My ass isn’t confused. It totally knows what happened and who is blame.
Slippers for life though... I just, wtaf. It’s like the people who come into my work, eat 99% of their meal happily and then when I am clearing their plates they tell me that they didn’t really like it and would like to speak to a manager.
My husband has gotten the completely wrong meal at a restaurant and chosen to eat the whole thing rather than say something. So... we hardly ever return anything, even if there's something wrong with it. We're doormats.
The only time I’ve ever sent something back was when I was given a crab cake instead of my fish sandwich. And that’s because I keep kosher and don’t eat shellfish and it would violate my religion to eat it. But I still felt bad.
I think it's a bummer that they are ending this policy for things like tents, camping gear, outdoor gear, etc that probably doesn't get used a ton. I can totally see using a tent once a year for a weekend and having a problem on year 4, and then being disappointed that they can't fix it anymore. I wonder if they will still be helpful with stuff like that.
Things that get regular use? I can completely understand why they'd end that. I do think their price point is such that a clothing item you buy should hold up for a year (at a minimum) but any longer than that isn't a reasonable expectation.
I've never really understood "lifetime" warranties on most things, though. What does that actually mean? I can't think of anything I've ever purchased that I should reasonably expect to last me another 50+ years.
I think it's a bummer that they are ending this policy for things like tents, camping gear, outdoor gear, etc that probably doesn't get used a ton. I can totally see using a tent once a year for a weekend and having a problem on year 4, and then being disappointed that they can't fix it anymore. I wonder if they will still be helpful with stuff like that.
Things that get regular use? I can completely understand why they'd end that. I do think their price point is such that a clothing item you buy should hold up for a year (at a minimum) but any longer than that isn't a reasonable expectation.
I've never really understood "lifetime" warranties on most things, though. What does that actually mean? I can't think of anything I've ever purchased that I should reasonably expect to last me another 50+ years.
What kind of problem would one have with a tent that doesn't occur until the fourth use that don't show up in the first use and aren't in the "defective due to materials or craftsmanship " category? I'm having a hard time thinking of any.
You don't dry the tent properly and it gets dry rot? You caused the problem. You put a stake through the side? You caused the issue (and outdoor stores have multiple options available for patching. The fly doesn't fit? Should notice the first time. The fiberglass poles are the wrong size? Should notice the first time assembled. A fiberglass pole cracks? They give you replacements with the original (and outdoors stores sell them). Zipper breaks--defective due to materials or craftsmanship.
I think it's a bummer that they are ending this policy for things like tents, camping gear, outdoor gear, etc that probably doesn't get used a ton. I can totally see using a tent once a year for a weekend and having a problem on year 4, and then being disappointed that they can't fix it anymore. I wonder if they will still be helpful with stuff like that.
Things that get regular use? I can completely understand why they'd end that. I do think their price point is such that a clothing item you buy should hold up for a year (at a minimum) but any longer than that isn't a reasonable expectation.
I've never really understood "lifetime" warranties on most things, though. What does that actually mean? I can't think of anything I've ever purchased that I should reasonably expect to last me another 50+ years.
What kind of problem would one have with a tent that doesn't occur until the fourth use that don't show up in the first use and aren't in the "defective due to materials or craftsmanship " category? I'm having a hard time thinking of any.
You don't dry the tent properly and it gets dry rot? You caused the problem. You put a stake through the side? You caused the issue (and outdoor stores have multiple options available for patching. The fly doesn't fit? Should notice the first time. The fiberglass poles are the wrong size? Should notice the first time assembled. A fiberglass pole cracks? They give you replacements with the original (and outdoors stores sell them). Zipper breaks--defective due to materials or craftsmanship.
Honestly I've never owned a tent so I have no idea, lol. I'm thinking something like a zipper breaking or a hole ripping in it (just from pulling on it to set it up, not from slashing it somehow). In other words, something that is a defect that maybe doesn't show up after a small amount of use, but before it is reasonable to expect it to wear out. I imagine there are a lot of outdoor rec equipment items that people use pretty casually and should reasonably expect to last many years with light use (and proper handling).
Post by claudiajean on Feb 9, 2018 18:15:18 GMT -5
I think that the new policy still allows for that; I think of you try to return it and say it was defective, they will likely honor it. By changing their policy, they’re not stuck exchanging 4 year old slippers that were perfectly fine.
The other day one of the Jeopardy contestants told the story about how he goes to charity thrift stores around NYC, buys things, and then sells them online for profit. Dh was horrified by this.
