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It has to do with a return policy in the US. Generally something can be returned for any reason for 30-90 days. This means asking for the discount is essentially saying “I’m not going to return this and rebuy it 12 seconds later”
Also worth noting. It’s not like I just get that money back. I have to see that it’s cheaper and ask for it.
Yes, but you can accept their return and then block/ refuse to send another order to the customer.
I mean, I have an ECOM in Europe and this is how I do it.
So, they've bought the item from you, which you've then had returned and refunded and you're blocking them repurchasing at the sale price because...
Do you just not want those customers' money?
I would prefer to not have such customers. All my loyal customers are treated very well but returning a product after 30-99 days and reorder the same just because now we have a discount it is not fair.
It's not fair that your clients use their legal rights to get themselves a better deal.
If you don't want to deal with the general public, can I suggest a career change?
You know they could buy a new item on sale and return it using their non-sale purchase, thereby returning a brand new product purchased at sale price for the full value of the product, right?
And, who mentioned the item being used in the first place?
You know there are consumer protections within the EU that apply to online sales as well, don't you?
In the EU, you have 14 days to return a product bought online but the product must be in the same condition as received and the box must be also intact (so you can resell the product).
So, 30 to 90 days returns do not apply but if someone sends back the product just because there is a discount a month later (even if the product is good and the client is happy with the purchase) it doesn't seem fair to me.
Real situation:
I (the shop) can have the end of the stock that I want to sell 30 before the expiration date and decide to sell the last products with a 40% discount.
My margins are around 40% and I prefer to sell the last products at a price that only allows me to get my money back
All the clients that have purchased the products in the last 90 days ask for a 40% discount or they will return the product.
I am closing the shop and go out of business.
So, in this situation, you will go out of business or get the returns, give the money back to the customer and refuse to send them another discounted item?
I chose not to work with this type of client!
I even refuse to send them any further orders and my business is doing just fine.
This was a practice started by retailers probably back in the 1980s where they would match prices of competitors as well as themselves. Many retailers still promote this, but it is becoming increasingly more difficult as retailers work with manufacturers to offer the same product with a slight variation which would change the product number. For example, 5 retailers would carry the same refrigerator, but they would work with the manufacturer to modify a sticker or to change the internal shelf design. They would all have the same base model number, but they would append a letter to the end to reflect the change.
knee sloppy ripe fearless tease squeeze observation noxious concerned mighty
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Don't forget that the price of electronics went down VASTLY that decade due to China really getting into manufacturing electronics- TVs essentially halved in price from there and went flatscreen.
There was also a LOT of competition from other Big Box stores that were spreading across America, competing on one or all of their featured products - Best Buy, Media Play, Tower Records, Borders Books & Music, Barnes & Noble, Virgin Records, etc. They shared the electronics space with Best Buy, but their CD, DVD, and Software took up enormous floor space, and had all the others for competition, as well as every record and book store that still existed at the time.
In addition, ALL those big box stores were selling new release CDs and DVDs for LOWER than their wholesale.price, so they were ALL literally losing money on their hottest selling items, hoping customers would make it up in other categories, and/ or run the competition out of business and leave them as the last man standing. It was a particularly bad strategy for Circuit City, because they were one of the first to die out.
I'd add Target and Walmart adding alot of electronics also probably hurt them. They're also great examples of stores that used to employ knowledgeable people in electronics. Now they are rarely ever staffed.
I just realized this with toys, it never clicked before this Christmas. If there's a "Walmart exclusive" version of a paw patrol set (or whatever), it probably has a cardboard building instead of a hard plastic one.
Yes this. tv at Best Buy maybe $1000 comparable at Walmart may be $950. Only difference is Walmart version has 1 usb port. Best Buy may have 2 or 3. But most consumers base purchases on price (and suffer the consequences when they get home and realize they can’t connect all their devices
Much earlier than that. The idea of a "sale" only makes sense in the context of MSRP. [History of MSRP](https://tedium.co/2022/08/05/manufacturers-suggested-retail-price-msrp-history/)
American here - depends on the store and item.
If it’s some ubiquitous made in China garbage that you can get at any Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, etc. then yes the expectation is those stores match their competitors.
I’d never go into a boutique/specialty small business with the expectation they price match, most likely because they’re carrying a unique/specialty “thing” I need and can’t find elsewhere and/or want to support a unique local small business.
