Yusra3
VIP Contributor
Return policies are getting stricter as retailers look to offset costs from unwanted merchandise being sent back. Rather than outright banning returns, many major stores are now charging return or restocking fees. While frustrating for customers, there are ways to avoid or minimize these pesky fees.
Know the policy
Carefully check a retailer’s return policy before buying, especially for pricey items or those you may need to send back. See if they charge fees and under what conditions. This knowledge upfront can sway your purchase decision.
Keep items in new condition
Fees typically apply for used, damaged or missing parts. Keep all packaging materials and tags, and refrain from washing, wearing or using an item if you think you’ll need to return it. Taking those extra steps shows the item is truly unused.
Return quickly
Most retailers have more lenient policies and lower fees within shorter return periods like 14 or 30 days. Get your return packaged and shipped fast before the deadline hits. Waiting too long can mean paying more in fees.
Request a price adjustment first
If an item you bought recently goes on sale, ask the retailer to adjust the price before returning it. Many will honor a one-time adjustment if it’s within the return window. Then you skip return shipping costs.
Use free return methods
Retailers want customers to complete the return process, so they often provide a prepaid shipping label or partner with UPS and FedEx for drop-offs. This route ensures you don’t pay return postage.
Return in-store when possible
For online purchases, returning at a physical store omits shipping costs versus mailing. Plus you can get an instant refund rather than waiting for it to be processed.
Use credit card perks
Many premium credit cards offer return protection as a benefit, reimbursing charges like return fees a set number of times per year. The coverage helps offset penalties.
Ultimately it comes down to avoiding impulse purchases that are likely to be returned. But when you must send something back, be an informed consumer. Follow these tips to keep retailer return fees off your bill. With smart preparation, you can reduce or remove the latest charges stores try placing on customers.
Know the policy
Carefully check a retailer’s return policy before buying, especially for pricey items or those you may need to send back. See if they charge fees and under what conditions. This knowledge upfront can sway your purchase decision.
Keep items in new condition
Fees typically apply for used, damaged or missing parts. Keep all packaging materials and tags, and refrain from washing, wearing or using an item if you think you’ll need to return it. Taking those extra steps shows the item is truly unused.
Return quickly
Most retailers have more lenient policies and lower fees within shorter return periods like 14 or 30 days. Get your return packaged and shipped fast before the deadline hits. Waiting too long can mean paying more in fees.
Request a price adjustment first
If an item you bought recently goes on sale, ask the retailer to adjust the price before returning it. Many will honor a one-time adjustment if it’s within the return window. Then you skip return shipping costs.
Use free return methods
Retailers want customers to complete the return process, so they often provide a prepaid shipping label or partner with UPS and FedEx for drop-offs. This route ensures you don’t pay return postage.
Return in-store when possible
For online purchases, returning at a physical store omits shipping costs versus mailing. Plus you can get an instant refund rather than waiting for it to be processed.
Use credit card perks
Many premium credit cards offer return protection as a benefit, reimbursing charges like return fees a set number of times per year. The coverage helps offset penalties.
Ultimately it comes down to avoiding impulse purchases that are likely to be returned. But when you must send something back, be an informed consumer. Follow these tips to keep retailer return fees off your bill. With smart preparation, you can reduce or remove the latest charges stores try placing on customers.
