I have to return some clothes. How do I make that as pleasant as possible for the people taking it back?

Question

It's clean. If it was worn beyond being tried on, it's been cleaned/washed. It's neatly folded, and usually in that store's bag, with a receipt. There are politely stated reasons for the return.

Almost all of the time, all I want back is store credit/an exchange.

I'm apologetic.

Yet, returning stuff seems to be about the worst thing to do in a regular clothing store.

Why?

And, for the ones that aren't so simple -- eg, the dye runs to ridiculous extent and stained stuff that rubbed against it/the fabric pills like mad; garbage after one dinner out/it looks nice but the lining is made out of toilet paper/etc -- does anybody want to hear that, or is it always just: yeah, uh huh, let's get you out of here asap?

From the reactions, I'm guessing there are a lot of people abusing 'satisfaction guaranteed.' What do I do to make it obvious that it's not a regular habit for me, that a good return equals loads more of my business, etc?

If it's been worn -- which is rare -- and I'm still taking it back, there's a serious flaw with it. Recent: $$$ casual coat with seams coming apart after a few days' light wear, for example. I definitely don't try to pass it off as unworn; in that case, I'm pointing to the seams.

And I'm _not_ trying to mess with any stated return policies -- these things (most are quite pleasant!) don't involve any sort of argument; just somebody looking at me like I've sent her day to *@#!, the moment I mention "return"...

Answer 1

If it has been worn & washed, thats just gross..how would you feel if you bought something you "thought" was brand new, only to find out someone had worn it & returned it? doesnt matter if you wash it or not, its still gross!! If you're not sure of something, try it on before you leave the store!!! or at least before you wear it out, thats terrible.

Answer 2

But if you wore the clothes and ended up washing them! Why on earth would you want to return them? If you tried them on at home and they did not look the same or feel the same as when you were in the store dressing room, leave the tags on them, and let the the person know what happened, sincerely. They will definitely give you credit or an exchange, your business is always appreciated at "this store"..

Answer 3

Be polite and if there report to the store manger. After all if what your saying is true you are still going to buy stuff from the store. And of courses they hate it when you return it thats how they lose money. And if your not sure if you want it ;1 don't wear it till your sure( that includes taking off the tags because once the tags are of they can't re-sell it)

Answer 4

You should quit trying to scam poor retailers...they work hard for their money. You shouldn't be wearing clothes and returning them...make up your mind before you leave the store. There are hygiene issues to consider you know.
And how many times are you going to ask this question??? Your not helping the cats by posting this sort of stuff, are you? Just accept you have to pay for clothes.

Answer 5

Well dont go there with a negative attitude and be polite. ALso may sure its in the store bag and the receipt is in there. I hope your time there willl be as pleasent a possible.

Answer 6

You don't owe the salespeople a real explanation other than, "When I got this home, I realized that it looked better on me here than it did at home." Or simply say, "This outfit is nice, but it just isn't for me."
Remember, the sales staff are working class people just like yourself so they definitely understand.

Answer 7

I don't think you should return clothes you've worn, unless something was wrong with it, if not, that's dishonest and plus you're being a bad consumer.

Answer 8

Be honest, polite, and thank them excessively. Well, not that much, but to the point that they look abseloutely fine with it. That's all I can say, sweetie. The rest is up to you.

Answer 9

I don't think you should return the clothes!