With the holiday season right around the corner, millions of consumers will soon be faced with the myriad challenges that gift returns can present. Retailers have made differing return policies and return fees that may sway shoppers’ choices as they’re buying. Knowing what these costs are can help consumers plan ahead and keep their post-holiday spending realistic and reasonable.
The policy of each of the big four retailers returns their fees in different amounts. Alternatively, Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx charge $11.99 for each package returned. This often makes them the most expensive options on price among the large chain retailers. Macy’s isn’t too far behind, at $9.99 per return package, while JCPenney charges a whopping $8.00 to return each package. If you’re in it entirely for the lowest return fees, J. Crew has one of the lowest return fees at $7.50.
For example, at Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx, the return fees are subtracted from your overall return total refund. This policy has the potential to surprise unsuspecting customers if they do not know about it in advance. Macy’s has had a convoluted return policy. They waive the flat $10 fee for very large items, or they use a flat $9.99 fee for some items that are eligible for that charge. This double pricing model creates unnecessary confusion for consumers who are looking for an unmistakable picture on cost exactly what it will cost them to return their goods.
Online Purchases and Return Timelines
If you’re an online shopper, you have a lot more leeway on how you return items. This is in particular true for large etailors as Amazon and Walmart. Most purchases made in November and December can be returned by January 31 of the next calendar year. This longer return window allows customers more time to decide whether to keep their gifts. It’s a boon particularly to online shoppers who want to dodge return fees.
Shopping online isn’t the right choice for return-fee-averse shoppers. Though the whole home delivery trend is great from the convenience factor, it can be a huge budget buster when it comes to returning goods. Shopping in-store helps customers avoid additional costs by all means. This helps it be a greener, more cost-effective option for anyone who plans to return products.
The Importance of Understanding Return Policies
As consumers start getting ready for the holidays, knowing how returns and exchanges work is key. With return fees differing between retailers, being prepared before you buy matters more than ever. We recommend that shoppers keep these fees in mind and evaluate them against any possibility for return when choosing their retailer.
Off-price retailers such as Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx are designed to lure in shoppers with irresistible markdowns. Their potentially elevated return fees could push shoppers to competitors. J. Crew’s lower fee sounds tempting as well. Though not easily quantifiable, consumers will take into account the shopping experience and selection when deciding where to shop.
