returning items and people exploiting the system

[wokeupwithasmile]

I bought a pair of sandals and a week later a piece of one came off, so I took them back and got a refund. Then a couple of weeks later I went to buy a nice dress to use at a wedding. I was not sure whether it would be appropriate, but I did not want to have to go back to the shop, so I got it and asked the cashier how long I had to return it in case I changed my mind. I also pointed out that it did not have the paper tag one usually sees on clothes, so would I receive a refund anyway or should I look for one with it? I was told that I could return the dress within THREE months (!!!) and that the lack of tag didn't mean anything.
All this got me thinking. I could have used the sandals for a few weeks, pulled a piece out, and asked for a refund. I could also use the dress, get it washed or even not, and return it, given that three months is a hell of a long time to have.

AIBU to think that there must be people changing their wardrobes in this way and that it is strange that shops have not stricter 'laws' on what people can return or how?
Or is it that they make a hell of a lot of money anyway so who cares if this happens?

[Fluffyears]

Hmmm wonder if my colleague does this. At least three times a week she takes things back to shops.

[Abra1d]

Cheap behaviour.

[Beemer30]

I know someone who bought a toaster in Argos, kept the item but returned their old item in the box for a full refund they also did the same trick with some engine oil. The person in question works in retail

[Beemer30]

I know someone who bought a toaster in Argos, kept the item but returned their old item in the box for a full refund they also did the same trick with some engine oil. The person in question works in retail

[maggiethemagpie]

I knew someone who fancied a new pair of shoes and just tried the new ones on, walked round the shop and then kept going out of the store with them leaving old ones behind! Shocking!

[JustAShopGirl]

I work in retail and it almost makes me weep to see what people will do...

In a previous job - they would go into the shop with the worn one in their bag, take a new one to the changing room, put old one on to hanger and give it back- take new one in pristine condition for a refund.

Or the variant of this - go in with a receipt, pick a new one off the shelves and take it for a refund

Or try on new shoes and leave their old ones in the shop

I work in a craft store now and the number of people who open packets of stuff because they only want one out of a pack is just astonishing. Or they will buy a sewing machine before the start of term/a big project then return it as "faulty" when they have finished - but within the one month no quibble policy.....

Some people are just lacking in morals - low, thieving, cheating gits with no thought for others - unfortunately it is on the increase.

[AnnaLegovah]

Not clothes related but I used to work with someone who bought CD's from shops, burned the songs off them at home then deliberately scratched the disk/damaged the case and took it back for a full refund. She was very proud of the fact that she did this with almost all her CDs - no wonder HMV nearly went under. Totally dishonest.

[ICanSeeTheSun]

I can see why people do it, but I never have. I don't even take back true faulty clothes.

[TSSDNCOP]

I really think having classy in your name diego is against the trade description act.

[GarlicJulyKit]

Blimey, I've been missing out!!

It's not that long since I first heard of this - it would never have crossed my mind. Last year I returned a new (unworn) item because it had just gone into the sale, and bought two of the same with my refund. I thought I'd just invented a new trick, and felt slightly dishonest.

No wonder my money doesn't seem to stretch as far as other people's! Perhaps I should take my moral compass back for a refund ...

[kali110]

Also disagree with you still. Its not the same as a few people trying it on

[Numanoid]

nigerdelta Scummy is the perfect way to describe it. I guess some people just can't live within their means.
But then again, there seem to be people who claim they didn't sweat, or tarnish the item in any way whilst using it, I wonder how these wonderful people manage not to sweat at all.

[maggiethemagpie]

It would be interesting to know how many people actually do this.

Not justifying it, but when you seen the prices of some of the tat in places like M and S (£100 for a jacket, anyone) I'm not at all surprised people do it. And then it's a vicious circle as they have to raise the price higher to make money out of the honest people.

If something looks/seems worn though they have the right to refuse the return. I guess they don't want to get it wrong and offend the honest people returning stuff!

Having a returns policy obviously work in the shops favour as they know people will buy more stuff if they know they can return it if they change their mind. Presumably some of those who would return things will keep some too if they decide they really like them?

