No returns: the main rules for returning items to stores

We are sure that every self-respecting girl has an unpleasant situation when, as a result of forced shopping, several new and absolutely unnecessary things magically appear in her wardrobe. It sounds like the most environmentally friendly, but that’s not even the point. And the fact that the purchase can be easily returned to the store. But the fear of this process is so great that for many it is easier to “bury” an unsuitable thing on the far shelf of the wardrobe than to hand it over.

We decided to dispel all the myths about the comeback and talk about the rules everyone should know. To do this, we spoke with stylist and online style school founder Wanda Wong, who shares her lifehacks on how not to be afraid to buy clothes and shoes without trying them on.

Wanda Wong, stylist, founder of online style school, and fashion blogger

Come back, you can’t leave

Despite all the openness and accessibility, there are still a few people who return (and do right) things. There is an opinion in our minds that the return of things is something unpleasant and terrible: a tense showdown with vendors, a bitter aftertaste, and a spoiled mood all day long. Such a cliché is a thing of the past and has nothing to do with the real situation: almost any product that for some reason does not suit you must be returned within 14 days by law. Many stores offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Before you buy anything, read the rules in the “Returns” section on the official website.

Here are six rules to remember and use if necessary.

If you are faced with the fact that sellers or store management do not accept returns, consult consumer law.

In case of what does not fit, the law says 14 days, but sellers can set longer periods at their discretion. However, the situation is reversed in return under warranty. Sellers tend to specify less than the law. For example, 7 or 30 days. In fact, according to the law, the period you can return a poor quality product is 2 years.

Treat returns as part of the assembly process: You left money as collateral for the product. Do not consider the purchase complete until you can try again at home and make a final decision. If you don’t like the product, return it and get your money back.

The Consumer Rights Protection Act applies to sellers and buyers – individuals and legal entities. But if you bought goods from a person (without the status of an individual entrepreneur and self-employed) manually or through special classified sites, the norms of the law may be powerless.

If the package is delayed on the way, 14 days for the return is counted from the date of actual receipt of the order, and not from the day the order was placed. And even if the product is lost on the way or the order is canceled for technical reasons, the money will be credited to the account within 3-5 days after the application is submitted.

If you find a defect, do not try to fix it yourself. When a product arrives with a factory defect or loses its appearance during wear, a return is required for the entire warranty period. So, at a store, I successfully delivered something I wore for two months because it had lumps on it.

I can’t go back, leave

The store may not accept returns in cases such as underwear, socks, personal care products, medical products, cosmetics and perfumes. The only exception to the rule is the product’s factory defect. But if you bought underwear online, for example, you can return it.

Due to the worsening situation, sanctions and the cancellation of international flights, many foreign stores stopped their activities in Russia. Via Yoox, MatchesFashion, Net-a-Porter, Farfetch, Mr. Porter, Asos and others can no longer be bought only, but it is also impossible to return the goods. Indeed, to make a return, you need to fill out an application form, which is not yet available for buyers from Russia on the store’s website.

If you cannot return products, do not store them on the shelves. You can sell clothes, accessories or shoes on Russian sales platforms such as the Second Friend Store, OSKELLY, LOTS and even Avito.

The main thing is not to be afraid of returns! Try something at home, mix and match with wardrobe clothes, accessories and shoes. If you bought a crimson trench coat under the lure of big discounts or the dizzying temptation of a teenage XS model, but later realized that you definitely wouldn’t wear it, then ruthlessly return it.

In today’s realities, it is not worth saving a lot of money and spending money on inappropriate things, keep your wardrobe rational, keep your wardrobe full of only the clothes you will wear.