Returning Clothes to a Store

Returning Clothes to a Store

You just bought some new clothes and are not happy with one of them. Here is a guide to return your clothes without any hassles.

You have just come home after a shopping spree. While trying on a skirt you bought, you find a small hole in it. This means the skirt is defective and needs to be returned. An item of clothing can also be defective with regard to its colour, missing buttons, etc. Generally, returning a damaged item is a simple procedure. However, there are still a few things to keep in mind while doing so.

Check Tags First

Occasionally, you may be responsible for the defect due to an oversight on your part. For example, if you are washing a new sweater and suddenly find the colour has faded. The problem may not always be because the sweater itself is defective. All clothes have labels or tags on them regarding after-sale care.

Before you wash the item, always read the label. For example, some clothes say 'hand wash only', which means the clothes should not be put in the washing machine. Other labels are 'wash in cold water', 'wash with similar colours', etc. Some clothes may have a label that reads 'dry clean only'. This is especially true for expensive saris, silk dresses, etc.

Ask About Refund Policy

Whenever you buy something from a store, always enquire about the refund policy. Most stores will have one. However, some stores have a 'goods once sold will not be taken back or exchanged' policy. In this case, be very careful about what you buy from the store because you will not be able to do anything if it is defective.

Some shops have a 'no refund' policy. This means they will not repay you the cost of the item. Instead, the shop will allow you to exchange the damaged item. You can select something of the same value, or choose a more expensive item and pay the difference. However, if you do not want to buy something at that time, you could ask the store manger to write you a credit note for the price of the item. This will depend on the discretion of the manager though.

Return it Within a Specified Time

If you need to return something you purchased, it is advisable to do so as soon as possible. Firstly, all stores usually have a time limit in their refund policy. The expiry date could range from one week to three months, depending on the store. One store may also have different return policies for different items. To avoid any unexpected problems, go back to the store well ahead of the time limit.

Secondly, if you go back to the store within a day or two, the salesperson is more likely to remember you. This may not seem like a big deal but it will definitely make the exchange procedure easier. Avoid exchanging goods during the rush hour of the store since the store personnel will be busy and will not be able to attend to you properly.

Retain the Bill

When you buy something from a store, do not throw away the bill immediately. When you return the item, the store is bound to ask you for the bill. This way the store can verify if the item was actually purchased from the shop. The bill will also have the signature of the salesperson involved in the purchase.

The same thing goes for tags on the clothes itself. The tags are used to identify the brand and size. No store will take back the dress or blouse if you have cut away the tag. Retaining the tag means the item can be put back on the rack.

Have a Good Reason

Above all, make sure you have a valid reason for returning the outfit. Clothes that are torn or of the wrong size are required to be replaced by a store, as per consumer laws. However, if you bought something yesterday and are returning it today because you simply do not like it, a store is less likely to entertain you.

Have you ever bought an outfit and found a defect afterwards? How easy is it to return clothes at a store? Do you think smaller shops are more likely to offer you a refund? To share your tips, views, and experiences, click here.

Back to Previous Page More on Lifestyle Trends Index

Email this Article to a Friend

Related Videos

Man returning Clothes

Clothing shop

Philippines cloth shopping

Sari shops