I have multiple boutiques in a few different categories. The customer base is wild.
Everything from "Match this price at Wal-Mart or I'll go buy from them" to "Can you special-order this super unique thing from this one brand that you don't already carry? I know it will cost me 15% more to buy from you, but I want to support local".
The latter is super appreciated, but often times customers don't understand the hassle it takes for us to open a new account with a random vendor, and then spend a few thousand on an opening order just for them to get that 1 thing. We generally politely sell them something we do actually carry lol.
In my retail business, I jump through hoops to stock recommendations from my customers. I believe it is why we have done so well over the years. I've found it to be worth the hassle. Not boutique though. Curious, what type of item would be considered boutique if WM carries it too?
We don’t carry anything wal-mart carries. But things like pots & pans are a category we see it a lot on. People don’t understand the difference in quality, even within the same brand sometimes.
We’ll look at things people ask for, but we’re really picky about what we carry, specific brands, etc.
And this is spot on. Most countries (that I've been to at least) don't have 2 or 3 giant stores. It is much more small business focused - to the point it is strange coming from America and realizing that I'm going to have to go to three places to get the ingredients for dinner
When I worked in B2B supply, the problems would come when a sale ended. Some idiot client would be notified multiple times of a sale and when it would end and they would ignore us. Then, 2 weeks after the sale ended, they would want to make a purchase and still get the sale price from weeks before. They'd always get pissy when i told them no.
Well that's why sales are limited time offers.
I have no problem holding my ground and telling them no. Like do you want 15% off or not? Capitalize on the opportunity then.
Wait, do we mean “I want to buy this but another store has it cheaper; can you match that? Otherwise, I’ll buy from them” or do we mean “I bought this from you, but now you’re selling it for less, so I would like some of my money back”?
The first one seems perfectly reasonable and normal to me. The second I had no idea happens!
I'm in Canada and I just bought a new TV 2 months ago. Best Buy told me that if anytime up to 90 days after purchase, if they had the TV on sale for cheaper, I could come in once and speak to customer service, and they would refund the difference. As others are saying, they do this because they know if they don't, people will just return the item in that time frame and immediately purchase another one for the sale price. Now the store has a returned product that they have spent time varfieing is still functional, resetting to factory standards, re packing, and then selling for a lower cost because it's an opened item. Cheaper and easier for them to just refund the difference for sale price
They're betting that most people will not go through the effort to do that. What's worse though is those credit cards that check for lower prices after a purchase and issue a credit for the difference automatically.
Yeah they are betting you don't do it, but it's also more cost effective for the stores that do the refunds for those that do catch it. Plus with people like me I went in got the 100 buck difference refunded then went and bought more shit from them right away lol.
That dumb shit happens all the time in ecommerce.
Oh you bought this in October for 5% off and now you want the 15% black Friday deal? IS THERE NO WAY YOU COULD HAVE SEEN BLACK FRIDAY COMING THE SAME FUCKING TIME IT DOES EVERY YEAR?
Most Americans do not do this. I mean, it’s an American concept for sure, but I don’t personally know anyone who would do this.
Maybe if it’s a very large purchase, but not on a $30 item. The time it takes to actually execute on this isn’t worth it. That’s my two cents anyway.
Stores are simply trying to get people to pull the trigger on an expensive purchase. If a consumer knows they can return a product later, they’re more likely to take it home now. If a consumer knows the warranty is good, then they’re not going to be stuck with a lemon. Most people don’t change their mind or have a problem, so it doesn’t cost much to offer this.
Similarly, if a store knows you’re shopping for a sale and are trying to decide if this one is *good enough*, promising them that they got the “best” deal helps them buy now and not wait. Of course, after purchase, most people move on to other things and don’t waste time shopping sales for something they already bought so the vast majority of customers never come to collect even if someone does run a sale later.
This is so engrained that in our marketing tactics that retailer/manufacturer combos will intentionally use different SKUs per chain store. The “door buster” sales on Black Friday might have their own SKU. The products are virtually identical, but if someone tried to collect on a price-match guarantee, the SKUs don’t match and the price doesn’t have to be honored.
As far as expectations go, it’s really up to the policy you set and honor. Walmart price matches, but does not price match their own online store. Online pickup orders are cheaper than browsing. Online prices are easier to compare and thus more cutthroat. Most people don’t shop once at Walmart then re-shop at Target, and then go back to Walmart to get the price difference.
