when is a return just not worth it? - YouLookFab Forum

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when is a return just not worth it?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I bought this same jacket as Rae but in a lighter khaki color http://www.ebay.com/itm/290720.....2649#rpdId It came today and I find it fits more like an overcoat than what I had intended it for. I wanted a light layer over summer tops and tanks to kind of 'funk up' the look a little.
Now, I'm really trying to not settle for less than perfect. But . . . with shipping to me being $8 and shipping back being likely close to that - for a $17 item - it almost seems silly to send it back. Should I just keep it and try tricks like washing and drying on hot, and/or use it as an outerwear piece? Paying $16 in shipping and return costs for a $17 just does not add up to me, no matter how I slice it!

Shopping

22 replies

Latest reply was from Janet

Diana

Veteran

I usually figure that if I end up only getting $10 or less back after I subtract all the shipping costs, it's not worth it. If the item fits but I don't like the style, I might save it for a DIY or something, otherwise I would just consign or donate or something.

Kari

Veteran

Yeah, I am in agreement with Diana. Actually if I haven't seen an item in stores, and I have to pay for shipping, and especially if I have to pay for return shipping or a restocking fee, I'm reeeally reluctant to buy the item in the first place. Stores that have liberal return policies and good customer service regarding returns/exchanges get my business more often. That's really frustrating that the return shipping charge alone is half the price of the item to begin with!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Yes, essentially, I would be out of pocket $16 with nothing to show for it, or I could be out of pocket $25 and have an ever so slightly large jacket. I think I'll try the hot laundry cycle!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, too bad about the jacket.

My feeling on this is that unless I'm virtually certain of the fit and/or I do not have to pay shipping charges, I won't order it any more. Given that I live in Canada, that means very little ordering! It sucks, because I don't have good brick-and-mortor shopping in my area either, but I've been disappointed too often or frustrated by shipping and duties costs.

So I just recite Angie's mantra: PPP, and try to figure out ways to make shopping trips to the city and/ or the US! OR I order things that I have already tried on in the store, or when I know the maker/cut/fit very well.

bj1111

Veteran

is the alternative to ebay the item hoping to cover the original cost, preferably cost + original shipping?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

BJ, not a bad idea . . . might think about that.
Suz, since this is a Victoria's Secret catalog item anyway, there was no way to check it out besides online ordering. At least I did it for a LOT less than retail of $98 plus tax plus shipping!

DonnaF

Veteran

What a disappointment! I just paid $8 flat fee S/H, but I ordered way more than I would have ordered had S/H been free (four items X two sizes each), figuring that if only one of those sale items worked, I will be happy. I can return what I don't want -- which will be at least half the items -- to a B&M store, thankfully. Otherwise, I would not have ordered and which is why I'm afraid to do eBay. Hopefully, hot water will do the trick for you; I'm crossing my fingers.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Mo, I was checking out that jacket too. Did you order a small? I wonder, do you think it might fit me better, and I could buy it from you? Just an idea...

jen

Sell it back on Ebay

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Well, Janet - I have it in the dryer right now. It is a small but I wear smalls regularly and it seemed roomy to me. Would you still be interested in buying if it's been washed and dryed? It may not shrink at all. That's just my luck, stuff that fits shrinks and stuff I want to shrink won't!

rae

(website)

Veteran

How did the dryer go? Can we see it on?

I think I PMed you already, but it is fairly loose on the model... wondering if it actually looks okay even if it feels big.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Yes, I think it shrunk maybe half a size? I will model it at some point. My BF is flying out for a 2 week business trip tomorrow so I'm spending quality time today.
Does the band on the bottom of yours fit snug or not quite?
(PS washing it is quite funny - all the zippers start to want to unzip and you have a jacket trying to fall to pieces when it comes out. lol)

rae

(website)

Veteran

Oh, good, at least there was some shrinkage! The waistband on mine is not quite snug when zipped up.

Have a great day with the BF, and good luck to him on his trip.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

The BF is doing some last minute chores so I grabbed some quick pics. Not the best - sorry. I still have lighting issues for picture taking. I think it's passable fit, but if I ever get it in the dark blue I will size down.

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rae

(website)

Veteran

It looks pretty darn good to me! And I love how the rivets really stand out in that khaki color. The seams all seem to hit like they do on the model - maybe scrunching the sleeves up like that will make the looser fit feel more intentional to you?

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ManidipaM

Veteran

Oh, but this looks GOOD on you, Mo! Maybe you just bought yourself a surprise that actually works very well, just not for the purpose you envisaged?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

YLF is SO great. A possible purchaser and a solution, too.

I actually think it's a cool jacket and fits you well now, Malina!

Anonymous

My quick answer, without overthinking, is that a return is not worth it if it costs more in time and $ than I think the item is worth. Sometimes I pay so little for things I order that it's better just to give an item to charity than it is to go through the hassle and expense of returning it. That said, I order from online stores that have great return policies, and this rarely happens.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Hey, thanks for the other pic - I hadn't seen that before. Yeah, it seems it is fitting similarly as on the model. Whew.
And yes, Suz, YLF is so great!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I think it fits well and will serve the purpose you intended it for.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I think it looks good on you.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I think it fits you well now! Keep!