
January 23, 2015
Dear Frannie Friday--Adventures in Retail
January is the time of year when returns are made from the holidays. The allotted extended return policy for most stores is about to come to a close (January 25, usually). Now I spent four miserable years of my life working retail and so I feel obligated to give you a couple of pieces of advice.
1. Do Your Homework
Do you know where this person got this unwanted item? Are you able to get a receipt for it? Do you know the store's return policy? Most stores realize that people who are returning gifts won't have a receipt. That's fair. But here's the thing--without a receipt you have to realize that you will be limited in what help you can receive. You may only be able to get store credit. The store you thought the item was from might not carry the item. Maybe it was an online purchase. And without a receipt you can't prove that that particular store owes you anything. Not to mention, it is a typical store policy to refund the lowest price of that item within thirty days to you. So even though it is currently worth, say, $50, it might have been on sale during the last thirty days for $30. You will end up with $30, probably in store credit.
2. A Little Kindness Can Go a Long Way
When I worked retail, I was more apt to help those that were nice to me. And I am pretty sure that is universal. It's true--you do attract more bees with honey than vinegar. If you walk up to the counter in asshole mode--prepare to get the bareboned, fine print, by the rule, yes or no customer service around. Basically you will get helped just enough for the employee to not get fired. And no, it won't help to pledge that you will never return to said store. Or that your brother knows the CEO. No one cares. Be nice and I guarantee that employee will do everything that they can to help you out. Even if you are firm, but nice. It goes a long way. Trust.
3. Rules Are A Pain
Yes, it's true. Those little fine print rules and regulations are a pain in the ass, but there is a reason for them. And it's not just to piss you off and ruin your day. It's because there are people who ruin it for everyone--just like anything else. For example, maybe there was a customer that will come in with a seemingly untouched box for a computer monitor and a receipt saying that they paid for the monitor and wanting a refund and choosing the pregnant lady behind the counter to refund it to him because you know she won't be able to lift it up and maybe she won't think anything of it and it will be realized after she has given the customer cash and he has left that the box was actually sans monitor and filled with cans of soup and the customer just left with $350 cash. Maybe. And that might have seriously happened to me.
4. Opened Merch
Keep this in mind: if you open something, the chances that you can just return it are much slimmer. Sometimes you can. Sometimes you only can return it with a receipt. Sometimes you can only exchange it. Sometimes (I"m thinking electronics), you are liable for a restocking fee. Just know that once you open something you may or may not be stuck with it.
5. Timeframe
Please don't put off returning or exchanging a holiday gift. In other words, if you try to bring something back in June that you got for Christmas, it probably won't work. Just sayin.
Red Dress-Old Navy; Black Leather Jacket-Target; Belt-Kohl's; Tights-Target; Booties-Ralph Lauren, gifted; Earrings-Charming Charlie's; Necklace-K-Mart

Comments (78)

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Your red jacket is awesome and the wide leg sailor pants....awesome-r! I love this look.
I love thrifting. About 80 to 85% of what I own was thrifted. My sis doesn't like thrifting for all the reasons you mentioned but me, I don't mind at all for all the good reasons you've also pointed out. Friends see my wardrobe and think that I have a lot of money to throw away on clothes. I know I don't.
The good thing about thrifting here is that the clothes come from different parts of the world, mostly Asian brands and most of the quality is great.
I love thrifting. About 80 to 85% of what I own was thrifted. My sis doesn't like thrifting for all the reasons you mentioned but me, I don't mind at all for all the good reasons you've also pointed out. Friends see my wardrobe and think that I have a lot of money to throw away on clothes. I know I don't.
The good thing about thrifting here is that the clothes come from different parts of the world, mostly Asian brands and most of the quality is great.
Love the mix of masculine military vest and very feminine pink skirt!
My recent post Black, Gold & Tribal Print
My recent post Black, Gold & Tribal Print
Serious bragging rights you've got there, Frannie! State Senator! Wow! Kudos to Conner!
Now I've seen a lovely way to style my brown skirt. Cute look.
I wish I knew suggestions to give about Kaden. I'm sorry that I don't.
Now I've seen a lovely way to style my brown skirt. Cute look.
I wish I knew suggestions to give about Kaden. I'm sorry that I don't.
How badly do I want that sweater!! I love it.... I'm now following you by email.
Xoxo
Xoxo
I've been wanting a white blazer for so long. Love yours. Cute look.
My recent post Chain Link
My recent post Chain Link
I understand its good to be responsible about spending money, but when a Giorgio Armani item is that dirt cheap you'll be needing jail to keep me from getting them. Looooove your dress; all the pockets and buttons! it's so fab with the leo shoes.
My recent post Jersey and Oxfords
My recent post Jersey and Oxfords
Wow, Robin! I love this look! Fab spiked cap! Cute sandals too.
My recent post My Small World.....
My recent post My Small World.....
Love your relaxed look. Acceptance of people from a different culture, ethics, sexuality, color, e.t.c is something a lot of people (myself inclusive) need to learn. I think that it's an individual thing. And is a pointer to how open-minded and humane someone truly is. I think that at first there is the shock to overcome and then if someone is open-minded they become accepting of the other person.
I must confess I did wonder about some of your work outfits, but you're lucky τ̲̅☺ have such relaxed dress code at work. I like the occasional power suit myself but on the regular I don't. Cute monochrome look. Love your necklace.
My recent post Bubble gummy
My recent post Bubble gummy
Cute skirt. Love the look, Frannie.
My recent post Mid Week Casual
My recent post Mid Week Casual
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