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Returns when stores are closed

always trying

Veteran

A pair is sandals I ordered on line arrived 2 days before the store closed. I put them in the car to take back, and planned to exchange them in the store. Since we do not know when, or if, the store will re open, i am thinking I should just pay the shipping fees and return them. But there are so many people running around without masks it is scary to go anywhere..

General

18 replies

Latest reply was from Elizabeth P

nuancedream

Veteran

Paying the shipping fees to return the sandals is the right call. Even if the stores were open, I would be very reluctant to make a return in person at this time.

Roberta

Veteran

Check the online version of the store (if there is one). I was able to mail back a couple of things for free because the store was closed - they emailed me a free shipping label. I had a couple of things in the car right before the shut down.

kkards

Veteran

I would also check to see if the return window has been extended, perhaps you could return after the store reopens

slim cat

Veteran

I send back couple of items - just didn't want to wait forever. USPS was having a line but pre-paid packages were just put aside in the special area near the entrance.

Marilyn

Veteran

I've been mailing things back. Canada Post things I just toss in a mail box. I had one for UPS.....it had a prepaid label so I was in and out of the store in warp speed.....wore mask and gloves and just tossed it on the counter and bolted.

abby

Our local Macy’s closed in late March. I bought some of the retail furniture, such as two nice, strong carts and a shirt rack. Due to the virus and having a high risk family member at home, I was not able to pick them up the week after the store closed. I will try to pursue a refund with their corporate offices in Salt Lake City, but it is not looking good to get my furniture or my $500.

Christina F.

Veteran

I may use Marilyn's method if I need to return anything. That said, last time I went to the post office was maybe 2-3 weeks ago, and I foolishly waited for a receipt and the people ahead of me in line had transactions that took forever. Won't be doing it that way again! It's not worth it.

The stuff I sent back still hasn't been processed, so I think that's a new normal we have to accept. It's fine for me but people should be aware that their money may be tired up for a while

Marilyn

Veteran

Christina.......Yes. I've only had Banana Republic returns so far but it's currently 3+ weeks for the returns to be processed (Canada). I ended up setting up a returns folder in my mail to keep track of refunds pending.

Anonymous

Yes I think most places will have a long return window once they reopen.

Preppy Pear

Veteran

I think stores are going to be swamped with returns and long lines when shops re-open, so that’s another reason to eat the shipping cost if it isn’t too exorbitant. I have some shoes to return to Nordstrom which will be free, of course, and a dress to return to J.Crew which will cost 11-12 dollars to send back. I hate wasting the money, but I’m making an exception this time around.

Christina F.

Veteran

I just realized I have a problem with mailing returns - some places don't provide a pre-printed return label, and I don't have a printer at home. I have very little space for one, and haven't needed one for years. When not printing at the office, I used to visit a neighborhood copy shop but I won't be doing that now.

ETA - Upon further research, it looks like some places are supplying something to show a postal or UPS worker when you give them the package. You can't drop it and just run, though.

LaPed

Veteran

I raced around and mailed a bunch of returns the first week of March, and all my refunds have now processed. Nordstrom took the longest. I'm not ordering anything else that might I need to return because of the hassle. I have a couple things from REI that need to go back, but their return policy is generous enough that I think I'll wait until stores re-open rather than pay the shipping cost.

I have one order (handmade sandals shipping from overseas) that posted a couple weeks ago, but I suspect getting through customs will take forever. I have another month to go before it's warm enough for sandals anyway, so as long as they show up eventually I'll be happy. I'm pretty confident they'll fit, but if not, I'm part of an FB group where I'd be able resell them pretty easily.

karen13

Veteran

I mailed a GAP brands return (Banana Republic and Athleta items) back on March 19. Tracking shows they received the package on March 26. 10 days later I had an online chat with the returns people and they said it is taking up to a month to credit returns. Im at 27 days since they got it, and still no credit. I was going to buy DD a few things from Athleta, but am reluctant to buy anything until I am credited.

I appreciate the challenges the stores are facing, abut had to pay my credit card today for an item I returned over a month ago.

Glory

Veteran

I have several items from winners that I didn’t get a chance to return. They have extended their policy but I fear lines will be long once they do finally open. So it’s a wait and see for me at the moment.

elpgal

Veteran

WHBM sent me a return label.
Ann Taylor is extending their returns window.

abby

I received my refund. All of it! Thanks to a Macy’s executive in Salt Lake City. She was wonderful and kind.

always trying

Veteran

It says to return in the original shipping box. Since I put them in the car as I was going to the store the day they closed I only kept the shoe box. I did not keep the cardboard box, and do not have one that fits, Also I was planning to just find another pair of shoes in the store too get that day. That way I keep my discount and points at DSW. The extended the return to 90 days from date of purchase. That is a week before they arrived, so I only have until June 1 to get them to them. I will first e mail them and tell them I do not have the original cardboard box. See what they say and go from there. They have some sneakers I want, but am not ordering them at this time.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

LOL... I am JUST about to go and mail something back to the Bay, that I ordered BC. I had intended to return in person, but would rather eat the $8 return by mail fee and just get it done. I hadn't though of the potential for a ton of people returning thins to stores when the store opens again... happy to avoid that. I'm not crazy about going to the post office, but in general I find people pretty darn respectful. I have a number of errands to do today, that I've been putting off. Hoping there are less people out on a week day than the weekend. Fingers crossed.