I'm reading him this thread and he's equally horrified by the slippers thing. And he said he bets thrift store dude does this.
I don't understand this at all. What is he horrified at? What does he think the issue is? And how does he relate this to the slipper story?
Post by UMaineTeach on Feb 9, 2018 18:35:40 GMT -5
I have seen people dump garbage bags full of stuff on the return counter in Freeport. Ridiculous. The return line is always long with people saving returns until they go on vacation.
People also miss interpreted the old policy. It was a guarantee of workmanship and satisfaction and not a warranty against ever breaking down. It got distorted and this new policy seems to be a more explicit revision of the old policy.
When I worked at the Baby Gap, they used to take back everything, There was a woman who came in with a denim dress covered in Cheetos and I was supposed to ask if it was worn so we could damage it out and not resell and she assured me that it had never been worn. My 18 year old self was horrified. Needless to say that generous exchange/return policy has long disappeared. People are the worst.
I worked at Old Navy and the day after Halloween was the WORST. We'd get a bunch of UMC moms returning Halloween costumes and shirts insisting that they'd never been worn. The candy stains and crushed leaves said otherwise. They had no shame.
What kind of problem would one have with a tent that doesn't occur until the fourth use that don't show up in the first use and aren't in the "defective due to materials or craftsmanship " category? I'm having a hard time thinking of any.
You don't dry the tent properly and it gets dry rot? You caused the problem. You put a stake through the side? You caused the issue (and outdoor stores have multiple options available for patching. The fly doesn't fit? Should notice the first time. The fiberglass poles are the wrong size? Should notice the first time assembled. A fiberglass pole cracks? They give you replacements with the original (and outdoors stores sell them). Zipper breaks--defective due to materials or craftsmanship.
Honestly I've never owned a tent so I have no idea, lol. I'm thinking something like a zipper breaking or a hole ripping in it (just from pulling on it to set it up, not from slashing it somehow). In other words, something that is a defect that maybe doesn't show up after a small amount of use, but before it is reasonable to expect it to wear out. I imagine there are a lot of outdoor rec equipment items that people use pretty casually and should reasonably expect to last many years with light use (and proper handling).
Some places around here don’t let you return tents or sleeping bags unless defective because so many people buy them and go on their one camping trip that year and then return them. People are assholes. So I think it’s great they have no limitations on their 1year guarantee and frankly as others pointed out, they will still work with customers who purchase defective items past the one year mark.
The other day one of the Jeopardy contestants told the story about how he goes to charity thrift stores around NYC, buys things, and then sells them online for profit. Dh was horrified by this.
I'm reading him this thread and he's equally horrified by the slippers thing. And he said he bets thrift store dude does this.
I WAS WATCHING THIS!!! I’m wanted to follow up with “Do you donate those profits back to the charity store?” Or something along that line.
There are tons of people who do this and have Ebay shops, Poshmark shops, or sell them on FB sites or local second hand sites.
One of my favorite things to do in NYC is to hit up thrift shops. They have AMAZING finds. I often think that I could make a nice chunk of change on stuff I find in those shops.
I don't equate shopping in thrift stores and selling items to returning products that have been used for years for a refund the same.
I agree, not the same. I think it was the charity aspect that really got to dh. He just really thought it was awful.
It just made me laugh that he feels just as strongly about slippers gate.
But the charity gets the same amount whether your husband or someone else buys the clothes.
I think it's a bummer that they are ending this policy for things like tents, camping gear, outdoor gear, etc that probably doesn't get used a ton. I can totally see using a tent once a year for a weekend and having a problem on year 4, and then being disappointed that they can't fix it anymore. I wonder if they will still be helpful with stuff like that.
Things that get regular use? I can completely understand why they'd end that. I do think their price point is such that a clothing item you buy should hold up for a year (at a minimum) but any longer than that isn't a reasonable expectation.
I've never really understood "lifetime" warranties on most things, though. What does that actually mean? I can't think of anything I've ever purchased that I should reasonably expect to last me another 50+ years.
What kind of problem would one have with a tent that doesn't occur until the fourth use that don't show up in the first use and aren't in the "defective due to materials or craftsmanship " category? I'm having a hard time thinking of any.
You don't dry the tent properly and it gets dry rot? You caused the problem. You put a stake through the side? You caused the issue (and outdoor stores have multiple options available for patching. The fly doesn't fit? Should notice the first time. The fiberglass poles are the wrong size? Should notice the first time assembled. A fiberglass pole cracks? They give you replacements with the original (and outdoors stores sell them). Zipper breaks--defective due to materials or craftsmanship.
