Do you return merchandise that you've purchased often? I'm finding myself doing it alot. I don't like it after I get it or I change my mind with the direction I want my decor to go. I'm thinking soon the stores are going to have my pic on a wall that says "do not sell to this person" So, do you return often?

Oh I return things. A lot. So do my sisters, and cousins. Not just home decor, clothing too.

guilty, guilty, guilty!!!

YES YES YES

My brother tells me that I won't be allowed in stores anymore when they see me coming. That's how often I return. LOL

I ran on my lunch hour to Homegoods to return a couple of pictures I bought yesterday.....so that's a big yesiree

It is called "taking something on approval". Sometimes you just have to see things in the space. It shouldn't be a problem as long as you keep your receipts, and pay attention to the return policy, and return things within a reasonable amount of time.

Absolutely with house things.

What I'm guilty of is not carrying swatches. If I did, it would cut down (but not eliminate) returns.

Sometimes things just don't work like I hoped. Even the designers on TV have times like that.

One thing to watch for is make sure you're not being taken for someone who decorates the house for an event, only to return it the next day.

Armloads (armloads, not just a few!) of stuff and tags/prices removed might be see like that situation.

Leave the tags on until you are sure.

I don't return a lot, but I won't keep something that doesn't work or that is damaged when delivered.

No, I do not return often unless I find a flaw. I did suggest to my SIL recently while we were shopping for accessories for her new condo, that we purchase potential items to test in her livingroom. I am happy to say that four of the five pieces were keepers.

another no...i talk myself out of so many things, my dh won't go furniture shopping with me, lol...

I don't buy on impulse so seldom return anything unless there is something wrong with it. I almost never buy online tho, preferring to see and touch things before buying.

So time consuming to have to return things IMO.

Heard a few years ago that some of the stores are tracking "serial returners". Would hope they separately track home goods purchases (and make allowances for them) b/c some things simply must be tried out in the space, IMHO.

Agree, it's always important to leave price tags on items, retain receipts and return things promptly.

Usually I'll carry the thing around the store with me and decide then whether it's what i really want or not. I haven't returned many decor items, and either find a place for them or put them aside until I'm ready for it.

I take things with me I want to match, like paint sample, or fabric.

I also remove the item from its display, that can take the 'magic' out of it thus reducing the craving to bring it home and 'must have' feeling.

And I also know that no ONE item will 'make' or break my decor, so I never feel rushed to buy unless it is something I have been searching for.

My DH works for Lowe's and tells me all about the 'event' buyers and some people even buy a lawn mower, use it for the 'season' and then try and return it! They do that with tools, and lawn furniture! Their information is now stored for future possible returns.

They call them 'seasonal borrowers' here.

As a designer who has worked in retail oriented showrooms for the past 30 years, it has been my experience that people who chronicly return merchandise are unhappy with the space they are decorating. They may have picked their home for its size, its curb appeal or its school system, but really don't like its style. Or maybe they are stuck with furniture from a previous home that doesn't quite work. Maybe their spouse insisted on furniture they secretly hate.

The addition of a pretty or trendy accessory or new pillows does not enliven their space as they hoped it would, and thus they feel let down.

This may not be the case for every unsure purchaser, but has been the case for many, in my experience.

quote:

Originally posted by Mary Ruth:

My DH works for Lowe's and tells me all about the 'event' buyers and some people even buy a lawn mower, use it for the 'season' and then try and return it! They do that with tools, and lawn furniture! Their information is now stored for future possible returns.

They call them 'seasonal borrowers' here.

Wow, I wouldn't even have the guts to try that!!! I should clarify what I do. Shopping choices are limited where I live so, most of my purchases are online. We all know that online looks a whole lot different than in person at times. This pertains mostly to home decor for me that I return. If I can see it in person then most of the time I keep whatever I buy. Clothes for me is a big dissapointment due to the way they fit, they get returned (also purchased online)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mountainbeach,

Then there are the folks who indulge in retail therapy when they are lonely, bored or stressed.

I used to see a few customers like this when I worked at a small upscale boutique. Some were long-time customers who liked to come in to chit chat and browse the new arrivals. They'd get all excited and buy up a lot of stuff.

Others would come in with a girlfriend or two and buy something, whether they liked it or not, just because their friend was spending money. A bit of friendly rivalry, I guess.

Then they'd get buyer's remorse and come back sheepishly with their returns.

I used to be one of those types. No more.

No, not unless it's damaged or defective.

I USually only return something if it's defective.