An Ereader Dilemma

[cofu11ab]

Hey everybody, initially I thought it would be a good idea to order both the Nook and Kobo Touch so that I could try them both and return the one I decided not to keep. However, after ordering I discovered that the return policy on Borders' website is very strict as Borders gives a refund only if the Ereader is unopened. So, does anyone know if there is a special gift return policy for Father's Day? If not can anybody suggest some alternatives because I really want to try both since I am leaving the country on the 23rd.

[wes101]

Cant you return it to a local borders store?

[HarleyB]

Wouldn't it be better to try them in a store and only buy the one you want?

Is it normal for stores to take back used items that you just change you mind about? Where I live most stores will only take back faulty goods (of course) or items in perfect condition that haven't been used.
It seems quite odd to me that a store would take back used items. What do they do with them? I would be furious if I bought something that was supposed to be new only to discover that someone else had already "tried" it.

[remcdonald]

I can tell you right now that Chapters in Canada and most likely Borders in the states won't take back a Kobo that is in an unsealed open box for mainly the reasons HarleyB brought up. You can't resell it as a new device because it isn't and unlike a T-shirt or physical book everyone is aware it isn't because of the opened package. At best you might get store credit. Take her suggestion go on into Barnes and Nobles and Borders and try out the display models ask the staff questions get a feel for the reader and make your decision.

[peitsao]

I'd try them out and resell the one you don't want on ebay. You would probably make a profit since they are in high demand right now.

[taming]

Just be aware that the store demo units may not have been updated.

[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...

[cofu11ab]

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...

Well I can't speak for anybody else but I'm a huge tech fanatic so I'm kind of obsessed at making sure I can get the best product for the best price.

[PeterT]

Well many years ago when I lived in Montreal, my father's secretary was well known for things like going to a department store when it was raining, buying an umbrella, using it to go home and then returning it the next day, or if she was having a dinner party, getting new plates and cutlery, and then returning them post party.

And no; she was not American; European.. (Hungarian if I remember correctly).

[witeowl]

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...

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.

[Tony1988]

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...

Not everyone does it of course.

I myself would never buy two similar devices at once and return one a couple of days later after I used both. I try to do research on devices before I purchase them. I will only return it during the return period if there is an issue with the device.

To purposefully purchase two with the intent on returning one will only increase store returns and could increase a stores overhead damaging profit. The deivces CANNOT be sold as new after returned. I shudder to think what would happen if scores of people did this.

Theres no reason why someone cannot go into the store and try these out or at the very least watch videos and read reviews. The devices we are talking about are so similar I dont see the need for anyone to purchase both with the intent on returning one after playing around with them. It pretty much comes down to a couple of preference issues with both devices. They are not that complex that a decision cannot be made that way.

I defintely think that a restocking fee should be standard for any undamaged opened product returned to retailers.

[moffattm]

Fair enough if the retailer doesn't mind or actively encourages this. I know down here in New Zealand it's not uncommon for shops to have notices that say something like "refunds only for faulty goods, not if you've just changed your mind". It just seems a bit unfair on the retailer to me (not that I have all that much sympathy for retailers, with the massive mark-ups on some items!)

[witeowl]

Originally Posted by Tony1988

I defintely think that a restocking fee should be standard for any undamaged opened product returned to retailers.

If and when it hurts their bottom line, you can sure that it will be. Until then, they'll just sell "certified used" devices to people paying more attention than, um, me. (Could have saved $25 on my new Nook, dammit.)

Also until then: You can bet that I'll be more willing to spend money at B&N than Borders just because of such a generous return policy.

[khourianya]

Is best buy down there selling the Kobo? Perhaps they will allow the return of an opened item. I know when I bought my hubby his sony, it was an opened one and they had A LOT of them. The sales guy told me that ereaders are popular gifts but they get alot of people who aren't ready to give up paper returning them...

just a thought. I think the best buys up here are going to start carrying them next week...