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?

[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.

[ChelsyHandy]

Honestly, who could be bothered...?

[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.

[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.

[kali110]

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

[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 ...

[TSSDNCOP]

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

[ICanSeeTheSun]

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

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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

[Abra1d]

Cheap behaviour.

[Fluffyears]

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