Another Return story

[Pixie]

MrsBart, when you talked to the company via phone, did you explain that the purchases were made on someone else's credit card other than your own, or just ask about the return policy in general?  I am not saying this to blame you, just trying to figure out where the problem began....  As a customer service supervisor in the store I work at, I would have had the forethought to ask, but some others do not.  I think that is where the confusion may have started.....

Having a reciept is a helpful thing, but it only guarantees that the returner can get the price paid for the item.  It does not guarantee that the person can get this money back in cash or back on someone else's credit card.  If retail stores were to "save" each customer's CC number in their system, what is to protect the customer from CC fraud by someone who works in the store? 

In my store, we are told that we are to do everything we can to put things back the way they were done originally.  It is only when someone starts to make a scene that we can call a upper level manager and get approval to give in to a customer's demands to circumvent company policy.  IMO, this just encourages some customers that they will get things done their way if they yell loud enough (I don't mean you MrsBart, I am speaking about the customers in my store only.)
As to getting the CC # over the phone, I find it lucky that the store would accept that:  at my store, if you manually enter a CC # (for any reason) you have to imprint the card on one of those old slide machines: otherwise, LP is all over your rear.

At any rate, this situation doesn't sound like it was a personal attack on you:  It's business.  Employees must follow the rules set by the company or they can lose their job.  If you are really steamed about the company policy, you might check the website and see if there is a feedback option and mention it there. 

I just have one question.... How DOES one return a gift, purchased with the giver's credit card, to your store?

[Rei-chan]

I just have one question.... How DOES one return a gift, purchased with the giver's credit card, to your store?

One of 2 ways: 

1.  For store credit (this card doesn't expire, has no fees like some places, etc)
2.  For an exchange (this doesn't have to be for the same item, the price can go towards another item)

These terms are clearly printed, both on the original receipt, and on all gift receipts.  In addition, the cashiers are supposed to explain the return policy as well.

For us, the only other option is to ask the giver to bring in the item (with receipt) and get the credit back themselves, provided they have the CC with them. 

I realize that some people consider this a hassle, and I can sympathize.  However, I do not have the authority to change or circumvent the policy.  If I did, I could get fired.

[grinningcomb]

If Target can do it, other retailers can to.  They choose NOT to, to deliberately make it difficult to make returns, IMO.  They don't want to lose the sale.

It could also be that they don't want to spend the money to upgrade all their systems to one that has this ability.  They may have just purchased new computers right before this program/ability came out.  Please don't assume it's just the company deliberately making it difficult to make returns.

[Lauren]

He told me I needed to bring in my Mom's credit card if I wanted to not get their store credit. 

That's actully pretty standard. Go ask most retailers if you can return a card bought purchase without the card and they'll tell you its impossible.

If Target can do it, other retailers can to.  They choose NOT to, to deliberately make it difficult to make returns, IMO.  They don't want to lose the sale.

Target is a HUGE multi-national store. Its a lot easier for them to do that, than a store that only has a couple. Target it the exception, not the rule.

[Morty'sCleaningLady]

To Willow --

That must be a really rough return policy to enforce! I don't enjoy your job.

If that were the case in this sitation, either my parents would have to drive pretty far to do a return or Goodwill would be getting a hat and scarf.  My mother hates the idea of gifts going to Goodwill (not that the people there can't use them, just that the recipient didn't technically walk away with a present or cash and was, in her mind, slighted).

Mrs. B.

[Rei-chan]

To Willow --

That must be a really rough return policy to enforce! I don't enjoy your job.

If that were the case in this sitation, either my parents would have to drive pretty far to do a return or Goodwill would be getting a hat and scarf.  My mother hates the idea of gifts going to Goodwill (not that the people there can't use them, just that the recipient didn't technically walk away with a present or cash and was, in her mind, slighted).

Mrs. B.

Yeah, its not fun.  What's even more of the not fun variety is 8 hours of telling people this (which I just got done having to do)!  I can't wait till I get out of retail (just a few more months hopefully)......