Do You — or Don’t You: Do You or Don’t You Amend Your Return Polices for the Holiday Season?
BY INSTORE TEAM
Published in the November 2013 issue
20% YES, I DO
We just tighten the return period to encourage the exchangers/returners not to linger. — David Lindsay, Purdy’s Jewellery & Gems, Bobcaygeon, ON, Canada
We extend our return policy for Christmas purchases. — Howard Knopf, Robert Irwin Jewelers, Memphis, TN
We extend our returns until the end of January to make it a worry-free holiday purchase. — Treva Roberts, Diamonds & Designs by None Other Goldsmiths, Gahanna, OH
Our normal return policy allows for a full cash refund within seven days of purchase. We extend this policy from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 each year. After Jan. 1, exchanges only, no money back. — Don Unwin, Sterling Jewelers, Wethersfield, CT
We are just sure to clarify with people there are no refunds, store credit only. Usually takes care of it. — Tom. R. Nelson, Nelson Jewelry, Spencer, IA
I allow store credit for the receiver of a gift if they don’t like it. I do that all the time, but am a little more loose during the holidays. — Mark Thomas Ruby, SunSpirit Designs, Loveland, CO
All returns must be made within 10 days after Christmas. Typically we have a 20-day return period. — Peter Manka Jr., Ben Garelick Jewelers, Williamsville, NY
80% NO, I DON’T
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We have never had a problem with returns. Our sales stick 99 percent of the time. — Allison Love, Allison Love’s Fine Jewelry, Rock Hill, SC
Not many people take advantage of us, if they do so be it. If they have done so in the past there are notes under their name in the computer. — Beth Guntzviller, Miner’s North Jewelers, Traverse City, MI
We can usually cull out borrowers; there’s no reason to punish the rest for a couple of people who try to cheat the system. As long as the item comes back in the same condition it left in, and in a reasonable amount of time, it’s OK. — Casey Gallant, Stephen Gallant Jewelers, Orleans, MA
We prefer to be consistent. Our policy is store credit only, no refunds. On very rare occasions if a refund is prudent, we will absolutely modify the policy. Customers are more important than a blind enforcement of a policy. — O. William Koke, Cambridge Jewelers, Hudson, OH
I don’t want people afraid to shop at our store. — Marta Jones-Couch, Elements, Des Moines, IA
It is unfair either to our year-round clients or unfair to the holiday shoppers to make special allowances or restrictions on our sales terms. Consistancy is the best policy. — Deric Metzger, DeMer Jewelry, Oceanside, CA
We are in a small town and know most of our customers so returns are limited. Besides, our good customers know they can borrow jewelry for big events. — Scott McQuaid, In House Jewelers, Phoenix, MD
