The Greensheet (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 44, No. 10, Ed. 1 Friday, February 1, 2013 Page: 37 of 44
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February 1-7, 2013
Page 37
Start With Trust
After the Holidays,
Many Happy Returns?
Now that the gifts have been opened, the
goodies have been eaten and the trash
bags full of wrapping paper have been set
on the curb, it is time to get prepared for
returns and exchanges.
Both retailers and consumers will need
to keep some key points in mind as they
tackle a potentially frustrating part of the
holiday season.
For Retailers:
The Houston BBB is advising businesses
to make sure that their return policies are
simple and solid before tackling customer
gift returns this holiday season.
Most consumers are happy with return
policies. According to a recent National
Retail Federation Holiday Returns Survey,
nearly nine out of 10 Americans (88.4
percent) say they find stores’ return
policies to be fair.
It’s important for retailers to keep their
customers in mind when it comes to their
return policy. While it’s important that
your return policy doesn’t hurt your
business, it’s critical that it doesn’t
completely discourage and penalize the
customer.
The BBB recommends that businesses
consider the following when creating,
solidifying or simplifying their return
policy:
* Make sure the customer is aware of
your policy. Display you policies at the
checkout counter and on your website.
* Provide gift receipts. Six out of ten
shoppers say they include a gift receipt
when giving a gift, so be sure to offer one
at the time of purchase.
* Encourage customers to return the
merchandise unused, unworn or
unwrapped. Everyone likes getting
merchandise in its original package and
by encouraging customers to return goods
this way, you better your chances that the
product can be resold.
* Make online returns easy. Lay out the
return rules clearly. Explain who pays for
the return shipping, where the customer
sends the return, and any forms or mailing
labels you want them to use.
* Stay calm and helpful. The holidays
can be a stressful time for everyone and
making returns is usually not high on the
customer’s list of fun things to do. When
working with a customer, always go into a
return with a smile. If their experience is
good, you may win over a new customer.
For Consumers
it is vital to know exchange and returns
policies before making a gift purchase,
whether buying a gift in-store or online.
* Familiarize yourself with stores’
policies - The terms, conditions,
requirements and restrictions can vary
widely, even within a chain. Some may
allow a return for no reason at all at any
time. Returns policies are usually
prominently displayed at the checkout
counter or on online sellers’ websites.
Print out a copy for your records.
* Online gift returns may come at a cost
- Shipping costs for returns to online
vendors are usually borne by the person
making the exchange. If you buy an item
from a retailer’s online catalogue, find out
whether the gift can be returned directly to
the store.
* Proof of Purchase and Packaging - At
the very least, a receipt is usually required
to return a gift. Keep all original
packaging and accessories. If the gift is
being returned in a sealed or hard shell
package that has been opened, such as an
electronic gadget, the store may impose a
re-stocking or “open box” fee of anywhere
between one percent and 50 percent of its
value, because the items cannot be re-sold
as new. The highest re-stocking charges
are usually associated with made-to-order
items.
* Don’t wait too long - While it is not
necessary to run out to the store the day
after you receive an unwanted gift, many
stores have a limited timeframe from the
date of purchase during which you may
return an item. Ask about the length of
the grace period for gift returns.
* You may require identification - A
driver’s permit is the most common type
of identification needed for a return or
exchange, however, other forms of ID may
be accepted, along with your name,
address and telephone number to complete
the return.
* The Cooling-Off Rule - The Federal
Trade Commission (FTC) Cooling-Off
Rule allows consumers to return items
over $25 within three days of purchase.
However, this applies to sales at a location
that is not the seller’s permanent place of
business. Exemptions and other
information about the Cooling-Off Rule
are available on the FTC website.
If you run into a problem with a return at
the customer service desk, ask to speak
with a supervisor. In addition, merchants
may be able to accommodate loyal
customers, or customers with a credit
account.
Food & Fun
r
L
Around Town
2
Free Ad
Friday!
Barter & Trade
MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS
Medical IT Supplies
& Equipment
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a* & Accessories*
6En Espanolv
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FREE G00DS
^ GARAGE SALES
^ AND YARD SALES
COMPUTERS
o Beauty & Fitness
Infant & Children’s
C Items 4 I
Hunting & Fishing
r
L
Events
2
5TH ANNUAL
•■IB Rabies Awareness
clinic. Free Rabies
vaccines, February 9th, 2013,
9am- 1pm. (first come, first
serve) at The Majestic Pet
Hotel & Pet Medical Center of
Clear Lake, 1913 Nasa
Parkway, Seabrook,TX. Open
to the public, entertainment,
tours of the facility. (281)326-
2832; (281)474-1244.
UNIVERSITY
ST-% II O M AS
ii I; ( TO H
CHANGING FACE OF
HOUSTO N
Dr. Stephen Klineberg discusses
changes in Houston over 31 years
6:30 p.m., Feb. 13, Scanlan, 4000
Mt. Vernon. Free. RSVP
www.stthom.edu/klineberglecture
A WRINKLE IN TIME
Adapted by John Glore Based on
the book by Madeleine L'Engle
Directed by Troy Scheid
January 26- February 16,
Main Street Theater
Chelsea Market
4617 Montrose Blvd.
www.mainstreetheater.com
ROCO STRING QUARTET
University of St. Thomas and
River Oaks Chamber Orchestra
host concert, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 21,
Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt. Vernon.
Tickets: 713-665-2700.
UMLVEHSITY
ST rr HO MAS
it O U » T O ¥
"ALL IN THE TIMING'
University of St. Thomas Fine Arts
and Drama will present "All in the
Timing" on Feb. 14-16 and 21-23.
Tickets: 713-525-3520.
WillLun J. Slvmi
Center for Irish SruWcs
UST WILLIAM J. FLYNN
Center for Irish Studies
hosts Sister Madeleine Grace,
CVI, to speak on Celtic spirituality
and the Catholic Church
7:30 p.m., Feb. 7, Cullen Hall,
4001 Mt. Vernon.
The Greensheet has been in the community
for 39 years, we are here to stay!
Call us for your advertising needs at
713-371-3500 or online at thegreensheet.com
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The Greensheet (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 44, No. 10, Ed. 1 Friday, February 1, 2013, newspaper, February 1, 2013; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth515861/m1/37/?q=%22~1~1~1~1%22~1: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .