Quote:
Originally Posted by moffattm
Is this (buying two of something to try out and returning the one you don't like) something that's common in America? I've seen it mentioned on other forums and it always seems to be American's that suggest it...
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I'll typically only do it if it has free return shipping (or return to store), and I'll only do it when it's something I can't quite tell without getting my hands on, like clothing. However, I try to avoid the "return to store" thing since I spoke with a retailer who reluctantly explained that the returns count against the store's sales (even though they only get a portion of online sales... and only if there are excess online sales).
I only started doing it after I read a blog that suggested it for online shoe shopping when the retailer has free return shipping. Buy two of every shoe you think you like (most of us have two sizes that we're commonly "between") and return the ones that don't fit. It makes sense if you think about it and saves from the "return, wait for new shoe, return that one, too" cycle.
If the retailer doesn't want to risk taking returns like this, they can charge return fees... or have open box fees... or just refuse to take back anything that's been opened (as Borders has apparently done). But as long as they have "satisfaction guaranteed" and free return shipping, it seems like fair and expected use to me.