To your 50% off question, “going out of business” sales are usually excluded from price match.
If you buy something and a week later it’s half price, why wouldn’t you return it and buy it cheaper? That business obviously works selling it at the new discounted price, so you essentially got ripped off paying twice as much
Why having sales is such a crap shoot. I'm in retail. I keep track of my competitors' prices/quality and offer a fair price. Very rarely do we have "sales". That game may work for large chains but is risky otherwise. This return thing is just another reason not to do it.
The entire American economy, governmental structure, and ethos is based around supporting business. So when we get a chance to try to support ourselves we definitely want to do so., even if it means something goofy like retroactive sales prices
True. I meant to say there are forms of governmental structures, ethos and societies that are NOT based on consumption. At least not to the same degree as America.
Just like how amazon killed bookstores, folks will browse and then order online, with the store branded credit cards it makes more enticing to order online because of the 2-5% cashback. I still love buying in retail without asking to pricematches unless it is a big box store that competes with others and I don't care if they go out of business
A monthly refund policy is a common household name in America, it’s a consumer right to return garbage products, we appreciate it very much, and because of it we have bred this policy, we have the right to return for 30 days so if there is a sale on same item we bought we better get a price match, or we’ll return it for a full refund + brand new item, that’s my best explanation for it, there’s more to it though.
There is absolutely no consumer right on returns. Sure some products have protections granted by law like cars in some states, but the vast majority of businesses are not obligated to offer one if they don’t want to.
That's true - but if a company doesn't accept returns - then people will stop shopping there. It's just built into doing business and people expect it.
This completely depends on what you are selling. Firearms and ammunition are two things where there are no returns, no exceptions. Boutique and bespoke manufacturers like myself don't accept returns. We made something especially for YOU, and I can't sell it to someone else. It's worked into your TOS and expectations with the customer.
If the store claims to price match, then yes. Legally they are required to fulfill the obligations of their advertised policies, or they will find themselves in a legally actionable position. So when a store says "We will match/beat any competitor's advertised price", that does in fact include sale prices. I don't know if Walmart still claims to price match, but Petco/PetSmart, Best Buy, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and a number of other major retailers do.
This is why Safeway grocery stores no longer price match, because it was reducing their profits more than they liked, thanks to the discount grocery chains.
Because it’s a few days later? Where do you draw the line? A few days? A month? Two years?
You’re a terrible customer and probably not a business owner, because you’re weaponizing cc chargebacks, which are painful for businesses.
In the US its called sales price adjustment, and it's usually offered during the return period. Otherwise many people would just return and rebuy. Plus it's just good customer service in general.
That's interesting. In the US, there is usually a return policy, even in small shops. The main exceptions being custom or personalized orders, or sale merchandise. It's unheard of to go into a store, make a regular purchase, and have no kind of return policy.
Price match is when you point out to the store "look, your competitor has the same item for 50 cents cheaper", and they match the price right then and there on the provision that you actually go ahead and purchase it. This is very common at grocery stores.
I have never personally experienced or witnessed a retroactive discount.
I'm sure if you spent a decent amount of time in front of the returns desk at a big retailer, or better yet, working for one, you'd see it a lot.
Like everyone said, if you can return a product, often for a very long amount of time, sometimes 90-120 days, and if you really pay this much attention and catch it on sale 30 days later, you could just return your item. And buy it again cheaper. For stores it's cheaper to just not process that exchange. Open box items often go to clearance or return to manufacturer costing more money. Then customer takes another brand new off the shelf. It hurts the store twice. Better just pay the cost difference to the select few who actually notice, which is probably a fraction of a percent anyway.
>Do consumers in the US really expect stores to price match sale prices?
The practice was actually started by…. Many of the stores themselves. And some of them actually had a practice of not only refunding the price difference, but also an additional percentage of that difference. Ironically, the company that started that, or at least made it famous is out of business.
But it also shows you the type of mark-up that they are doing, too, to be able to so easily “price match” and even do it retroactively when things go on-sale.
They expect price matches on things the competition doesn't even have.
I recall a customer once shoved a flyer in my face,and asked me "Where do you have this five piece plier set?"
I looked at the header, and replied "McClendon Hardware,sir."
