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Ethics of returning in-store purchase

Gigi

Veteran

I recently bought a top from Madwell that I love. I bought it in-store and would not have bought it if I had not tried it on in-store (it looks way different from online). It's been my experience that Madewell does not offer sales very often, so I bought the top right after trying it on, figuring that it would be pointless to wait for an elusive sale. Plus, they had only one of my size in-store.

I see today that Madewell has the same top for sale online for about fifty dollars cheaper. That's a big savings, and I'm having a lot of financial issues right now. I'd love to order the top online and then take it back to the store with my original, full-price receipt so that I can take advantage of the cheaper price. (I've already worn the one I bought in-store, so I would be returning the online purchase.) But I am guessing that that means that the store's books show that they didn't make a sale, and as I mentioned above, I never would have bought the blouse if I hadn't had a chance to try it on in-store. It costs money to have a storefront and to staff employees, which is why I pause at ordering anew and returning.

Do you think it is unethical to buy the top online for cheaper and then return it in-store with the original receipt?

ETA: I am outside the in-store price adjustment window (it is 7 days, and my purchase was 13 days ago).

Silk Wrap-Front Top in Heart Flip

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20 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Anonymous

Short answer would have to be yes, I think it's unethical because that would be deceptive.

You wore the item during the time it wasn't on sale, and possibly before the company even anticipated putting it on sale and theoretically that experience has a social value.

The idea has obvious appeal but a real downside might be how you feel about the whole experience after.

Gigi, I really admire your truthful description of the temptation.

Why not try calling them and throwing yourself on the mercy of customer service?

The Cat

Veteran

I understand your feelings and feel sorry for you. But yes, I do think that would be unethical. And I guess that you yourself know that.

I like the tip from Isabel, in her last paragraph. Worth trying!

rachylou

Veteran

Well, I wonder if in the end, you wouldn’t really be breaking even but with added hassle. What would be the final cost with shipping and taxes and extra driving / parking?

As to the ethics... I don’t know. Our whole economic system is gamed. I don’t have the first clue as to the proper ethics for a gamed system.

Gigi

Veteran

I'm glad to know that my conscience is in good working order.

I often get upset at people trying things on in-store (say, shoes) and then buying from a different, online-only retailer at a cheaper price, since they're kind of stealing from the original retailer, who has to pay for the storefront and the employees and storage space to stock the items. My situation was quite similar. So I want to make sure I practice what I preach!

Isabel, thank you for the suggestion of calling customer service anyway. I just called the store where I bought the item, and they said that because the online sales price was for final sale, they would give me the price adjustment (I'm not sure what its being final sale has to do with anything). They matched the price on the website and applied the current promotion of 15% off for Madewell Insiders, and I got $58 back. Yay! Money back and conscience clean. Win-win.

unfrumped

Veteran

You could ask for s price reduction.
I bought shoes in - store at Nordstrom and then they went on sale online( possibly in store too). I did get a price reduction though it was s little more complicated by the store source. I had not worn them so I did have the option of returning somehow and purchasing a pair online.
In addition to the obvious issues, I think now stores identify individual items of inventory as to the source.
I sympathize with you totally. I am trying to do better about balancing my emotional reaction to being “ taken” by an unexpected sale after my full- price purchase, with the emotional cost of the gyrations I have to go through to return/ exchange/chat or whatever. I try to think of all the times I wished I HAD bought an item and it sold out in my size by sale time.
I sympathize because even with all my pep talks to myself, or when I start off felling great because I found a HEWI and I pounced at full price and Love the item, I still get that “ chump!” feeling and have to work to let it go.

Sal

Veteran

I think you did the right thing - and I am pleased Madewell came to the party!

I find these things awkward as well, and when finances are tight saving money is important.

Gigi

Veteran

Rachylou, yes, there would have been quite a bit of added hassle but no extra expenses on my part (shipping would have been free, and there is no tax on clothing in my state). Getting back fifty dollars would have been worth the extra hassle. But as you can see, things worked out well.

Gigi

Veteran

Unfrumped, your experience of having hoped-for items sell out before you purchase them is why I bought this top at full price. It was different from what I normally wear, and it hit all my "happy buttons". I have learned through experience that unless the retailer is one that I know offers frequent sales (Gap, BR, Loft, etc.), it's better to buy the item at full price and hope for a price adjustment later. I have often followed items that I bought at full price to see what happened to inventory afterward: could I have still gotten my size by the time a sale rolled around? Very often, the answer is no. So full price it is.

Anonymous

Hi Gigi- I would still try to go back to the store with a print out of the online sale price. Perhaps the store manager will consider it good customer relations and offer the discount retroactively even if it is beyond the time, especially if they know they will lose the sale anyway.
It is worth a try. Good luck; I hope you are successful

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I agree with your approach. And BTW I have the same top and really am pleased with it.

Joyce B

Veteran

I am happy for you that you got an even better than sale price, enjoy the beautiful top.

The Cat

Veteran

I am so glad to hear it worked out well. And as you said, money back and a clean conscience is win-win. An encouraging example to others. Thank you for sharing.

Windchime

Veteran

Wow, Gigi, that result was a wonderful win/win! I’m glad it worked out. Enjoy your fab new top.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

An excellent outcome!

K.M.

Veteran

Gigi, that's great that it worked out!
As you know from my recent post (thanks for your good advice ) there are risks to waiting out for a sale. I'm kicking myself for not buying a dress not only because my size is sold out, but also because the return policy is different for a clearance item.
I do sometimes buy something full-price in store or online for this reason, and when I do, I make a point of avoiding checking out sales for that item or store because I know that otherwise I'll be upset...

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I admire your sensitivity and careful thought process! But it is my understanding that these days, companies consider their stores to be “showrooms” and they fully expect that folks will try stuff on there and then buy online.

rachylou

Veteran

That’s great. I’m glad they did right by you: that’s ideal.

I do think it’s an interesting ethical question. Because marketing with its sales and so forth isn’t a straight deal. A prime example is medicine. Prescription pricing is totally opaque for a reason. Everyone is charged something different that has nothing to do with the cost of production and shipping. It’s all wheels and deals and very emotional.

Gigi

Veteran

Jessikams and rachylou, you bring up interesting points. Probably only an industry insider could answer them. From my point of view, I am thinking of the sales made by a particular store, say, in a mall. I can't imagine that a chain would keep such a store open if the sales were poor. And if the store closes, then there are even fewer on-ground options than before...and that is not a good thing, IMO. There is something to be said for the social experience of shopping with friends in a mall. It also helps the local economy to have an on-ground store. So I am erring on the side of supporting the on-ground stores.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I'm very happy for you that your conscience is able to be clear AND that you got the money back. I think your local store has a good manager.
And enjoy your lovely top!
I have not had good success with online shopping without trying on. I find returning a huge hassle.

rachylou

Veteran

I admit I like on-the-ground shops. Most of my business goes that way.