Never Miss a Return Window Again
Poplin client NR thanks to her Amplified 360 Package.
Part THREE of our three part series on Returns. Check out Part ONE and Part TWO if you haven't already.
There are so many points in the return process that can be a blocker. You may be thinking that the whole thing is a problem for you, but it’s likely that one or two steps are especially difficult. Not to worry. There’s always a way. A key component of having intentional style is making each part of the process as effortless as possible. And let’s face it, if you buy, you also return.
Let’s dive into each step and how to ensure it doesn’t stop you from actually returning those unwanted items.
A closer look at the details of Poplin client Jenny’s look.
Your Post-Purchase Plan: Make Returns Effortless and On-Time
Challenge: You don’t realize you want to return something until it’s too late.
Solution: Hang your new items in your closet in a section in the front until you wear them.
I don’t know about you, but I love an organized, color coded closet. In fact, buying new pieces and hanging them in the front of my closet, away from the magnetic pull of the other similar items feels painful. But, it’s the right approach.
If you put your new green top in with your other green tops, chances are that you’ll end up with it long after the return window closes, whether you wear it or not. Keep your new items top of mind and make a point to wear them right away. If keep skipping an item, you may not truly love it. Or, if it will take some work for you to create an outfit integrating that item, make the time to create that outfit in the first week or move it to your returns pile. We do LOTS of home projects and found ourselves collecting tools from Home Depot only to keep storing them without using them. No more. Several years ago we created a rule for products- if we don’t use it within a week, it goes back. Give yourself a similar deadline for clothing.
Challenge: You wear items too soon after purchasing them.
Solution: Keep tags on until you wear the item outside. And don’t wear shoes outdoors while testing them out.
We’ve all been there. You’re so excited about that new piece that you pop it on right away and by the time you get home you discover it isn’t for you. But now, the tag is off, the item is worn, and whether or not you love it, it’s yours. Wait until the very last minute to remove that tag.
Challenge: You Lose the receipt.
Solution: Take a photo of all physical receipts and tag “receipt” on your phone or track in your favorite apps.
Don’t get stuck searching for a receipt. Of course, emailed receipts or using apps like “Shop” are ideal, but sometimes a physical receipt is inevitable. If you and your partner both shop, make sure they also take photos of receipts so you can easily share them with one another depending on who is on return duty. Many stores track your purchases within the retailer’s app or Shop. Nordstrom, Zara, etc. make returns effortless with an inventory of all of your in store and online purchases in the app, making returns easy.
Challenge: You know you want to return it, but you forget and before you know it, you’ve missed the return deadline.
Solution: Have a weekly return routine.
We do all of our online ordering and returns on Saturdays. Most Saturdays;). And when we forget, which absolutely happens, we take comfort in knowing there is a buffer because return windows are typically more than one week. And if you are thinking, woah, you have things to return every week? No, we don’t. BUT, on the weeks that do not have any returns (Amazon, Home Depot, clothing, etc.), it feels like a delightful win to check that off the list without having to actually do anything.
Solution: Put the deadline for a return on your calendar and/or make a note of the return policy
Every Poplin client gets a “returns doc” with each wishlist. This lets her know the return policy for the specific retailers on her wishlist. You’re unlikely to do this for yourself. But, be aware of return policies before buying. I love All Saints, for example, but don’t love their return policy. So, if I find an item on the site I adore, I’ll double check to see if it’s available at Nordstrom or another retailer with a great return policy, and buy from there. Having a regular return day means that you shouldn’t have to worry about getting your returns in the mail (or to the store) before the deadline. But a 7 day return policy is more common than you think, so having a note on your calendar is a great safety.
Challenge: You know you have returns, but you aren’t sure what they are or where they are located.
Solution: Have a designated location in your house for returns
Ours is a spot in our middle room. We have a reusable bag that always stays in that location for loose returns and larger boxes sit next to it. Opt for a colorful reusable bag if that helps you stay on top of this.
Challenge: You Complete the Return Process but forget to take the package to be mailed (or to the retailer).
Keep Your processed returns in a key location for transport
If you drive the same car every day to work, keep your returns in the trunk with a reminder on your phone so that you don’t forget they are there. While I drive the same car everyday, I don’t have a typical daily commute so I can forget the items are in the car. Instead, as I mentioned, Saturday is our typical return day. On Saturday morning, either my husband or I will complete the online returns then set all the boxes in front of the front door. This way, no one can walk out the door without tripping over the boxes, ensuring that they will make it from the house to the car and to UPS, FedEX, etc.
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