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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

It's okay to wear clothes then return them for a refund

383 replies

KeyLimePies · 31/01/2022 09:26

Kay Burley on Sky News mentioned an article in one of the papers covering what happens to clothing purchased online and returned (not sure which retailer). Apparently they go to a big warehouse to be sorted and are given a 'sniff' test - to which KB said "c'mon, we've all done it"

AIBU to think that the majority of people don't order clothes, wear them, then return items in a smelly state for a refund? I have never done this unless the item has developed a fault after wearing it - and I've definitely never returned clothing smelling of sweat or anything else.

YABU - it's perfectly okay to wear something then return it for a refund, even if it's not faulty - it's one of life's perks.

YANBU - the majority of people don't do a KB!

OP posts:
Snorkmaidenn · 31/01/2022 18:24

I do this, how else is it possible in the world of online shopping?

minipie · 31/01/2022 18:38

@Snorkmaidenn

I do this, how else is it possible in the world of online shopping?
We’re not talking about trying something on for 5 minutes at home, we’re talking about wearing a top out to dinner and then sending it back
Hmum0fthree · 31/01/2022 18:43

This is why some retailers started putting ribbon from top to bottom as a tag so it couldn't be hidden if chopped off they couldn't return

Hmum0fthree · 31/01/2022 18:44

Like this

It's okay to wear clothes then return them for a refund
BobHadBitchTits · 31/01/2022 18:52

My friend used to do this all the time because she honestly thought people would judge her for wearing the same outfit out twice.

Duchess379 · 31/01/2022 19:04

Hell no! I've tried items on, they're too small/I look hideous & I return them. I don't go out on the piss wearing new item then returning the next day. Who are these monsters???

BasiliskStare · 31/01/2022 19:12

@BobHadBitchTits - & this is what this woman I knew did - she could afford clothes but just thought she could "get away with it" so always went out in a new outfit & returned it. Poor show.

blueshoes · 31/01/2022 22:21

@Hmum0fthree

This is why some retailers started putting ribbon from top to bottom as a tag so it couldn't be hidden if chopped off they couldn't return
That is a good deterrent to cf behaviour. Well done retailers.
JaceLancs · 31/01/2022 23:03

Completely skanky and would not do this ever

honeyytoast · 01/02/2022 02:51

I’m against this mainly for the impact on the environment. Fast fashion and this culture of wearing things once is awful

chardonm · 01/02/2022 03:26

Most clothes do not make back into inventory regardless of whether they have been worn. I never return stuff for that reason.

Blossomtoes · 01/02/2022 06:30

@chardonm

Most clothes do not make back into inventory regardless of whether they have been worn. I never return stuff for that reason.
You must either be phenomenally lucky with everything you order or have more money than sense.
Whatwhywhenwhere · 01/02/2022 07:23

I don’t do it. In fact I am a retailers dream customer- never return, never complain. Everyone is different though. Retailers could change their policies if they needed.

Fimofriend · 01/02/2022 08:11

No, I have never done it. Nor will I ever do it.

Blossomtoes · 01/02/2022 12:53

@Hmum0fthree

This is why some retailers started putting ribbon from top to bottom as a tag so it couldn't be hidden if chopped off they couldn't return
That’s such a good idea. I hope more of them start doing it. I guess it’s expensive though.
MsAdoraBelleDearheartVonLipwig · 01/02/2022 17:31

I received a jumper today with a black mark on the roll neck. Looked like make up to me. Luckily it washed off fairly easily or I would have had to send the bloody thing back. I’ll wash it before I wear it though as someone’s obviously worn it, if not tried it on. And then returned it stained. Eew.

hazelnutpraline · 01/02/2022 17:32

I used to work in a clothes shop which sold really hideous garish shirts and a man bought twelve of the same design for a stag do then tried to return them a week later (obviously after the stag do) then got really aggressive and abusive when I refused to refund him

Hellsbells35 · 01/02/2022 17:36

One of life’s perks

OurChristmasMiracle · 01/02/2022 17:38

Nope definitely okay. Fine to try on and realise the size is wrong/ fit doesn’t suit etc but not to actually wear it

PUGMEISTER21 · 01/02/2022 17:39

I think only women do this buy I might be wrong. Either way it is not the right thing to do.

breakdown19 · 01/02/2022 17:40

I did this once, as an impoverished new grad, invited to a black tie do, bought a dress I couldn't really afford, (£99 from Dorothy Perkins in 1999) it was super uncomfortable and then took it back
I felt so hot and guilty I have never ever ever done this since

LoisLane66 · 01/02/2022 17:41

No it is NOT OK.
What I do is go to the store, find the item I've seen online and try it on in my size. I can see the real life colour, feel the material and see how it fits. Then I order it to be sent to my home. There is now no need to try at home and send back but if you're one of those despicable individuals who actually order to wear then send back...it says so much about your attitude, none of it good

Lclaytonuk5555 · 01/02/2022 17:42

I’ve just bought a dress from a company I use regularly and had to return a dress. When I opened the bag there was a bit of a sweaty smell with a whiff of perfume! Horrid. I got in touch with The company and they sent me a return label and refunded the money before I’d sent the item back. Very impressed.

Islandgirl68 · 01/02/2022 17:43

Absolutely not. This is dispicable. If it has been worn, the company should not refund, and send it back to the person that wore it.

ProfessionalWeirdo · 01/02/2022 17:43

@cheekychaplin

Anyone who has ever worked in retail will tell you customers are brazen and will attempt to return anything. It's much more common than you would think.
I used to work in a bookshop. It wasn't uncommon for customers to buy books, read them, then return them for a refund.
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