Question About Return Policies in North America

Angie

Has the ease of a return always been the case? Or did this phenomenon spring up over the last 10 years.

Flexible return policies are NOT the case in other parts of the world although things are improving in Europe. In some places in Hong Kong and Japan, you aren't even allowed to try the clothes on before you purchase them, let alone return them!

So although flexible returns can lead to the "return rut", we are VERY lucky to have extremely lenient return policies in North America.

13 years ago

Shopping

24 replies

Latest reply was from Deborah

Thistle

Veteran

Not sure, but I remember when Wal Mart first came on the scene with their very generous return policies, that it was a really big deal.

I also feel like some places have less generous return policies than they used to. Yes, Target, I am looking at you!!

That said, Nordstrom's policies have earned them my patronage, and I have bought quite a few pieces, almost all full price from them, that I would not have without their policy.

I also think the internet is forcing better return policies. Really hard to sell someone something sight unseen without them being able to return it.

I can't even imagine being forced to buy clothes before you try them on! That is awful! At that point, have a tailor custom make them to you. At least you know they will fit.

13 years ago

Claudia

Veteran

I seem to always remember easy return policies in the US, there may have been a strict time limit or a shipping cost, but generally you could purchase an item, have it at home, then return with tags on/unused. The free shipping both ways is more recent, and some stores like Kohl's with an open return policy are fairly recent.

13 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

I'm now feeling very lucky to live in a country with generous return policies after reading your post. I think return policies have generally gotten more lenient over the last few years (except I agree with Thistle about Target).

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for the info, ladies.

The whole shopping online thing in the US has made easy returns an absolute necessity. Shopping online is not a popular phenomenon in other parts of the world, so I guess that's one reason why returns are less flexible.

Ah, Target. I get there twice a year and have never returned a thing. Good to know.

13 years ago

Isis

Veteran

I return things to Target. 90 days with a receipt except electronics. So pretty generous (I buy my kids' clothes there and if they don't fit I take them back.)

I think electronics are shorter though. I do like generous return policies, and try to reciprocate by returning ASAP so the store does not lose out....

13 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Around here most stores only will give store credit, although H&M and maybe some other chains are encouraging returns as a way to free up the dressing rooms! I haven't noticed that this has particularly caught on yet.

13 years ago

Laurinda

Veteran

From my memory, back in the '60s through early '90s I would have expected a full service department store (such as Nordstrom, or Dayton's for we Midwesterners) to take back anything at anytime for any reason. Even after years. Since Target was a spin-off of Dayton's they also had generous returns; their 90-day policy is recent (and annoying). You did not expect generous return policies at smaller boutiques or K-mart-like discount stores like Tops or Shopper's City.

The free return shipping on internet purchases seem to be a recent thing, and I am much more likely to buy if a store offers free return shipping costs.

13 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

Wow, Japan and Hongkong, can't try on??? That is crazy!

I lived in Japan and shopped there and always tried on everything before buying in little ready-made changing spaces surrounded by a circular curtain. But I never returned anything there.

Easy returns were not the norm when I grew up in Quebec 1970-1980's.

Still today, returns will be possible but frequently in exchange only, and then you have to fill a form giving away your personal info and stating the reason for return. Often you are asked right away by the SA which could be unsettling if you are not prepared. I always think, What if she doesn't "buy" my reason for a return? If I say: it didn't fit, then I'm asked why I didn't figure this out before buying. Is there a standard bullet-proof "reason" to give for a return?

In French, the word used is "rendre"; "return" ("retourner") is used for flipping over, and also in the expression for stomach churning ("retourner l'estomac"), which is pretty much what happens to me just before returning, thanks to the legacy from growing up without generous return policies.

Once in France a bad SA called security on me just because I calmly wanted to return an item. That was extreme!

13 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

Do you think we should be made obligated to give away personal info for a return?

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Krish, you are JOKING?!?! Wow. I am glad I am not shopping in France any time soon. Or returning anything, anyway!

And I am laughing at your retourner l'estomac comment! No kidding!!

Angie, I think in Canada, it is a relatively new phenomenon apart from the large department stores. At the old flagship Simpson's you could return anything at any time -- much like Nordstrom's. And when I worked there in the 80s I saw some well-used items returned!

In most chains there was a 30 day exchange or credit note policy. In small boutiques, maybe that or maybe nothing.

13 years ago

Carole

Veteran

I have never experienced any difficulty with returns (tags still on). Seems like things are even easier now with the use of a credit card, some stores don't even need a receipt (Target, Macys, Nordstroms).

13 years ago

Kim

Veteran

In Nova Scotia returns in the early 70's were so easy at Kmart (see how old I am! LOL) that you didn't even need a receipt to get cash back from your return! Hmmmm, maybe that's why they went under here...

So easy returns but usually within a strict time limit.

13 years ago

Jules

Veteran

I think return policies have definitely improved in Canada. I assumed it was the influence of and competition from American chains but I guess the change was continental.
When I fill out the return form I fugde details/write very messily and also will just say "didn't like it" as my reason for return. The policies don't specify that you need a specific reason so I just treat it as any other nosy MYOB question There are stores here where the cashier asks for your postal code every time you buy anything - I think it's for market research purposes - I just say "no". They are not surprised by this at all. The first time I was asked and said no, the guy said he wouldn't give his either.

