Manage Your Life

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Return it and get big savings!

Michele Ashamalla: My son came back from a camp trip to Disneyland with one of those fun bubble blower guns. Well, it would have been fun if it had worked. He spent his own money for it, and was understandably disappointed. Believe it or not, he actually had the receipt, but there was no way I was going to go all the way to Disneyland to negotiate an exchange. One call to Disneyland customer service put me in touch with someone who promised to send me out a new one if I faxed the receipt.

 Woman sitting on arm chair looking at bill

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I had a similar experience when a MovieCash certificate I earned at the grocery store was not accepted at what was supposed to be a participating theater. I called MovieCash, sent them the stubs of the tickets I had to pay for, and got a check back in the mail. A call to Target.com about a pair of jeans for my daughter that developed a hole after a month of wear had them sending her a new pair. They didn't even want the old ones back, so she ended up with a pair of cut-offs, too.

Even if the time to return an item is passed, it is always worth a call to customer service. Be polite, but let them know that the product did not work as advertised or intended, or why it was unacceptable. Always have in mind what outcome you are looking for (refund, rebate, or something else), and if you are reasonable, you probably won't be disappointed.
Read more: http://www.momlogic.com/2009/09/return_it_and_get_big_savings.php#ixzz0QAxN6JPQ

A former state deputy attorney general and current stay-at-home mom, Recession Mama Michele Ashamalla has three kids and ten years of experience stretching one salary to cover the necessities and more. She's all about saving money whenever you can, so you have it to spend on whatever you want!


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Read more: http://www.momlogic.com/2009/09/return_it_and_get_big_savings.php#ixzz0QAxT2Jqw

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Comments 1-9 of 9
  • Mrs. Carol B's Avatar
    Posted by Mrs. Carol B Fri Sep 4, 2009 4:02pm PDT

    Great post. A lot of people just don't want to take the time to call or go to the store and lose money all the time. Do you think the wealthy ever throw anything away or not go get a refund? They most certainly do go get a refund and don't throw things away but donate them and take write offs. I used to be an accountant and had wealthy clients that looked like they lived on the street. It made my head spin.

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  • Writers_block's Avatar
    Posted by Writers_block Fri Sep 4, 2009 5:28pm PDT

    I'm a customer service rep for a large retail company. You'd me amazed at what some people try to return. Here are a couple of other good pointers to add to the original post.

    I'm not saying that if something breaks or malfunctions you shouldn't call, but if you've been using something constantly for a year or two, like a pair of boots, and it starts to wear out then don't call us complaining.

    Call us promptly is something happens or if you notice something wrong.

    Please, please, PLEASE read the return instructions first! We're always happy to answer your questions but the easiest way to avoid wasting your time and ours is to read all of the information first.

    Try on clothes before removing the tags and washing them. There's not a lot we can do if you've washed something and then discovered that it doesnt fit.

    I'm sorry if we messed up and I promise to do everything I can do fix it. But please remember that I didn't pack or ship your order and it isn't my fault. Yelling and swearing at me will only make me keep you on hold longer and not as inclined to go out of my way to help.

    If for some reason you do get a CSR that is unpleasant and not helpful, get that person's name and ask for a manager.

    We are not 411. Do not call us looking for other companies phone numbers/address/hours of operation/ ect, ect. Also, we do not keep track of what other companies sale. Dont ask.

    I do not work at ebay. We do not haggle or bargain. However if you are nice we might tell you about a promotion we're having. It never hurts to ask, and we don't mind if you do.

    Complaining about how much something costs won't help either.

    We don't set the prices, or decide how something is advertised. Complaining about it to us doesn't do you any good.

    I promise, your child's Christmas will NOT be ruined because he doesn't get a certain toy on time. Yelling at us will not make it ship faster, even though it clearly states to allow 10 to 14 business days for delivery and you ordered it two days before the holiday. And P.S, if that does spoil your child's Christmas than you desperatley need to take a step back and re-evalute you parenting techniques.

    Don't lie to us and please don't call us if you're drunk/bored/high.

    I promise these are all things that have really happened, and if we all work a little harder on our communication skills it'll make everyone happier. Remember, we are here to serve you and keeping you happy, and ordering from us again, is important from us. We survive mostly on word of mouth, however there are some people that you just can't please. But if you'll be patient we will try to fix it for you!

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  • Aves gour's Avatar
    Posted by Aves gour Sat Sep 5, 2009 8:11am PDT

    I want to talk with you. Please give me your E.mail.ID and also password

    Report Abuse
  • Aves gour's Avatar
    Posted by Aves gour Sat Sep 5, 2009 8:13am PDT

    Sorry I cant dislay my image now.But please accept my previous wish.

    Report Abuse
  • Hayley H.'s Avatar
    Posted by Hayley H. Sat Sep 5, 2009 9:50am PDT

    that so right.

    Report Abuse
  • LA's Avatar
    Posted by LA Sun Sep 6, 2009 11:31am PDT

    I bought a white winter parka from LL Bean. I wore it all winter long. I could not keep it clean and the sleeves felt too short because I ordered a petite instead of just a regular. I called them next winter, they gave me a pre-paid return label, and sent me a brand new parka in a different size and color. No questions asked. LL Bean has the best return policy ever. I recommend buying things from them if you plan on keeping an item for a long time.

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  • JoKTM's Avatar
    Posted by JoKTM Sun Sep 6, 2009 2:02pm PDT

    Gymboree has the best return policy for kids clothes. They gurantee their clothes not to fade or shrink if they do you bring it back for a full refund. If you fill out the online survey they have and complain about the product you will get tons of coupons. If items have their tags still on them you have 180 days to bring them back.

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  • Pamela R's Avatar
    Posted by Pamela R Mon Sep 7, 2009 12:31pm PDT

    You can also return things from Disneyland at any Disney Store.

    Report Abuse
  • mel's Avatar
    Posted by mel Mon Sep 7, 2009 12:44pm PDT

    it's too bad i can exchange all the crap my exboyfriend gave me for some cash.

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-9 of 9

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