Shoppers can expect online return fees
SALISBURY, Md. — You may have some items you are thinking about returning online after the holidays, but retail giants are shaking things up this year.
Many major retailers are adding a fee for online returns. Macy’s is now charging $9.99 plus tax, while Best Buy has set a 15% fee or a flat rate of $45. Marshalls has an $11.99 fee that will be deducted from your refund. Local shoppers are not happy.
Local shopper Deborah Christensen said, “I think that’s a shame because we’re getting attacked left and right with fees, just like ATM fees and everything else. But the problem is now, if it’s going to happen more with online shopping, you better make sure you know what you’re going to buy.”
Christensen said she feels boxed out as stores close local brick-and-mortar locations.
“It’s forcing you to shop online and that’s hard with clothing and everything. Everyone always returns clothing. So if you’re buying your clothes online and then there’s going to be a fee to return them, that’s pretty bad,” Christensen said.
Christensen said the new fees are cutting into Christmas.
“Just look in the past at maybe photos you had, you see thousands of gifts under the tree for everybody. And this year you look at how it slowly got smaller — lower amounts for everybody. Prices are too high,” she said.
Another shopper, Beverly, said the new fees will add to holiday gifting stress.
“I’ve got 20-some nieces and nephews. I can’t possibly know what size everybody wears, what their likes are, what their desires are, and if they should have the— you know. It would lead me to not buy and maybe just give gift cards or just give cash,” Beverly said.
She sees the upside in reducing her spending, cutting quick shopping habits and being more cautious with purchases. Beverly said this New Year’s resolution comes with new problems.
“Pretty much right after the holidays, I think they should have a little break there on fees. And what is the item? If it’s a TV, it’s one thing. But if it were a box of stationery, is there a return fee on that?” Beverly said.
Many stores list their return policies online, so check before you shop. The new fees do not apply to in-store returns, so if you are looking to return any presents, your best bet is to do it in person.
