Just out of curiosity, those who won't buy from a store with restrictive return policies or a restocking fee, why? Is it because of a fear that the product won't work and you may need to return it or is it based on keeping the option open to return the merchandise later because you really didn't like it? Is it a negative if you purchased a TV from Best Buy, took it home and watched it for awhile, and then decided to return it although it performed as advertised? How do people feel about buying a product that was used by a previous consumer, worked well, but they didn't like it? Is it still worth a new price or should it be substantially discounted because it was used? Does taking it out of the original container and trying it constitute use, or should returns be limited to the original undisturbed packaging and or defective merchandise?
Skid Row Joe wrote: I think it's fair to say that after reading FrankJ's post, he was shafted by this company. I commend FrankJ for his restraint, and I applaud his turning the merchant's jack over to charity, at his expense.
Unfortunately, there a contingency present that has posted they don't believe what he is writing. That's nothing but cheap shots, taken by small people. I have never known FrankJ to lie in all the writings he has made here, and I have no reason to believe he is lying now. To those casting aspersions of FrankJ having shoplifted the item, all I can say to them is; puuuuulease.
Thank you, and my best to you and your replacement jack bought at Wal*Mart, FrankJ.
Show us "Joe", all you have to do is show everyone where anyone said Frank shoplifted. It's awful that you think you must stir up trouble any chance you get.... it makes me sad for you.
This thread turned into a discussion about the hows & whys of doing business a certain way and many of us agreed that the mom & pop should have been more accomodating but NOBODY accused Frank of shoplifting. Shame on you for trying to make it into that!
Cat
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Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle.... Live simply, love wholly, give generously, care deeply, speak kindly.
JALLEN4 wrote: Just out of curiosity, those who won't buy from a store with restrictive return policies or a restocking fee, why? Is it because of a fear that the product won't work and you may need to return it or is it based on keeping the option open to return the merchandise later because you really didn't like it? Is it a negative if you purchased a TV from Best Buy, took it home and watched it for awhile, and then decided to return it although it performed as advertised? How do people feel about buying a product that was used by a previous consumer, worked well, but they didn't like it? Is it still worth a new price or should it be substantially discounted because it was used? Does taking it out of the original container and trying it constitute use, or should returns be limited to the original undisturbed packaging and or defective merchandise?
Why take a chance when there are other places to buy without the usury restocking fee. There are many reasons to return an item and not all are as dishonest as you seem to want to make it. No, I'll go elsewhere where they have a more liberal return policy if I need it.
JALLEN4 wrote: Just out of curiosity, those who won't buy from a store with restrictive return policies or a restocking fee, why? Is it because of a fear that the product won't work and you may need to return it or is it based on keeping the option open to return the merchandise later because you really didn't like it? Is it a negative if you purchased a TV from Best Buy, took it home and watched it for awhile, and then decided to return it although it performed as advertised? How do people feel about buying a product that was used by a previous consumer, worked well, but they didn't like it? Is it still worth a new price or should it be substantially discounted because it was used? Does taking it out of the original container and trying it constitute use, or should returns be limited to the original undisturbed packaging and or defective merchandise?
That's a BIG part of return policies. If items are returned in torn or unusable packaging, customers expect it to be marked down. No one wants something that someone else may have even attempted to use. It's now damaged merchandise, and the retailer has to take a loss on it.
Many folks are expecting a lot from retailers these days. There's stuff on TV all the time about folks bargaining with stores, etc. I have no problem with that, and if folks ask, yes, we will haggle with them, especially if buying more than one expensive item. However, retailers cannot be expected to just about give stuff away.
One customer wanted a significant discount because the only item I had left was a display. I told her, I'm sorry, but I can't. It's my last one and it's at a terrific price already. She walked out without buying it. One hour later, another customer came in, bought it at full price and was thrilled that they didn't have to assemble it! So, I had one customer that wasn't happy, and the next one was thrilled. You just can't make everyone happy all the time.
JALLEN4 wrote: Just out of curiosity, those who won't buy from a store with restrictive return policies or a restocking fee, why?
Because you can get most items for a similar price from another store that doesn't have the same restrictive policies. It's capitalism and the free market at work. Competition is based on many factors besides price. We don't only buy based on price. We buy based on quality, or the shopping experience, or the ability to change our minds within a certain window of time. Assuming cereris paribus, I'll go for the best shopping environment, which includes the ease of return.
JALLEN4 wrote: Is it because of a fear that the product won't work and you may need to return it or is it based on keeping the option open to return the merchandise later because you really didn't like it?
It's to protect me against all sorts of unseen occurrences. I might get home and find out I bought the wrong thing. It might not work as advertised. It might be too clumsy, cumbersome, or difficult to use. I might find that it wasn't needed. Something better might come out the next week for a better price. I could lose my job. We could have a death in the family. We could have a kid stricken with a terrible disease. Like I said, all else being equal, I'll give my business to the place where I can return something easily if I have to. The incentive is for businesses to be as customer friendly as possible. If nobody allows a certain product to be returned (opened CDs), price is more important. If some allow it to be returned and others don't, then that is an element on which they are competing.
Usually, if I buy something and it doesn't work, I'll exchange it for the same thing. I typically do the research ahead of time to make sure I buy what I want, so if the first one is a lemon, I probably won't give up on it yet. If the second one is a lemon, I want a different product or my money back.
I don't "rent" products. (I don't plan ahead of time to buy them, use them, then return them.) My financial situation could change. I could review the purchase and decide I simply didn't need this product. Most of the time when I return something, I am exchanging it for a better product that has the features I just couldn't talk myself into the first time.
JALLEN4 wrote: Is it a negative if you purchased a TV from Best Buy, took it home and watched it for awhile, and then decided to return it although it performed as advertised?
Could be 100 reasons that I decide to take the item back, even if it worked properly. Having the ability to return it is important in case of those unforeseen situations where you need to. A change in financial situation. A better deal. Incompatibility with other components. Didn't quite fit even though you measured and thought it would. Wife bought me one for a gift and has it hidden somewhere.
JALLEN4 wrote: How do people feel about buying a product that was used by a previous consumer, worked well, but they didn't like it?
I have bought many open box items. . . as long as they are at a discount, come with a full warranty, and the return policy will be honored.
JALLEN4 wrote: Is it still worth a new price or should it be substantially discounted because it was used?
Discounted some. . . usually around 10% will get it sold as long as there are no defects.
JALLEN4 wrote: Does taking it out of the original container and trying it constitute use, or should returns be limited to the original undisturbed packaging and or defective merchandise?
I think even "used" items should be returnable within reason. Oops. See? It's a subjective call. Some things can't be resold. Some things can be returned to the vendor.
For the most part, this is similar to the discussion about credit card machines. Businesses are not allowed - based on the credit card agreements they sign - to charge more for accepting credit cards (even though some do). They are also not allowed to refuse small purchases that they will lose some money on (even though some do). The credit card companies say that the little bit of money you lose on these rare purchases will be countered by the increased volume and convenience of accepting credit cards for your overall business.
Likewise, if you accept returns - even of opened items - you might lose the margin between the retail price and the open-box price, but the increase of business you will get from creating satisfied repeat customers will normally more than counter these rare instances. If you catch somebody abusing the policy, they should be barred from making future returns. The companies with relaxed return policies all have them for a reason. . .
As a consumer, I demand it all. Whoever provides me the closest to everything I need/want will get my business.
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