13 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Like Suz I am in Canada. Some places are more generous than others. However there are plenty of stores that only allow an exchange within 10, tags intact. And, even then, you may get the hairy eyeball.

13 years ago

abc

Veteran

I have traveled and bought things around the world, but never with the need to return.

I didn't realize how lucky we were in the USA until I moved to Mexico.

In Mexico you cannot return, you are lucky if you get store credit - after the hassle, paperwork and what I can imagine to be application of whatever rules/regulations they feel like applying at the moment. So I try to do all of my shopping (and returns!) when I am back in the States, it is just 1000 times easier there. Not to mention kick a** inventory systems that tell me which store has an item in stock, etc. That is one of my favorite aspects of shopping in the USA.

Oh and what happened with Target? I didn't realize they updated their return policy? I guess I always thought it was 90 days, which to me seems reasonable.

Oh and I LOVE the way many retailers can look up your transaction using the credit/debit card now, such a great tool.

As for giving personal info for returns, sadly it is a measure to fight fraud and to discourage returns (IMO), they take the personal info so they can tie the returns back to a person. I worked in retail many MANY years ago and we had employees stealing merchandise, giving it to their friends to return (many times under bogus names) without a receipt, but eventually they caught up with them.

Now how the retailers protect that personal data (including credit card #s) is a whole OTHER story we won't get into.....MANY of the retailers databases have been hacked and personal info stolen. That is why I never save my credit card # in online stores, I would rather have to type it in every time, at least there is less chance of it getting hacked that way (using for one transaction vs sitting in a client database).

I digress......sorry!

13 years ago

Anonymous

I don't remember that anything was ever returned growing up. Even 10 or 15 years ago I would take anything back very apologetically. I think the Internet has changed my feelings about returning, even if I bought it at the store.
I hope generous return policies continue even tough I see them abused terribly by people who actually wear things out, then return. I once saw 3 women return obviously worn e tire wedding party garments, including flower girls and ring bearer outfits. This included e dry one's worn muddy shoes.

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I always remember being able to return, at least 7-14 days. The longer periods have sprung up with online shopping.

13 years ago

T-Rex

Veteran

I'm thrilled that some larger chains, such as Target, can look up your original receipt with your credit card number. So I'm not prevented from returning items just because I didn't keep up with the receipt.

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

So interesting!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Krish, I have lived in France and would not dream of returning anything there. Furthermore, some stores in HK and Japan have very lenient return policies within a 7 day window, whereas others are the opposite. Often, it's just a store credit.

When I lived in South Africa, you could only return something when it was faulty or if you needed another size. You couldn't return something because you changed your mind.

13 years ago

Tina.b

Veteran

I do a lot of research before I make purchases online to try to minimize the necessity for return. From Canada, it can be a bit of a nightmare. I will do it if necessary, but I really make my purchases with the full intention of keeping the item. I often have alterations done and I'm lucky that I'm generally a fairly decent fit off the rack.

I think Canadian retailers are becoming more lenient with returns in general, but I wouldn't say that they are particularly welcomed in the small city I reside in. I like many Canadians, seem to make my returns apologetically. LOL

13 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I can't remember a time in the U.S. when returns were not par for the course. I think we have various mythical heroes like the Bargain Hunter, the Penny Pincher, and the Savvy Shopper - kinda like Uncle Sam. They go along with the Salesman, "Satisfaction Guaranteed!"

Ok. Now, I don't want to offend anybody... but you know, my favorite shops are run by Germans and German Americans. And they all get THE worst Yelp! reviews. Ha! I know why. I go because it reminds me of my mean ol' aunties and their Heidi braids. I only feel loved when I'm being criticized... ;>

But seriously, the American way involves some serious fawning and chatting up.

13 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

In Australia we used to have a couple of high-end dept. stores that had brilliant return policies (that were abused by some I must add). Then everything went really bad.

I've noticed in the last year or so a lot of our retailers will take returns & give a full refund where in the past you could only get a store credit note. I think on-line shopping, especially Nordstroms & Shopbob have frightened our bigger retailers into offering better service.

13 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I think returns have always been acceptable, though I recall sometimes not being allowed without a receipt. Also one dept store that had strict 30-day limit, and some boutiques have 7-day time limits. Also, stores that continually mark down items have only offered you the going rate at the time you return. I decided to keep an item once because of that! But I think receipt-less returns are easier now than before.

I never thought stores should "have to" take back something you've worn and just didn't like later or used for a purpose and returned, but I can certainly see that it's all marketing decisions and time & energy calculations--think of the personnel hiring and training needed to argue with determined, angry customers--and so hey, it's a free country.

13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Interesting comment above about Target. In Australia, Target has one of the best return policies. They accept returns, and give five full refunds, no questions asked.

Our stores have varying policies I find and I think some of them are actually stretching the laws regarding returns. I ONLY purchase from stores that will give me a full refund (not a credit note) and are happy to return on 'change of mind'. If I get an item home, try it on, and find that it doesn't work as well as I thought, or it doesn't play well with my other clothes, I need to be able to return it.

An online store here, The Iconic, also has an awesome return policy, no questions asked. The item just has to be returned within 100 days of purchase.

As Caro said, one of our Department Stores in particular has, in my opinion, quite a questionable return policy

13 years ago

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