AIBU to return an item to a charity shop

[novalia89]

I have a fancy dress party next week so went to a few charity shops looking for clothes. I bought 2 pairs of trousers for about £8 and £6 and a pair of shoes for £6.

The changing rooms were closed in all of the shops that we went to because of 'covid'.

The trousers don't fit, and neither do the shoes (but my friend said that she wants the shoes). Call me cynical, but I feel like the charity shops are keeping their changing rooms closed on purpose because it's uncouth to return items to a charity shop.

My friend persuaded me at the time to buy them and just to donate them back, but the member of staff assured me that I could return them for a refund, as I dithered at the till about whether or not to buy them.

AIBU to think that charities are doing this on purpose and it is ok to return them because the changing rooms were closed, and shouldn't have to treat every purchase as a 'donation' because I wasn't able to try them on.

Not the end of the world, but a little annoying.

I don’t understand the problem. The member of staff said that you can return them. You are creating a moral dilemma for yourself that is unnecessary.

I worked in a charity shop. We were more than happy to give refunds or exchanges as long as customers had the receipt. So go and get your refund happily 😊 if you felt moved to donate a little spare change the shop would be very grateful 👍

AIBU to think that charities are doing this on purpose and it is ok to return them because the changing rooms were closed

Why would you think this when the member of staff assured me that I could return them for a refund

Just return them for a refund. Plenty of clothes shops near me haven't opened their changing rooms, it's not just charity shops.

I have never felt I couldn't return an item to a charity shop if it doesn't fit, I was completely unaware it was uncouth to do so.

I think it's fine to return them otherwise they wouldn't have a returns policy that allowed you to

I volunteer in a charity shop with a return policy and we're quite happy to refund for things that don't fit. Many people return things. No problem

Just return them - you don't need to feel bad just because it's a charity shop.

Or, if you can't bring yourself to do that, sell them on Marketplace.

I feel like the charity shops are keeping their changing rooms closed on purpose because it's uncouth to return items to a charity shop

Hmmm. Ok.

Let me get this straight. You think charity shops are putting in changing facilities than not letting people use them in the hope people will buy stuff that doesn't fit? Waitrose hasn't opened up its in-store cafés yet. Is it because they think drinking coffee in their stores is common, or could it possibly be because of, I don't know, a pandemic or something?

TAKE THEM BACK!!!

I am a volunteer, I do refunds all the time. This morning refunded a skirt which a lady had bought, got home, and discovered it didn't fit her. Not a problem.

We are keeping the changing rooms closed because the advice from the Charity Retail Association currently says that a volunteer must spray and wipe down the changing room surfaces after each use. And we simply don't have the people to do that.

I can guarantee that that staff will not batt an eyelid at you returning clothes/shoes which don't fit. They certainly won't consider you "uncouth".

YABU to think it’s done on purpose.
Of course you can return them.

My local Asda hasn't reopened the fitting rooms yet either. It's a covid thing. I very much doubt charity shops are scheming on how to con money out of customers 🙄 they know more people are probably unwilling to buy withing trying stuff on and are probably losing a lot more money than the odd person too awkward to return a pair of jeans.

Tesco changing rooms are shut too.

I manage a charity shop. Since Covid we have had to keep our fitting room closed too . All of our volunteers are elderly ladies and we don't have enough of them or want to risk their health by having to deep clean after each use . Pre Covid we were exchanges only but now we give refunds snd find people actually spend more with that knowledge. Return your things I'm sure it will be no problem.

Of course changing rooms are closed to stop people returning things even though they told you that you could return them. YABU for assuming ulterior motives.

I wouldn’t ask for a return but they told you they could so just do it. No need for the drama

What's the issue, the staff told you that you can return them. It's a non story.

Our local M&S really quite large and spacious changing rooms are still closed. Due to the pandemic.
There is a sign up saying to try clothing on in the comfort of your own home and return if necessary.
YABU. You were told you could return items for a refund. Return them for a refund.

I'm in Ireland and most shops here still haven't reopened fitting rooms, I'm not sure what your issue is, the shop assistant told you there's no problem returning them, so just return them?

I’ve volunteer at a charity shop they will not be offended if you take them back. You are in your rights the goods aren’t right as you could not try them on

They even said you could return them

Take them back. As a side note, you are using a seriously overpriced charity shop!! [Unless the goods are designer and almost new]

I was going to vote YANBU, but putting covid in ' and saying they're using covid as an excuse (what, for lazyness?) is totally YABU

Another charity shop bashing thread!
Not all retailers have their changing rooms open.
You were advised at time of purchase you could have a refund.
So what is the purpose of your post?

Tesco changing rooms are still closed, as they doing it to prevent refunds too?

YABU. Just go for a refund.

Eh? The shop says you can take them back for a refund, so take them back.