In identifying stores with the best return policies, these are stores that possess the following attributes; may not necessarily need a receipt to return a product, a long period between product purchases, and return time.
Return Policies
1. COSTCO
Costco is famous for its customer satisfaction guarantee and loyalty of its customers. Costco membership holders have the liberty to return a purchase without a receipt, this is because the record of the purchase is already on the membership card. Inclusion with a 90 days return policy for certain products like appliances, televisions, and most technology like cellphones and computers. This return policy also includes tires, cigarettes, batteries, alcohol, etc. Note that the Costco membership card can be canceled anytime.
2. NORDSTROM
Has one of the best return policies ever, and the luxury store gives customers peace of mind and assurance. It provides a full refund of purchase regardless of the time it was bought. Customers do not need a receipt for refunds, in cases where there is no record of sale, a gift card of the same value is given to the customer in return. However, customers are still obligated to return special occasions dresses in almost brand-new condition. Nordstrom also takes on the weight of paying the shipping fee for customers to send back certain buys like fine jewelry and worn clothing.
3. KOHL’S
This retail store provides a large window with a 180-day return policy for most of the products purchased in the store, with exemption to premium electronics. As part of the special treatment during the holidays, as long as you possess a Kohl’s store account or have a receipt, you can return premium electronics purchased between November 1 – December 25 can be returned through January 31. Kohl’s assists customers who fail to produce receipts to search for the record and still gives them store credit without receipt.
4. ATHLETA
Ever purchased a piece of clothing that looks good in the store but after getting home, you wonder what on earth made you get it. Athleta is an activewear store that sells sports outfits for leisure activities from yoga to hiking running and so on. Athleta allows customers to return undamaged used clothing within 60 days of purchase. Customers can also obtain refunds or exchange items in-store. The company pays for shipping of returned products and if for instance you are gifted an Athleta product you can exchange it for a gift card, as long as it is in the 60-day purchase period.
5. TARGET
The popular retail store where you can get everything has a refund policy of 90 days, and they provide extended periods during the holidays. Target-owned branded products have a return period one year after purchase, this holds if a customer can present a receipt. The company pays for shipping expenses on mail returns. In cases where the customer fails to produce evidence of purchase, the store may check its record of purchase electronically. However mobile phones are subject to a 14-day return period and so are Apple products which are subject to a 15-day return period.
6. L.L. BEANS
L.L. Beans has a return policy with an open window of one year after purchase. If the customer fails to produce a receipt for a purchase, the store may be able to check its system for purchase evidence.
7. ZAPPOS
Zappos return policy runs a whole year after the purchase is made, without loopholes or catches. The product must however be returned in like-new condition without any form of damages, original tags and package must remain intact for eligibility for refund or exchange. It also covers the cost of all returned items being shipped.
8. BATH & BODYWORKS
Bath and Body work guarantees they accept returned products purchased at any point in time and for any reason. This may include used lotion bottles, burnt candles, and opened fragrances, a receipt of purchase is needed when presented, and customers would be able to gain a full refund from Bath and Body Works. If the customer fails to produce a receipt, the items will then be subject to exchange for an in-store item or store credit.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, return policies are subject to change from time to time and it is important you know a store’s return policy before returning a product to avoid waste of time and resources and embarrassment. No matter how similar stores may be the return policies may be different, and not all products are subject to the store’s policy, some items may be excluded or have a different return policy. Before purchasing a product it is important to be familiar with the store’s return policy.