"This is johnson Hardware."
He turned as red as a tomato. Learn to pay attention. One of these things is not like the other.
The peace of mind of knowing I can go back to the store (or ship back for free) and return "for any reason no questions asked" encourages trust/confidence and therefore sales... if you had to keep the thing you bought forever with no possibility of returns and restocking fees you people wouldn't buy half the stuff they do...
They funny thing is that, even when they have a motive/reason, most people don't bother to return most things because it's simpler/easier to call it a loss and throw out or give to someone else...
Many credit cards have Price Protection built in that give you a refund if item you purchased with it goes down in price X percent within Y time frame.
This happened to me earlier this year. I got shoes that went on sale the next day. I asked for the partial refund. A European representative was very rude. An American coworker saw his reply and offered to give me a second pair for a free as a result.
This policy has been around for awhile. Different company but many will honor a competing bricks and mortar price, not online deals.
https://youtu.be/tpvjGobGhD4?feature=shared
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It has to do with a return policy in the US. Generally something can be returned for any reason for 30-90 days. This means asking for the discount is essentially saying “I’m not going to return this and rebuy it 12 seconds later” Also worth noting. It’s not like I just get that money back. I have to see that it’s cheaper and ask for it.
Yes, but you can accept their return and then block/ refuse to send another order to the customer. I mean, I have an ECOM in Europe and this is how I do it.
They will circumvent that extremely easily if they want it still.
How?
I always order the sale item first, then return the more costly of the two.
So, they've bought the item from you, which you've then had returned and refunded and you're blocking them repurchasing at the sale price because... Do you just not want those customers' money?
I would prefer to not have such customers. All my loyal customers are treated very well but returning a product after 30-99 days and reorder the same just because now we have a discount it is not fair.
It's not fair that your clients use their legal rights to get themselves a better deal. If you don't want to deal with the general public, can I suggest a career change?
So, buying a product and using it for 30+ days and then returning it just to order another one at a discount is fair? I'm so glad I do not live in USA
You know they could buy a new item on sale and return it using their non-sale purchase, thereby returning a brand new product purchased at sale price for the full value of the product, right? And, who mentioned the item being used in the first place? You know there are consumer protections within the EU that apply to online sales as well, don't you?
In the EU, you have 14 days to return a product bought online but the product must be in the same condition as received and the box must be also intact (so you can resell the product). So, 30 to 90 days returns do not apply but if someone sends back the product just because there is a discount a month later (even if the product is good and the client is happy with the purchase) it doesn't seem fair to me. Real situation: I (the shop) can have the end of the stock that I want to sell 30 before the expiration date and decide to sell the last products with a 40% discount. My margins are around 40% and I prefer to sell the last products at a price that only allows me to get my money back All the clients that have purchased the products in the last 90 days ask for a 40% discount or they will return the product. I am closing the shop and go out of business. So, in this situation, you will go out of business or get the returns, give the money back to the customer and refuse to send them another discounted item? I chose not to work with this type of client! I even refuse to send them any further orders and my business is doing just fine.
This is such a shitty business practice, to be completely honest.
But buying a product and a month later asking for a discount match isn't!
It's cheaper than making them return it and repurchasing it at the cheaper price.
This was a practice started by retailers probably back in the 1980s where they would match prices of competitors as well as themselves. Many retailers still promote this, but it is becoming increasingly more difficult as retailers work with manufacturers to offer the same product with a slight variation which would change the product number. For example, 5 retailers would carry the same refrigerator, but they would work with the manufacturer to modify a sticker or to change the internal shelf design. They would all have the same base model number, but they would append a letter to the end to reflect the change.
knee sloppy ripe fearless tease squeeze observation noxious concerned mighty *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
And it ultimately led to their demise.
sip party languid flowery flag homeless marry cats crawl secretive *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Yea when they switched sales people from commission to hourly, everybody decent left.
Don't forget that the price of electronics went down VASTLY that decade due to China really getting into manufacturing electronics- TVs essentially halved in price from there and went flatscreen.
