MSE Forum Poll: How often do you return items bought online?

MSE_James

Long-time Forumites will have seen tales of retailers clamping down on customers they feel have made too many returns.

How often do you find yourself returning goods you've bought online? Do you only return things that are clearly broken or not up to scratch? Or are you happy to send something back if you've changed your mind?

Vote in the poll and share your thoughts in the thread.

jackieblack

I have probably returned more this year than I ever have done previously, but since moving to a more rural area I have been ordering more online (nearest retail park is 45 minutes away) so in % terms probably around the same.
Main reason for returning is generally that the item is not as I was expecting, based on information on the website. Latest item returned (yesterday) was because, based on the information on the website, I expected to need 4 for the job they were to be used for, but actually only needed to use 3 so returned the extra one.
Last one before that, the colour wasn't as expected, based on website description and image.

twopenny

I've received goods not as expected or what I ordered too many times in the last few years.

Plus despite being a reasonable size town the last post office has closed and not having a smart phone drop box isn't an option.

So I now buy direct from the retailer who does delivery and everything has come through as described

Jemma01

If it's an easy process, I do. If the item is bulky or something that makes it a bit fussy to return, and it didn't cost much, I'd throw it away.

I've had a faulty earphones that I took back for a replacement.

TurbulentCourage

I only return items if they are not of quality expected or as described. If I decide I don't want the item but it is in good nick, then it is my fault for ordering and keep it until I have a use for it or know someone who does.

In some cases when complaining I have been refunded and told to keep the item - rarely but most recently a jet washer, which was not as powerful as the description, and this has now been passed on.

BridgetTheCat

The question and poll options are far too general and surely how often you return depends on how often you purchase online in the first place?

I mostly shop online these days but my returns criteria are different depending on what I’ve bought, eg

Groceries - only if something is damaged or is an unsuitable substitution

Clothing - poor fit, wrong colour, wrong size or anything else really. Women’s sizing is so variable that I have no qualms about ordering several sizes and returning some or all of them.

Other bits and pieces - only if it’s damaged/faulty/not as described

Higher value purchases - as above , but also if it’s not of the quality I was expecting

horsewithnoname

when they don’t fit/ are not what I was expecting. So however often it is necessary - which isn’t a category.

TTRacerback

I buy a lot of clothes online as the brands I like don’t have shops anywhere near me …. most closed down after Covid …. If you’re not in a major city it’s really the only way to shop .
I never order anything I don’t intend to buy , but if it’s a poor fit , quality is rubbish or it just doesn’t suit me , I will return it and I don’t have any guilt about it as returns are factored into the price . I’m also really fussy about returning everything looking as good as when I received it …correct folds and tissue to boot !!

Rosa_Damascena

The hassle factor in returning an item is a significant consideration for me when ordering online.

I do order online, but generally for electricals / home / health and beauty items where a decison can be made upon the full spec and I know what I am getting. Much less so for clothes or perishables.