We camp a lot, but once when several of our new tent's fiberglass poles broke on the third use (well within the warranty time) we warrantied it. I'd never had that happen with any of the other tents I'd owned, and in fact also not with their replacement of the exact same design, which we've now had for years and used dozens of times. It's possible to get a lemon, and materials do get weaker with use.
That said, I agree the time frame does matter.
ETA please forgive my Friday night reading comprehension fail. I now see that your addressed this with the "defective due to materials or craftsmanship" remark that I glossed over.
The other day one of the Jeopardy contestants told the story about how he goes to charity thrift stores around NYC, buys things, and then sells them online for profit. Dh was horrified by this.
I'm reading him this thread and he's equally horrified by the slippers thing. And he said he bets thrift store dude does this.
I WAS WATCHING THIS!!! I’m wanted to follow up with “Do you donate those profits back to the charity store?” Or something along that line.
Uh, who cares? The store already got its money from the initial purchase. The re-seller makes a profit. And something that likely would have ended up overseas (and depressing the local garment industry) or in a landfill is now helping some hipster live out his Macklemore wet dream. It's a win-win-win.
I WAS WATCHING THIS!!! I’m wanted to follow up with “Do you donate those profits back to the charity store?” Or something along that line.
Uh, who cares? The store already got its money from the initial purchase. The re-seller makes a profit. And something that likely would have ended up overseas (and depressing the local garment industry) or in a landfill is now helping some hipster live out his Macklemore wet dream. It's a win-win-win.
You’re right. In reality, it doesn’t matter, but I think the initial optics of it (turning a profit off something from a charity store) made me go, huh??? Probably the same reaction PP’s husband had. It’s not even in the same ball park as the return policy issue, I know.
When I worked at the Baby Gap, they used to take back everything, There was a woman who came in with a denim dress covered in Cheetos and I was supposed to ask if it was worn so we could damage it out and not resell and she assured me that it had never been worn. My 18 year old self was horrified. Needless to say that generous exchange/return policy has long disappeared. People are the worst.
I worked at Old Navy and the day after Halloween was the WORST. We'd get a bunch of UMC moms returning Halloween costumes and shirts insisting that they'd never been worn. The candy stains and crushed leaves said otherwise. They had no shame.
I can imagine. I wish they still sold their costumes, they were great.
My friends own a costume shop, and you would not believe how many people try to return costumes after Halloween. Despite HUGE signs all over the store that say all sales are final.
The second problem they have is people coming in during Halloween (their busiest time of year) to try on costumes, taking pictures of themselves in the costume, and then buying the costume online. A retail store is not your own personal fitting room, especially if it's a locally owned business.
(I'm going to assume we've moved on to how much the general populace sucks.)
Why are earth would somebody buy used onesies? 2 for $3? You can buy 5 new for 10 bucks.
I buy used baby clothes all of the time. For the most part they are in good shape and it’s a way to reduce clothing waste.
But a onesie is just a barrier layer for drool and vomit that is eventually permanently stained and smelly. I could see buying used outfits and whatnot though.
I think it's a bummer that they are ending this policy for things like tents, camping gear, outdoor gear, etc that probably doesn't get used a ton. I can totally see using a tent once a year for a weekend and having a problem on year 4, and then being disappointed that they can't fix it anymore. I wonder if they will still be helpful with stuff like that.
Things that get regular use? I can completely understand why they'd end that. I do think their price point is such that a clothing item you buy should hold up for a year (at a minimum) but any longer than that isn't a reasonable expectation.
I've never really understood "lifetime" warranties on most things, though. What does that actually mean? I can't think of anything I've ever purchased that I should reasonably expect to last me another 50+ years.
What kind of problem would one have with a tent that doesn't occur until the fourth use that don't show up in the first use and aren't in the "defective due to materials or craftsmanship " category? I'm having a hard time thinking of any.
You don't dry the tent properly and it gets dry rot? You caused the problem. You put a stake through the side? You caused the issue (and outdoor stores have multiple options available for patching. The fly doesn't fit? Should notice the first time. The fiberglass poles are the wrong size? Should notice the first time assembled. A fiberglass pole cracks? They give you replacements with the original (and outdoors stores sell them). Zipper breaks--defective due to materials or craftsmanship.
Totally agree. I worked at REI eons ago and they used to allow employees to buy damaged/returned items at a highly discounted price. Someone returned a super nice tent because of tears in a screen, that were obviously from a dog's claws. But of course REI took it back. I purchased the tent for $25, slapped some duct tape on the tear, and used the tent for 22 years.