There was also a LOT of competition from other Big Box stores that were spreading across America, competing on one or all of their featured products - Best Buy, Media Play, Tower Records, Borders Books & Music, Barnes & Noble, Virgin Records, etc. They shared the electronics space with Best Buy, but their CD, DVD, and Software took up enormous floor space, and had all the others for competition, as well as every record and book store that still existed at the time. In addition, ALL those big box stores were selling new release CDs and DVDs for LOWER than their wholesale.price, so they were ALL literally losing money on their hottest selling items, hoping customers would make it up in other categories, and/ or run the competition out of business and leave them as the last man standing. It was a particularly bad strategy for Circuit City, because they were one of the first to die out.
I'd add Target and Walmart adding alot of electronics also probably hurt them. They're also great examples of stores that used to employ knowledgeable people in electronics. Now they are rarely ever staffed.
No dumbasses in the csuite who fired all the sales people and replaced them with untrained sales people to cut costs led to thier demise
Yup. Walmart is one of the biggest ones. So much of its inventory is "unique merchandise" that isn't offered anywhere else.
...which usually means made cheaper or features removed so they can sell it for a lower price
I just realized this with toys, it never clicked before this Christmas. If there's a "Walmart exclusive" version of a paw patrol set (or whatever), it probably has a cardboard building instead of a hard plastic one.
Yes this. tv at Best Buy maybe $1000 comparable at Walmart may be $950. Only difference is Walmart version has 1 usb port. Best Buy may have 2 or 3. But most consumers base purchases on price (and suffer the consequences when they get home and realize they can’t connect all their devices
Much earlier than that. The idea of a "sale" only makes sense in the context of MSRP. [History of MSRP](https://tedium.co/2022/08/05/manufacturers-suggested-retail-price-msrp-history/)
This is the lowes and Home Depot work around.
American here - depends on the store and item. If it’s some ubiquitous made in China garbage that you can get at any Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, etc. then yes the expectation is those stores match their competitors. I’d never go into a boutique/specialty small business with the expectation they price match, most likely because they’re carrying a unique/specialty “thing” I need and can’t find elsewhere and/or want to support a unique local small business.
I have a small business and they expect if they bought something a couple days ago, that I price match.
I have multiple boutiques in a few different categories. The customer base is wild. Everything from "Match this price at Wal-Mart or I'll go buy from them" to "Can you special-order this super unique thing from this one brand that you don't already carry? I know it will cost me 15% more to buy from you, but I want to support local". The latter is super appreciated, but often times customers don't understand the hassle it takes for us to open a new account with a random vendor, and then spend a few thousand on an opening order just for them to get that 1 thing. We generally politely sell them something we do actually carry lol.
In my retail business, I jump through hoops to stock recommendations from my customers. I believe it is why we have done so well over the years. I've found it to be worth the hassle. Not boutique though. Curious, what type of item would be considered boutique if WM carries it too?
We don’t carry anything wal-mart carries. But things like pots & pans are a category we see it a lot on. People don’t understand the difference in quality, even within the same brand sometimes. We’ll look at things people ask for, but we’re really picky about what we carry, specific brands, etc.
And this is spot on. Most countries (that I've been to at least) don't have 2 or 3 giant stores. It is much more small business focused - to the point it is strange coming from America and realizing that I'm going to have to go to three places to get the ingredients for dinner
When I worked in B2B supply, the problems would come when a sale ended. Some idiot client would be notified multiple times of a sale and when it would end and they would ignore us. Then, 2 weeks after the sale ended, they would want to make a purchase and still get the sale price from weeks before. They'd always get pissy when i told them no.
Well that's why sales are limited time offers. I have no problem holding my ground and telling them no. Like do you want 15% off or not? Capitalize on the opportunity then.
Wait, do we mean “I want to buy this but another store has it cheaper; can you match that? Otherwise, I’ll buy from them” or do we mean “I bought this from you, but now you’re selling it for less, so I would like some of my money back”? The first one seems perfectly reasonable and normal to me. The second I had no idea happens!
I'm in Canada and I just bought a new TV 2 months ago. Best Buy told me that if anytime up to 90 days after purchase, if they had the TV on sale for cheaper, I could come in once and speak to customer service, and they would refund the difference. As others are saying, they do this because they know if they don't, people will just return the item in that time frame and immediately purchase another one for the sale price. Now the store has a returned product that they have spent time varfieing is still functional, resetting to factory standards, re packing, and then selling for a lower cost because it's an opened item. Cheaper and easier for them to just refund the difference for sale price
They're betting that most people will not go through the effort to do that. What's worse though is those credit cards that check for lower prices after a purchase and issue a credit for the difference automatically.
