Kim Komando News E-mail Today

[Callahan]

Interesting e-mail newsletter from Kim Komando about companies charging a fee to return items ordered online. First of all though ... she mentioned about a medical procedure she is having today. So I think most everyone would wish and hope the best for her.

"Send me good thoughts and prayers today. I’m having a cornea transplant because the one I got 40 years ago died. It’s going to be tough, but worth it to see out of both eyes! Fear not. The team will keep this newsletter going strong until I’m back in full force! — Kim"

Now to the 'free returns' news:

"20+ companies canceling free returns"

"I thought this stat was interesting: The National Retail Federation reports for every $1 billion in sales, the average retailer incurs $165 million in merchandise returns. You know what this means: Say goodbye to free shipping and free returns when buying stuff online.

The big dog, Amazon, is starting to charge a $1 fee if you return items to a UPS store when there is a Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh or Kohl’s closer to your delivery address. Now, we’re seeing a waterfall effect across competitors.

Follow the (market) leader

Online retailers are handling this return policy change in one of two ways. They’ll either deduct fees from refunds automatically or charge you for shipping back to them.

I often shop discount sites like Nordstrom Rack. A shirt I got last week would have cost me more to return it - guess I’ll wear it cleaning the boat.

Take a look at this list of companies starting to charge for returns. Make a mental note to be careful when you’re not 100% sure you’ll keep whatever you’re buying. Knowledge is power, folks!

Abercrombie & Fitch: $7
Anthropologie: $5.95
Barnes & Noble: Varies
Big Lots: 20% of purchase price
Dillard’s: $9.95
DSW: $8.50
Foot Locker: $6.99
JCPenney: $8
J.Crew: $7.50
Lands’ End: $6.95
L.L. Bean: $6.50
Kohl’s: Varies, plus a 15% restocking fee for large items
Neiman Marcus: $9.95
Nordstrom: $9.95
Petco: Varies
PetSmart: Varies
REI: $5.95
Saks Fifth Avenue: $9.95
Ulta Beauty: Varies
Urban Outfitters: $5
Wayfair: $4.99 for orders under $35, more for big items
ZARA: $3.95

A bright spot … maybe. You might avoid these fees by returning your item to a physical store. Just don’t count on it."
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I would think returning something damaged or not working would still be free ... who knows.
...

[TPFanatic]

Sign of the times? This should help cut back on frivolous returns. Lots of folks decide they no longer want that merchandise when money is tight. I understand satisfaction guarantees always get free returns. I would also think defective merchandise should always get a full refund, one way or another, but this isn't always the case. Watch out for the terms and conditions with some vendors, some will have you blindingly agree to ship back at your cost even defective products, otherwise they won't refund you. Happily mutually refusing to do business with one such vendor in auto parts who's name rhymes with clock..