Shop soiled goods (when you're the soiled)

[AuntOlive]

I was mortified today to discover that after trying on 3 tops, I'd left a makeup stain on the neck of one. This must have been where the top rubbed against my face as I took it off.) I didn't like it once on and it was also too big for me. Otherwise I would probably have felt obliged to buy it.

I just left it in the changing room with the other 2 tops I didn't buy (although I did buy one which salvaged my conscience a bit, as at least I didn't just try on, muck up, then leave).

Should I have apologised to the staff? I was worried they might insist I buy it.

Are shops insured for this sort of thing? (I.e. Do they allow for "writing off" a certain amount of damaged / soiled goods?) This was a big chain who aren't exactly cheap, if that makes any difference...

WWYD?

Title should have read "when you're the soiler" (damn autocorrect).

They are able to write off damaged stock, or sell it at a discount.

It's s bit awks but you've not really done anything wrong.

They'll hang it back up, someone will notice it's got makeup on and they'll just take a percentage off the price for them. I probably would have done the same but a better person would have mentioned it

My dd did this and went on to purchase the dress .. The assistant pointed out that it had make up on and gave her £5 discount !! ( she didn't confess it was her make up !!!

I did this in a tiny shop in the middle of nowhere in Spain, I bought it as I couldn't speak the language to explain or apologise, and the owner was hovering right outside the fitting room so I couldn't hide it. As it happens I wear it loads and it was an independant shop so I'd have felt bad about leaving ruined stock. I did however hear a shop assistant in cos explain to a customer that they steam make up out of clothes quite easily, so I wouldn't worry.