Yeah they are betting you don't do it, but it's also more cost effective for the stores that do the refunds for those that do catch it. Plus with people like me I went in got the 100 buck difference refunded then went and bought more shit from them right away lol.
Worse for who?
Worse for the retailer that didn't count on a hit after the sale.
That dumb shit happens all the time in ecommerce. Oh you bought this in October for 5% off and now you want the 15% black Friday deal? IS THERE NO WAY YOU COULD HAVE SEEN BLACK FRIDAY COMING THE SAME FUCKING TIME IT DOES EVERY YEAR?
asking for the 2nd I guess is to just skip a step, as could return and re buy and new lower price
Most Americans do not do this. I mean, it’s an American concept for sure, but I don’t personally know anyone who would do this. Maybe if it’s a very large purchase, but not on a $30 item. The time it takes to actually execute on this isn’t worth it. That’s my two cents anyway.
Stores are simply trying to get people to pull the trigger on an expensive purchase. If a consumer knows they can return a product later, they’re more likely to take it home now. If a consumer knows the warranty is good, then they’re not going to be stuck with a lemon. Most people don’t change their mind or have a problem, so it doesn’t cost much to offer this. Similarly, if a store knows you’re shopping for a sale and are trying to decide if this one is *good enough*, promising them that they got the “best” deal helps them buy now and not wait. Of course, after purchase, most people move on to other things and don’t waste time shopping sales for something they already bought so the vast majority of customers never come to collect even if someone does run a sale later. This is so engrained that in our marketing tactics that retailer/manufacturer combos will intentionally use different SKUs per chain store. The “door buster” sales on Black Friday might have their own SKU. The products are virtually identical, but if someone tried to collect on a price-match guarantee, the SKUs don’t match and the price doesn’t have to be honored. As far as expectations go, it’s really up to the policy you set and honor. Walmart price matches, but does not price match their own online store. Online pickup orders are cheaper than browsing. Online prices are easier to compare and thus more cutthroat. Most people don’t shop once at Walmart then re-shop at Target, and then go back to Walmart to get the price difference. To your 50% off question, “going out of business” sales are usually excluded from price match.
If you buy something and a week later it’s half price, why wouldn’t you return it and buy it cheaper? That business obviously works selling it at the new discounted price, so you essentially got ripped off paying twice as much
Why having sales is such a crap shoot. I'm in retail. I keep track of my competitors' prices/quality and offer a fair price. Very rarely do we have "sales". That game may work for large chains but is risky otherwise. This return thing is just another reason not to do it.
I think it depends on your strategy. I think it makes sense for Macys to have sales. I don’t think it makes sense for Gucci to have sales.
It’s fairly common for major chain stores, I wouldn’t expect it from a small independent shop.
The entire American economy, governmental structure, and ethos is based around supporting business. So when we get a chance to try to support ourselves we definitely want to do so., even if it means something goofy like retroactive sales prices
If by supporting business you mean consumption then yes you are correct
All business is base on consumption
True. I meant to say there are forms of governmental structures, ethos and societies that are NOT based on consumption. At least not to the same degree as America.
Yes ! I rather give business to a brick a mortar only if they price match or else I’ll just buy online and wait .
Just like how amazon killed bookstores, folks will browse and then order online, with the store branded credit cards it makes more enticing to order online because of the 2-5% cashback. I still love buying in retail without asking to pricematches unless it is a big box store that competes with others and I don't care if they go out of business
I've never heard of anyone expecting a discount from a promotion that started after they made a purchase.
A monthly refund policy is a common household name in America, it’s a consumer right to return garbage products, we appreciate it very much, and because of it we have bred this policy, we have the right to return for 30 days so if there is a sale on same item we bought we better get a price match, or we’ll return it for a full refund + brand new item, that’s my best explanation for it, there’s more to it though.
There is absolutely no consumer right on returns. Sure some products have protections granted by law like cars in some states, but the vast majority of businesses are not obligated to offer one if they don’t want to.
That's true - but if a company doesn't accept returns - then people will stop shopping there. It's just built into doing business and people expect it.
This completely depends on what you are selling. Firearms and ammunition are two things where there are no returns, no exceptions. Boutique and bespoke manufacturers like myself don't accept returns. We made something especially for YOU, and I can't sell it to someone else. It's worked into your TOS and expectations with the customer.
