If you’re thinking of sending back a disappointing gift you just received over the holidays, the return may bring even more disappointment.
Americans have grown accustomed to free returns, but a growing number of retailers are charging fees as returns squeeze retailers’ bottom lines.
Macy’s, Abercrombie, J. Crew, H&M and other companies have all added shipping fees for mail-in returns.
And it’s not just the big mall brands, either. Eighty-one precent of merchants are now charging a fee for at least some methods of returns, according to Happy Returns, a logistics company that specializes in returns.
The issue is that it’s become too easy to buy a garment in 5 sizes and just return the ones that don’t fit. Many of those returned garments don’t get restocked, but instead end up selling downmarket where they can often end up in landfill. It wastes fuel, the retailer’s money, and harms the environment.
I think there should be some consequence for return. Even just a few dollars. Maybe find a better way to size things accurately so people don’t have to be so cautious.
If clothing manufacturers made clothes anywhere near standard sizes people wouldn’t need to get 5 different sizes to figure out what the hell a Large is supposed to be.
In general I avoid buying clothes online. And I will avoid it much more if returns are difficult.
I mean sure, but everyone’s bodies are different. What drives me nuts is quality control. You can pick up 10 pairs of Levi’s that are 34x30 and each one will be different by probably over an inch. I have resorted to taking several identical pairs to the dressing room and keeping the one that fit the best.
Then everyone’s bodies are different. Some clothes will be cut differently and then fit differently. Basically, clothes shopping if you can’t get a few sizes online (or a few of the same sizes…) sucks.