BreakTheChain.org
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Many Unhappy ReturnsDate Added: Dec. 20, 2001
Ahh, the holidays - a time of joy, of wonder, of trying to figure out if the retail giants are trying to gouge you. Here's yet another chain letter, big on outrage but light on facts, that asks you to boycott a company based on something that could theoretically happen. This policy is clearly stated on the Target web site.... FYI In case any of you have not checked the NEW Target policy, you might want to be cautious about what you purchase as gifts during the holiday season. Target implemented a very hard nose policy. It goes as follows: There will be no refunds, exchanges or in-store credits without a receipt. If you use a "gift receipt" you get no refund only an in-store credit. All refunds, exchanges or in-store credits will be issued for 90 days after purchase with a receipt. This part is fine with me, but here is the new one that really is bothering me: If an item is "seasonal" or clearance item, even with a receipt and inside the 90 day limit, if it is returned, it will be credited at the NEW or Lowest sale price. Example: I go buy a holiday toy and a "winter" coat for a gift two weeks before Christmas, if I pay $20 for the toy and $20 for the coat. I give it as a gift with the gift receipt. You take it back the day after Christmas, (your kid got 3 of the same toys and the coat is the wrong size), the toy went 50% off and the coat 30% off the day after Christmas. You will only get credit for $10 for the toy and $14 for the coat ($24 total instead of $40) and Target pockets the other $16 that's all within the 90 day limit and WITH a receipt. This is a real rip off in my book. Basically, it is theft. I will not be using Target for any holiday purchases. I recommend that everyone write Target a letter or email and complain to their offices (e-mail address is Targetcorp.com). Hopefully we can get Target to reconsider their clearance/seasonal policy or hopefully we will all stay away from purchasing from Target and they will get the message that way too. Pass this on to other Target Shoppers! This is an angry letter from a prospective customer about a theoretical situation based on the author's limited understanding of Target's return policy - Hardly what one could consider an authoritative source. Target Customer Service spokesman told BreakTheChain.org their policy is designed to be fair all customers: "Target's intent with our return policy is to ensure that our store is stocked with fresh, season appropriate, trend-forward merchandise. We have established our policy to treat all of our guests fairly and consistently. "Target has always asked for guests to provide an original receipt, within 90 days, when making a return or exchange. Target also offers gift receipts for every purchase. If you can't find your receipt, we have the ability to lookup most of your purchases made by credit card, debit card, Target GiftCard or check, in our system within 90 days of purchase. If the receipt is not available in our system, we will offer manufacturers' assistance at 1-800-303-0308. "We will accept holiday and seasonal items within 90 days of purchase if you have the original receipt or gift receipt. If the items are on clearance at the time of return, they will be refunded at the current clearance price. This pertains only to holiday items or items associated with a particular season or time of the year. Target, like nearly all retailers, reduces the price of holiday themed or seasonal merchandise by at least 50 percent the day following the holiday or at the end of a particular season. Because we are trying clear out the remaining inventory and the items are on clearance, we are unable to sell them at full price. This is why we are unable to offer a refund for the full purchase price of the item. "Some items are also subject to a 15 percent restocking fee, including camcorders, digital cameras, portable DVD and portable electronics. "We have recently amended our return policy to allow the exchange of merchandise without a receipt if the item is defective or if the guest needs to exchange a new and used item for a similar item. The stores may ask for identification when processing the return and you will be limited in the number of exchanges made without a receipt. The exchange must be for an item of the same or greater value within the same department and class of the item being returned." Most major retailers have similar policies regarding seasonal returns - some do not offer refunds/returns on seasonal clearance items at all. If you still feel this is cheating, check with other retailers on their refund policy and see if you can find one you like better. That's the power of the consumer. But don't forward this misinformed chain letter. Break this Chain! References: None |