found that some online stores at are taking longer to credit your card after they receive an item (over 4 weeks, sometimes -- way too long).

16 years ago

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