Five simple tips to keep down costs of returning unwanted orders as retailers up charges
ONLINE shopping has made it easy to buy lots of clothes – and then send back any that don’t suit.
But the number of items being returned has risen, and more retailers are upping charges to put off people who send a lot back.
Keep it simple — and low cost — with these returns tips.
SIZE IT UP: With many major online stores charging customers for sending items back by post, it pays not to order things you’re unsure about.
Size also matters, and that can vary between brands. Use the retailers’ size guides to order something that will fit you. Also, read reviews to see what other customers say about sizing.
KNOW YOUR RETURN RIGHTS: Always check a company’s return policy, which may give you longer to send something back than other retailers, but remember you also have legal consumer rights.
READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS
You have 14 days to tell the store you want to return an item you’ve bought online, without having to give a reason, and a further fortnight to send it back.
You have 30 days for a full refund if it wasn’t as described or fit forpurpose.
RETAIN RECEIPTS: Keep an envelope of receipts, so you always have proof of purchase handy. You could take a snap of the physical receipt and save it on your phone.
For digital receipts, store them in an email folder so you can produce the required order number without having to go through reams of messages.
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WEAR WITH CARE: When an item first arrives by post, open the packaging carefully in case you need to reuse it for returns.
When you try on clothes, avoid make-up, deodorant or perfume, as well as food or drink that could leave a mark and scupper your refund.
SNAPPY SENDING: Don’t hang about if you’ve decided to send something back. You might end up missing the returns window.
The sooner you send it back, the sooner you’ll get a refund.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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