Wow, the US has easy, and cheap, returns for mail-order companies.
Anyone had experience with returning an mail-order item to an overseas company?
Here's a video that makes me green with envy.
How Amazon Returns Work, in North America
CNBC
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US companies are generally excellent when it comes to returns.
I bought some Oakley sunglasses in Houston last year and decided after looking at myself in the mirror for a while back at the hotel that in fact they were not for me.
Next day, I went back into the store and returned them with as much civility and politeness as there had been when I bought them. No surly notices about "we do not have to give you a refund if you change your mind" etc etc. but sensible acknowledgement that their customers sometimes need to take things back and if they know it is easy and simple, they will become loyal customers.
I have returned items to US companies by mail but usually I have had to pay the cost of the courier. The refund process has always been quick and easy once the goods have got back.
I've returned a few things, mostly to the US although I did send a motherboard to Taiwan for repair once. Typically the seller has covered the cost of return. I've never returned an item to China. If there is a problem with one of those orders, I just seek a refund (sometimes partial).
Most of my returns to the US been Amazon items. In some cases the products have been defective, but there have also been cases where Amazon has sent out products that weren't fit for sale. Amazon always refunds the shipping cost and sends a replacement (where applicable) via DHL, so I keep buying from there because I know that even if there is a problem, they'll sort it out.
I'm not of the view that businesses should accept returns simply for change of mind. I find it cringeworthy when businesses say items must be returned in their original packaging in saleable condition. No, if it's returned, it's used. Do NOT send it to me. If I get anything sent to me that's used, it goes back and I get a full refund. No exceptions.
SirHumphreyAppleby: If I get anything sent to me that's used, it goes back and I get a full refund. No exceptions.
I hope you don't try to buy a mirror; they'd have to pack it with their eyes closed.
Amazon UK cap their cover of cost for return shipping at like £8 which was annoying when i had to return a damaged dvd and shipping was effectively double that.
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