Big deal or no?

[Michiganbowhunter_SQ2]

So I made a post on a different forum yesterday. I have just recently signed up there to get some info and this was may 2nd or 3rd post there. I ordered a couple of things from Gander Mountain since they didn't have them in the store here, and they were on sale that day only (actually it was the same item, I ordered two of them). Later on that day, I found another good deal on a similar item and ordered that too. So my post there was since I didn't need all three, which one(s) should I keep. Well all was fine, got some good responses, but a little bit ago I got a couple of nasty replies about "Why should the retailer take them back?" and how returns drive up the prices for everyone else because of the "mistake in judgment."

So now I ask you guys, what do you think of returns? Remember, I have not even received these products yet, so obviously I am not returning an open product.

Edited July 14, 2010 by Michiganbowhunter_SQ2

[92xj]

So I made a post on a different forum yesterday. I have just recently signed up there to get some info and this was may 2nd or 3rd post there. I ordered a couple of things from Gander Mountain since they didn't have them in the store here, and they were on sale that day only (actually it was the same item, I ordered two of them). Later on that day, I found another good deal on a similar item and ordered that too. So my post there was since I didn't need all three, which one(s) should I keep. Well all was fine, got some good responses, but a little bit ago I got a couple of nasty replies about "Why should the retailer take them back?" and how returns drive up the prices for everyone else because of the "mistake in judgment."

So now I ask you guys, what do you think of returns? Remember, I have not even received these products yet, so obviously I am not returning an open product.

What other forum,

Let me post there. I am sure it will become interesting!!!

[elkoholic]

Okay, I'll bite. This practice definitely is factored into the price. The cost in man-hours alone has to be made up somewhere. Then, if product is restocked when sold you end up with an overstock when items are returned causing a negative cash flow situation. On a scale of one this is no big deal, but I can assure you it is not a scale of one. The customer service/the customer is always right theory has led to increased costs and spoiled, nasty customers. Most people who have to deal with the "public" on a daily basis will testify to that. My way of thinking is that if you bought it, you own it, and no one can make a living by taking back product and returning your money.

One last thought (off topic), most of the cost of many products is the result of advertising and endorsements expenses. You can blame Michael, T-Bone and all the other "pros" for the cost of your gear.

[BowJoe]

Just like you can blame Michael, T-bone and the other "pros" for the increased sales too. If it weren't profitable to have them as spokespersons they wouldn't, consequently, you'd be hard pressed to see the items in action on hunts with said "pros". Elkoholic, I never took you to be a pro basher type. What gives?

[redkneck]

I can't believe this is even a topic of contention?!?! What gives? It's called a "Return Policy" for a reason..... it's a POLICY. Does it cost a store to accept a return? Sure. BUT I'll tell you this much with certainty.... Let a big retailer like GM, BPS, or esp Wally-World put a sign in the window that says "No returns" and watch sales fall like BP stock. They take returns for a reason. It increases sales and the bottom line, therefore I say returns are good business. :pop:

[wtnhunt]

Not a big deal Lee. I see it the same way as John, there is a reason those stores are successful and why there are those people who might spend slightly higher prices for like products for the customer service they get from places like cabelas. CSR from cabelas once told me over the phone that there was a reason they don't price match and that is because noone in the industry will beat them on their customer service and their return policy.

[Jeramie]

Just part of business as I look at it. They take that into consideration when they set their prices and I guarantee you the stores are looking at it the same way others are.

If they take the return with little guff then you'll likely buy something else. They will smile, return the money, and go one. I personally wouldnt worry about it. I rarely take anything back but its because im very picky, not because I have issues with it.

[Orion_70]

I think the return policy is factored into the price and is a cost of doing business. I've bought stuff before that needed to be returned just because I didn't need it for one reason or another, usually to save a trip back to the store. The cost for a returned item is low.

In this case... they should have had the dang cameras in stock !!!!!

[hunterbobb]

I don't see anything wrong with returning items once in a while. I do it occasionally when I have bought something I realize I don't need or is the wrong size or something. Some people abuse the system though. My sister for instance refuses to use a fitting room at the store. So she will buy several items of clothing she is interested in. Takes them home to try them on and then returns the ones she doesn't like. Now people like that should have restrictions put on them when it comes to returns.