I can definitely understand the need for the changes to the return policy.
I do make purchases based partly on refund policies. Patagonia is a good example of this. Most of the time they can make a repair, but occasionally they replace instead at their choice. I typically buy directly through Patagonia though, and I know they track the purchase timeframe.
I'm more comfortable making larger purchases through a company that will stand behind their product for more than 30 days. Lands End is another company that I shop more with because I know if something fails sooner than expected they will work with me. They overnighted me a new backpack for DD1 after the zipper broke after the first week of using it. I had actually bought it about 2 months before that during a sale, and would have been sol with a lot of other companies. FYI- the replacement still looks new after 3 years of heavy use.
I don't blame LL Bean though. I think requiring proof of purchase is good, especially since it's easy to track now with databases and rewards by phone number. Returns should be limited to original owner.
share.memebox.com/x/uKhKaZmemebox referal code for 20% off! DD1 "J" born 3/2003 DD2 "G" born 4/2011 DS is here! "H" born 2/2014 m/c#3 1-13-13 @ 9 weeks m/c#2 11-11-12 @ 5w2d I am an extended breastfeeding, cloth diapering, baby wearing, pro marriage equality, birth control lovin', Catholic mama.
I buy used baby clothes all of the time. For the most part they are in good shape and it’s a way to reduce clothing waste.
But a onesie is just a barrier layer for drool and vomit that is eventually permanently stained and smelly. I could see buying used outfits and whatnot though.
A lot are worn once or never because people love to buy parents more baby clothes than a baby (or two) can actually wear.
Or the sizing is messed up so you miss your 2 day window when it actually fits.
Uh, who cares? The store already got its money from the initial purchase. The re-seller makes a profit. And something that likely would have ended up overseas (and depressing the local garment industry) or in a landfill is now helping some hipster live out his Macklemore wet dream. It's a win-win-win.
You’re right. In reality, it doesn’t matter, but I think the initial optics of it (turning a profit off something from a charity store) made me go, huh??? Probably the same reaction PP’s husband had. It’s not even in the same ball park as the return policy issue, I know.
I don't think you understand what a "charity store" is. The money they raise goes to charity. That's it. It doesn't matter who buys it or what they do with it. It's not just "not in the same ballpark" as the LL Bean situation. It is completely unrelated.
You’re right. In reality, it doesn’t matter, but I think the initial optics of it (turning a profit off something from a charity store) made me go, huh??? Probably the same reaction PP’s husband had. It’s not even in the same ball park as the return policy issue, I know.
I don't think you understand what a "charity store" is. The money they raise goes to charity. That's it. It doesn't matter who buys it or what they do with it. It's not just "not in the same ballpark" as the LL Bean situation. It is completely unrelated.
Analogies have never been a board strong suit. lol
I bought an LL Bean backpack when I was in college in 1997. Currently, it is sitting next to me on the floor of my office. Because I'm still using it. The thing is fucking phenomenal.
However, the thought has never crossed my mind to return it on the eventual day something goes wrong with it. I'll pour one out for my backpack that lasted 20+ years and buy a new fucking backpack.
Same. One strap is starting to pull out, so I'm contacting a local seamstress to see if she can fix it. Lol
mrs.jacinthe- I was trying to get a camera bag repaired for a friend who lives out of the country. No sewer/tailor would touch it. I found a luggage company that also does repairs and they fixed it without a problem. Thought I'd share in case the person you contact can't help.
But a onesie is just a barrier layer for drool and vomit that is eventually permanently stained and smelly. I could see buying used outfits and whatnot though.
A lot are worn once or never because people love to buy parents more baby clothes than a baby (or two) can actually wear.
Or the sizing is messed up so you miss your 2 day window when it actually fits.
Look, I'm not buying a used onesie. But I'm a vegetarian, I ride public transportation daily and I diligently recycle. Ok? Lol.
I don't think you understand what a "charity store" is. The money they raise goes to charity. That's it. It doesn't matter who buys it or what they do with it. It's not just "not in the same ballpark" as the LL Bean situation. It is completely unrelated.
Analogies have never been a board strong suit. lol
Obviously. It was an errant reaction and comparison.
mrs.jacinthe- I was trying to get a camera bag repaired for a friend who lives out of the country. No sewer/tailor would touch it. I found a luggage company that also does repairs and they fixed it without a problem. Thought I'd share in case the person you contact can't help.
Thank you! I've got a local seamstress who also does furniture upholstery, so I *think* she's my go-to, but I'll hang on to this in case she fails me.