Do you have to tell a store your reason for wanting to return something...?

Question

If you go into a Wal-Mart and return something, I always get asked why I am returning it, I usually just say "I don't want it", and they always go into further detail..."well, is there something wrong with it?", "why don't you want it?" or "why did you buy it if you don't want it?", they always hassle you. And once I said "I don't know" when I got asked that question and they told me that they will not return it without a reason. So, do you have to give them any reason at all?, because I don't see anywhere in most stores return policy's "...with a reason". And can a store not return something because they don't like you, or they think your suspicious? If you follow all the guidelines of their return policy, isn't that a legal contract that they have to obied by?

Lol, I have to much time on my hand to ask question like this...

Answer 1

No. It's probably a customer service thing. Certainly you wouldn't want them to put out defective or damaged merchandise for others to possibly purchase, would you?

Probably easier to say that I don't want it than to argue with them. Retailers are not obligated to return anything purchased at their establishment.

And no, following the guidelines of their returns policy does not a contract make.

Abqdan is correct. The 1st contract is between the manufacturer and the retailer. The second contract is between you and the retailer. They offered the goods for a price and you accepted their offer by paying the asking price.

Answer 2

First it has to do with the store's policy. For example ours is 10 days with receipt.

They ask "WHY" to determine how to handle the return. If it was defective they can send it back to the manufacturer for replacement. If it is still in teh original package they can just put it back on the shelf because most stores do not have the capability to test returns.

We have all read about the people that buy an expensive dress, wear it once, hide the tag and then return it after the function. Stores are just not in the charity business.

Now we will take back just about anything even though we suspect that it has been used for a one time deal. We just do not want an angry ustomer. At the same time we have RAISED the prices by a big margin on these types of products to cover the expense of the fraudulent returns. The people that keep and use these products cover the expense of the flakes.

Additionally, if a salesperson sold you the wrong thing it tells the store that additional training is needed in that area so that they can offer better service.

The bottom line is that stores are NOT a FREE rental business. If you buy a job specific product and then try to return it in a week you are going to get GRIEF. If you are a jerk, you will get ATTITUDE. If you are nice, explain and aren't attempting to USE the store then your experience will be much better.

The NASTY ones with ATTITUDE are simply attempting to use intimidation to legally steal from the store.

I have been a sales manager retail for years and can spot them a mile away.

If you are returning for the right reasons it just should not be a problem if you are following their return policy.

Answer 3

The store doesn't HAVE to accept a return at all unless the goods are faulty. They are doing it to promote business, but legally the minute you pay your money for the goods, they are yours and they don't have to take them back - even if you change your mind while still in the store.

So be nice and play along. They are trying to find out what to do to get more business, and/or avoid putting faulty goods back on the shelf.

To a previous answer - no, the contract is between the purchaser and the sellor. So the first contract was between the manufacturer and the store; and the second contract is between you and the store. If you return faulty goods, the store has to deal with it by law; but then they can return it to their supplier under the terms of their contract.

Answer 4

Quite frankly, they CAN ask you and even deny your return if you don't answer. That too is in the "contract" you speak of. Yes, they can decide not to accept your return if they think you to be suspicious. Wal-Mart has a yearly limit of returns for each individual. If you meet that limit (and it's pretty low!) then they don't have to accept your return either. Also, in Caveat Emptor states, they don't ever have to take a return.

Please note, the "contract" is actually between you and the manufacturer of the product you purchase, which is actuated by your purchase. You have no contract with Wal-Mart.

Answer 5

they are asking these questions because they need to know what to do with the returned item--if it's in ok condition they will put it back on the selling floor, or if it's damaged or defective they might return it to the manufacturer, mark it down or throw it away. you might have noticed at the service desk of every Wal-Mart there are numerous shopping carts filled with miscellaneous merchandise--returned or abandoned at the check-out or just out of its proper place--and they need to be organized about getting each of those items to the right places. i don't think they are hassling you--Wal-mart is very liberal about accepting returns.

Answer 6

Just tell them why you're returning it. What's the big deal?
If there is nothing wrong with a product, they don't have to take it back- many stores, like Wal Mart, will take it back anyways so they don't lose a customer.

Get over it.

Answer 7

Well first- don't shop at Walmart-- they suck.

Second, just tell them why you're returning. Most stores have a satisfaction guarentee. Just return in as good a shape as possible so they can restock and sell it somebody else.