Ellen Phillips photo for ConsumerWatch column that runs every Sunday – Please use this photo from now onUntil a couple of days ago, a treasure trove of gifts sprawled under your Christmas tree. And a few, of course, may have elicited sighs and groans rather than screams of delight. It’s that time of year when we brave the crowds to exchange gifts or to ask for refunds or merchandise credits. Hopefully, your gifter checked stores’ return policies when they shopped, which certainly can save time, effort and money should you need to return their treats.
Although a number of less-well-known companies offer terrific return policies, Consumer Reports announced its “Best-in-the-Business” list of top retailers with the best return policies. These companies, in alphabetical order, pledge unconditional satisfaction. (And, frankly, it’s hard to find that kind of old-fashioned guarantee.)
-Costco guarantees every purchase for an almost indefinite time. Not only will they issue a full refund on every product the company sells but, if you choose, also refund the $55 membership fee. The only sky’s-the-limit exception is electronics, which offers a generous 90-day limit from date of purchase.
-Eddie Bauer accepts returns of every item. Forever. Wow!
-Harry & David also replaces or refunds from now until oblivion.
-Land’s End, another of my personal favorites, continues the trend with satisfaction guaranteed until “the oceans wear hairnets to keep their waves in place.” (Okay, so I’m really dating myself with this old expression, but you get the message about how long the guarantee lasts.)
-Kohl’s, while possessing a good return policy, also includes a couple of attached strings to the “unconditional” aspect. If you don’t have a receipt, customer service at any Kohl’s will exchange or issue credit equal to the lowest price for which the item sold in the past 13 weeks. The “complete” guarantee comes if the item was paid for with a store charge card. In this instance, the representative can look up the sale within the past year and credit the card-holder’s account. Items purchased with other credit cards or returned past the 12-month period obtain a store credit.
-L.L. Bean is another company with a hassle-free, no-time-limit return policy, which is exceptional customer service.
-Orvis offers a 100-percent guarantee. Anytime. Any reason.
-Zappos gives free shipping on all domestic orders and free prepaid returns for up to a year. (Original condition necessary, of course.)
The following companies belong on the “naughty” list for a variety of return reasons. Abe’s of Maine, American Apparel, Forever 21, GameStop, Sears, and KMart. Obviously, this list doesn’t include many other less-than-favorable places, but you get the idea. Always check return policies before purchasing gifts for any occasion and hope others do the same for you. Research first, buy afterwards.
Here’s hoping everyone has a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve as well as a happy, consumer-savvy, prosperous 2016.
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.