[Goinghuntin]

I agree with John, if they state that they have a return policy they should take a package back if the customer isn't satisfied, IF the package is still in good condition. And on top of that, I've always believed the customer is always right If the customer isn't happy, you gotta make him happy.

Nathan

[Rhino]

I can't believe this is even a topic of contention?!?! What gives? It's called a "Return Policy" for a reason..... it's a POLICY. Does it cost a store to accept a return? Sure. BUT I'll tell you this much with certainty.... Let a big retailer like GM, BPS, or esp Wally-World put a sign in the window that says "No returns" and watch sales fall like BP stock. They take returns for a reason. It increases sales and the bottom line, therefore I say returns are good business. :pop:

X2...well said!

Many orders I recieved have a return lable included in the box. Part of their return policy. The $ are factored in just like the packaging and advertising cost that goes into a product.

[dbHunterNY]

I see their gripe, because it makes the sale items before they're gone harder. That's life though, and the stores have a policy that works and if it doesn't they change it. If they take returns it's not hurting them much.

[ckrich]

Right on

I can't believe this is even a topic of contention?!?! What gives? It's called a "Return Policy" for a reason..... it's a POLICY. Does it cost a store to accept a return? Sure. BUT I'll tell you this much with certainty.... Let a big retailer like GM, BPS, or esp Wally-World put a sign in the window that says "No returns" and watch sales fall like BP stock. They take returns for a reason. It increases sales and the bottom line, therefore I say returns are good business. :pop:

Return policies are a common business practice and are already figured into the original price of the product. And, just being realistic, it's not like your one return is going to break the company. The person who bashed you is or was likely involved with a product or company that was inferior or had poor business practices, and this could have led to a major finacial effect for that individual. Or, they just don't have a clue what they are talking about. Don't sweat it.

[Dawg]

What other forum,

Let me post there. I am sure it will become interesting!!!

Na, you're too much of a softy now.

I can't believe this is even a topic of contention?!?! What gives? It's called a "Return Policy" for a reason..... it's a POLICY. Does it cost a store to accept a return? Sure. BUT I'll tell you this much with certainty.... Let a big retailer like GM, BPS, or esp Wally-World put a sign in the window that says "No returns" and watch sales fall like BP stock. They take returns for a reason. It increases sales and the bottom line, therefore I say returns are good business. :pop:

:yes:

[92xj]

Na, you're too much of a softy now.

meh, whatever.

[Dawg]

meh, whatever.

See what I mean?

Pitiful.

[Michiganbowhunter_SQ2]

Yeah I figured it wasn't a big deal. Now I can see if it was someone who does this on a regular basis, but I doubt most people have made a habit out of doing this. Most places now have a return policy, like gander mountains. After a certain time, or if the box is opened, they charge you a restocking fee. I also doubt they will lose any money with this return. I was originally paying $69.99 for it, and when/if it is returned they throw it back on the empty shelf (they had zero in stock and they were back ordered online) they are going to charge $99 for it again and I'm sure it'll be bought quickly. Oh well....I asked a mod over there to go ahead and lock it or close it, really no point in arguing over something that dumb.

[Dawg]

This oughta teach you to stick with the RT forums.

[92xj]

See what I mean?

Pitiful.

I dont like hurting people's feelings. I care a lot.

I crack myself up.

[elkoholic]

Just like you can blame Michael, T-bone and the other "pros" for the increased sales too. If it weren't profitable to have them as spokespersons they wouldn't, consequently, you'd be hard pressed to see the items in action on hunts with said "pros". Elkoholic, I never took you to be a pro basher type. What gives?

I did not intend to bash the pros. I say all the more power to them for making a living the way they do, but the truth is that most of the cost comes from advertising and endorsements. Yes, they cause an increase in sales because, everyone wants to be like Mike. Even with those increased sales they could not pay Mike without raising prices. That is not Mike's fault. It all started with the original "Mike" who was payed millions to wear a shoe made by people paid less than a dollar a day and sold to fools willing to pay hundreds for a pair of Air Jordans, and guess what? They still were not like Mike. Most of the hunting pros worked hard to get where they are. A few are just cute and look good in camo so they had an easy ride. They all appear to be good people who I would not mind sitting around a campfire with, especially the cute ones.

Back to the original post. Not a big deal, but certainly something to meditate on. Personally, I feel a product should only be returned if defective.