YOU’RE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR RETURN POLICY

IT IS TRUE!
ADDED VALUE to a service or product is usually assigned by the customer by means of, accessibility to the service provider such as: 1-800 numbers or unproblematic refund policies. Once the products or services are purchased, customers want to walk away feeling assured that there is an efficient process in place just in case they are dissatisfied.

Often times the deciding factor for the customer, lies greatly in the degree of difficulty regarding the business’ return policy. Customers like myself that do not have an initial intention to return an item, but, would still prefer to have an option that allows a sense of flexibility when acquiring merchandise.

Here a few examples of return policies that I have loved and hated throughout my shopping experience:

MOST BELOVED
REFUND POLICIES THAT OFFER RETURNS WITHOUT  A HASSLE.
Usually department stores such as Nordstroms, Bloomingdales and Macy’s have a very loose return policy. In which, it is rare that you would have an issue returning anything from shoes to perfume. In my experience, the store reps are usually very friendly and comfortable about your returns, sometimes even without a receipt. This is extremely important to me when I want to purchase and item fast and take it home to think about it, rather than to be force to purchase it without an alternative return option.

REFUND POLICIES THAT OFFER VARIOUS LOCATION OPTIONS
How many times have you made an online purchase, received it and realized you have the wrong item or you want to return it but, you have to mail it back? Stores that provide you with various location options to return the merchandise, including in-store online purchases, almost always can count on me to be a repeat consumer.

POLICIES THAT JUST DOESN’T QUITE WORK
REFUND POLICIES THAT CHARGE FEES
I always wondered why companies would penalize customers for returning items.  In the past, Best Buy, would charge customers a 10% restocking fee for a return, which seemed very unfair to the customer.  Although, I never had an issue with any merchandise from Best Buy, the policy itself discouraged me from purchasing their products and even visiting the store.  Recently, Best Buy has changed its restocking fee and replaced it with a more suitable return rule, I may plan a visit in the near future.

REFUND POLICIES THAT PROVIDES LIMITED OR NO OPPORTUNITY TO RETURN THE MERCHANDISE
My number one reason for not shopping at some small retail stores is their limited or no return procedure. If I am wavering on a purchasing decision, most times I choose not to buy the item if there isn’t a refund policy in place. I feel pressured in fully committing to a purchase in which I cannot return.  I am fully aware that smaller stores have overhead which do not allow them to adhere to looser return policies, however it would be nice to extend the  polices a bit.

What are your thoughts?

Until Next Time…