It's the shops choice to offer no fault returns, they wouldn't do it if it wasn't more profitable in the long run. Besides they know that to return the item you have to go back to the store and will probably get tempted to spend more money.

[ChelsyHandy]

Honestly, who could be bothered...?

[nigerdelta]

Wardrobing it's called, no?
I'm surprised that so many folk seem not to have heard of it (haven't used that specific term).
Scummy.

[StillStayingClassySanDiego]

Yes I am justifying my actions.

Your opinion is valid as is mine.

[wokeupwithasmile]

Still I totally disagree with you.

Buying a dress, wearing it, keeping it pristine , returning it You did not buy it though. You borrowed it. How could you not plan to return it but were so strongly sure you would not use it again? Your story sounds like self-justification to me.

Plus I would think that a pair of black trousers and a black jacket would suits most interviews, and those you would have used again even if only at home. How could the dress be 'pristine'? Did you not use deodorant? Parfume? Did you walk to the interview? Did you sit down? How long was the whole affair from when you left your home to when you got back? Were you so cool about getting the job that you did not even perspire a little?

I find these 'I needed a big dress for a big occasion but the big occasion did not impact at all on the dress' ridiculous, frankly.

[CoolCat2014]

Don't really know why I don't like taking faulty stuff back, think I'm scared that they will blame me - which has happened before. I bought a spring form tin from a major retailer, and it wouldn't stay shut, and burst open in the oven. As it was a supermarket I hadn't kept the receipt, and the lady accused me of shoplifting or buying it at another store when it was blatently identical to ones on the shelf. Made me so cross!

With clothes I've had that have fallen apart after one wash/wear, I'd usually take them back, but as I don't live near the shops and it would cost me £10 to travel back, sometimes I just don't get round to it. Stupid I know, but it depends how much the item cost to start off with. I tend to just avoid that retailer in the future.

[Numanoid]

Meant to say Primark not Tesco! Also didn't mean to sound confrontational, I just don't.understand why fancy designer/high end.clothes are needed. Especially if they're not affordable.

[Numanoid]

Still Why didn't you go to Primark and buy something more affordable? I don't think interviewers care how fancy you look, every job I've been offered I've been wearing Tesco or Asda 'smart' clothes, I'm sure. As long as its business dress, it doesn't matter.

It's baffling that some people think this is okay, I'd be absolutely mortified doing that.

[wokeupwithasmile]

TheLovelyBoots I don't understand your comment. I do not buy on the spurt of the moment, I do not buy what I can't afford, I prefer to 'think about it' if I am not sure. So I think the Chinese companies you are mentioning are doing very little business with me. And I have taken back genuinely faulty goods very little in the past because I am a savvy buyer. So no, I do not think the current use-and-throw market is making any money out of me.

[StillStayingClassySanDiego]

I'm a thief, really ?

Bugger, the mumnet shame -

My poor children are shafted.

[StillStayingClassySanDiego]

A lot of you who criticise:

I went for a job desperate to make a good impression, that meant looking ths best I could.

I didn't plan to wear then return. After the interview I knew the dress remained prestine and wouldn't be worn again. It was clean, not contaminated by sweat or make up, no more than a dressing room trying on session that any person could undertake on a usual day out with thrir friends.

I wouldn't wear it again, it was in perfect condition.

Comparison being a couple of differnt women trying the same dress on in the shop 's own changing room.

So what!

Buying a dress, wearing it, keeping it pristine , returning it after changing your mind and tbe receipt being agreeable to this fact.

I'm fine with this legal right to return.

[Kiffykaffycoffee]

coolcat I hate taking things back too. Even though I only return things for genuine reasons. I hate the confrontation, having to steel myself, the fear that they won't believe me, fear of losing the receipts, fear of them finding a fault that I wasn't aware of and blaming it on me. Not to mention the time and the hassle!
It seems a lot of people have no shame fear.

[buddles]

Having worked in retail for 14 years I've never done it nor would I do it. Do people really think shop staff are thick as shit. I can tell when something's been worn most of the time and have refused to give refunds on account of this. If something is missing it's card tag I'll pop a note on the receipt tho my shop will refund/exchange without a tag on it - they fall off all the time so it's not a sign it's been used.