MSE NEWS: John Lewis launches never-ending refunds 29 March 2011 at 6:33PM edited 29 March 2011 at 6:43PM in Shop but don't drop 43 replies 10K views

Former_MSE_Helen

This is the discussion thread for the following MSE News Story:

"There's now no time cap on returning items in the 'best possible condition', under the department store's revised terms..."

Read the full story:
John Lewis launches never-ending refunds

lynnemcf

Is this what a lot of stores do in the USA? I remember watching a documentary about a hoarder in the USA and she was able to take back a car load of unused items, even tho some of them were several years old. She had never taken them out of the carrier bag, so the receipts were in with the goods.

corbyboy

lynnemcf wrote: »

Is this what a lot of stores do in the USA? I remember watching a documentary about a hoarder in the USA and she was able to take back a car load of unused items, even tho some of them were several years old. She had never taken them out of the carrier bag, so the receipts were in with the goods.

Why did she does this? I can't see what she had to gain.

Angela41

I am still confused over the value of the "original till receipt" verus "gift receipt", as previously explained I thought returning goods with either (within then 28days) entitled purchaser to original paid value, however when I presented a "gift receipt" I was given the then reduced sale value so the "gift receipt" had no more value than no receipt at all.

Chomeur

corbyboy wrote: »

Why did she does this? I can't see what she had to gain.

Trying to hide her assets from someone probably. If you have to declare your assets to a court (say) they're going to ask you how much money you've got in the bank and what shares you've got etc. But not how many pairs of Walmart jeans you have that you are entitled to get a refund on.

tara747

corbyboy wrote: »

Why did she does this? I can't see what she had to gain.

To declutter and recoup money that she'd spent???

someone

Having worked at JL this is not new, just formalising the internal policy (and good PR). The 28 days was always taken with a pinch of salt, as long as the item could be resold and the customer could explain why it had taken longer than 28 days (busy, forgot, wedding, holiday etc) we would have accepted the return.

vyle

I dont expect JL staff will be seeing another 18% bonus with this free rental policy. At least when I want a new TV I can trade my old one back for a full refund.

inicholson

Gap used to have no time limit on refunds. My wife and I used to pick up any stuff we fancied in their sale or the outlet store, not bothering to try any of it on. When they changed the policy I went through our wardrobes and found about £200 of clothes (originally bought for the 2 of us, our kids or as presents - all heavily discounted - trousers for £10, shirts for £5, some stuff as cheap as £1 or £2) all still unworn and with the original receipts - so I returned them all.

We tend to be much more careful choosing items in Gap now (following Martin's mantra of thinking whether it's worth it and whether it'll get worn) knowing that we have limited time to return to the shop (their outlet store is 40 miles away and we only drop in if we happen to be passing). As a result we spend a lot less in Gap and when I decide it's time for a new shirt or pair of trousers for work I don't have a supply of spares - so we've both lost out!

callum9999

This seems wide open to abuse, they may regret this in a few months time when thousands of people start using it as a free rental service!

kingalex985

Angela41 wrote: »

I am still confused over the value of the "original till receipt" verus "gift receipt", as previously explained I thought returning goods with either (within then 28days) entitled purchaser to original paid value, however when I presented a "gift receipt" I was given the then reduced sale value so the "gift receipt" had no more value than no receipt at all.

Gift receipts show a stock number and date at the bottom. When returning an item the sales assistant is able to look up this item and see its selling price on the day it was purchased, so you shouldn't be short-changed.