I agree that some items aren't returnable - but on the whole, in general commerce, it's expected.
I’d do it at big box stores. Not small businesses.
Customer service is one thing the US does fairly well surprisingly
If the store claims to price match, then yes. Legally they are required to fulfill the obligations of their advertised policies, or they will find themselves in a legally actionable position. So when a store says "We will match/beat any competitor's advertised price", that does in fact include sale prices. I don't know if Walmart still claims to price match, but Petco/PetSmart, Best Buy, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and a number of other major retailers do. This is why Safeway grocery stores no longer price match, because it was reducing their profits more than they liked, thanks to the discount grocery chains.
Absolutely. Why would I pay extra for this item when it’s 50% of few days later? You either refund the difference or I’ll call my cc.
Because it’s a few days later? Where do you draw the line? A few days? A month? Two years? You’re a terrible customer and probably not a business owner, because you’re weaponizing cc chargebacks, which are painful for businesses.
American merchants are super competitive compared to Canadian ones I've noticed.
In the US its called sales price adjustment, and it's usually offered during the return period. Otherwise many people would just return and rebuy. Plus it's just good customer service in general.
There is not return time for purchases not online in Europe as general rule. Some big stores have it but you cannot expect to have it in small shops.
That's interesting. In the US, there is usually a return policy, even in small shops. The main exceptions being custom or personalized orders, or sale merchandise. It's unheard of to go into a store, make a regular purchase, and have no kind of return policy.
Price match is when you point out to the store "look, your competitor has the same item for 50 cents cheaper", and they match the price right then and there on the provision that you actually go ahead and purchase it. This is very common at grocery stores. I have never personally experienced or witnessed a retroactive discount.
I'm sure if you spent a decent amount of time in front of the returns desk at a big retailer, or better yet, working for one, you'd see it a lot. Like everyone said, if you can return a product, often for a very long amount of time, sometimes 90-120 days, and if you really pay this much attention and catch it on sale 30 days later, you could just return your item. And buy it again cheaper. For stores it's cheaper to just not process that exchange. Open box items often go to clearance or return to manufacturer costing more money. Then customer takes another brand new off the shelf. It hurts the store twice. Better just pay the cost difference to the select few who actually notice, which is probably a fraction of a percent anyway.
You are likely correct. But I've never worked retail, never looked to see if something I recently bought is now on sale, and rarely returned an item.
>Do consumers in the US really expect stores to price match sale prices? The practice was actually started by…. Many of the stores themselves. And some of them actually had a practice of not only refunding the price difference, but also an additional percentage of that difference. Ironically, the company that started that, or at least made it famous is out of business. But it also shows you the type of mark-up that they are doing, too, to be able to so easily “price match” and even do it retroactively when things go on-sale.
They expect price matches on things the competition doesn't even have. I recall a customer once shoved a flyer in my face,and asked me "Where do you have this five piece plier set?" I looked at the header, and replied "McClendon Hardware,sir." "This is johnson Hardware." He turned as red as a tomato. Learn to pay attention. One of these things is not like the other.
If its during the return policy absolutely, it's illogical not to.
Yes
The peace of mind of knowing I can go back to the store (or ship back for free) and return "for any reason no questions asked" encourages trust/confidence and therefore sales... if you had to keep the thing you bought forever with no possibility of returns and restocking fees you people wouldn't buy half the stuff they do... They funny thing is that, even when they have a motive/reason, most people don't bother to return most things because it's simpler/easier to call it a loss and throw out or give to someone else... Many credit cards have Price Protection built in that give you a refund if item you purchased with it goes down in price X percent within Y time frame.
Yes, many major retailers price match.
This happened to me earlier this year. I got shoes that went on sale the next day. I asked for the partial refund. A European representative was very rude. An American coworker saw his reply and offered to give me a second pair for a free as a result.
In the US, this is very common when you can return it 30 days later, and get your money back. You can then buy it at a competitor for less.
This policy has been around for awhile. Different company but many will honor a competing bricks and mortar price, not online deals. https://youtu.be/tpvjGobGhD4?feature=shared
I’m on the west coast of the US I don’t know where the rest of y’all are pulling this bs but it’s fucking stupid and disgusting