Looong lost package, what would you do?

This is odd, and I'm just so curious! If anyone has a really long memory, my Ulta package that went missing more than a year ago arrived yesterday. It had obviously been opened, but the full order was inside. I'm really wondering where it has been for a year!

Ulta credited me back the money quite quickly after it was determined wrongly delivered, and I re-ordered and received the items soon after that. At this point, I don't even want anything that is inside...most of them I can't use any more due to my allergy diagnosis.

So...I called Ulta just now, asking what to do with the stuff, just wondering what they would say. They want it back! That makes no sense...they want year old products returned? I was expecting them to say keep it, dump it, or give it away. Instead they suggest I return them to the store. Which would not be a lot of trouble because I go there often enough, I just think it is silly. I probably shouldn't have called, but I was curious.

What would you do?

9 years ago

Mochi

Veteran

I'd bring it back.

Anonymous

If they wanted it back, I would take it back.

How strange that it went missing for so long! It must have fallen off a conveyor belt into a nook or cranny, until it got discovered during spring cleaning.

UmmLila (Lisa)

A year! That's so strange. Wouldn't a lot of items be expired or heat-damaged at this point anyway.

Joyce B

They should have a mail pick-up from your home, I would ask for that. You should not be inconvenienced with going to them to return the lost package.

kkards

THey want it back!? Really.....well I'd take drop it in the mail back to them, or drop it at store, but only when it's convenient for you. Don't feel like you are obligated to go out of your way,

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I would absolutely have taken the items back.

Gaylene

The shelf-life for UNOPENED makeup is surprisingly long--3-5 years. Pencils and powders can last even longer so those "lost" products might be returned to inventory.

In Europe, most companies place an expiry date on their products but that isn't required in the US. If you can read the small manufacturing code on a product, there are several websites that can give a good estimate as to when the product was produced. Might be a good idea if a person chooses to buy products from discounters or from small outlets where turnover is slower?

Gigi

I would return the package, but I wouldn't bother myself about it and make a special trip or anything.

Just curious. Seeing as the company was quite quick to refund the money for the mis-delivered package, why not be as prompt when it comes to returning the "found" package, even if it means a few minutes of inconvenience?

The products are probably still useable, so why penalize the company for something that wasn't their fault? As customers don't we have an obligation to treat retailers well? Or, as a senior, have I just revealed how hopelessly out of sync I am with modern life?

ETA: Sorry for all the questions, but I'm really feeling ancient here. I'm wondering if my automatic response isn't a generational thing... Is it common these days for retailers not to expect the return of something that has been found after a refund has been issued? Gaaah, another pesky question.

The rep you spoke to may also have been someone very new on the job, or otherwise didn't want to take chances and gave you that as a safe answer, I'm suspecting. No matter, you said you are often in that area so it shouldn't be that much of a hassle to return it.

Ledonna N.

Yep, do the right thing.....

JAileen

Makes me wonder about the stuff on their shelves..

Colette

It's nice to know they took care of the problem. I would definitely return it even if it doesn't make sense.

They will dispose of it properly I'm hopeful. Those things have an expiration date.

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