Certain Things Cameron Village Mean Owner at Chi chi boutique refuses to accept returns Raleigh NC
In December 2000 I received a $240 sweater for Christmas that was purchased at Certain Things. I had recently had 2 deaths in my immediate family and was dealing with issues related to these deaths over the holidays in Greensboro, about 90 miles away. I was out of town most of the holiday. The sweater did not fit, and in the 3rd week of January I took the sweater to exchange it. The store's owner told me that I could not exchange it because items purchased for Christmas had to be returned by January 1. My husband, who gave me the gift, was not aware of this policy. I later found it printed in small print on the receipt.
I begged the owner in person, by phone, and via mail to accept the sweater for return. She refused, but finally said she would accept it for return for a sale item for 50% of the price of the sweater. She had only about 20 sweaters on sale, none that I wanted. I said no, and then filed reports with the Better Business Bureau and other consumer agencies. Each time, the owner responded to the agencies with letters stating that small boutiques do not accept returns more than a week after purchase.
Meanwhile, I talked with two other people who have had the same experience. I am going to encourage them to also file a report.
I am also going to file in small claims court for the price of the sweater plus $1000 in damages.
Sarah
Raleigh, North Carolina
10 Updates & Rebuttals
Dee
scottsdale,Arizona,
$1000 in damages??? What damages????
#11Consumer Comment
Fri, September 13, 2002
This just shows off your greed! Plus the price of the sweater? You will be laughed out of any courtroom!
The boutique owner made an effort to work with you, despite its store policy.
Suck it up, sell the sweater on ebay and tell hubby to get you a gift certificate next time.
Dee
scottsdale,Arizona,
$1000 in damages??? What damages????
#11Consumer Comment
Fri, September 13, 2002
This just shows off your greed! Plus the price of the sweater? You will be laughed out of any courtroom!
The boutique owner made an effort to work with you, despite its store policy.
Suck it up, sell the sweater on ebay and tell hubby to get you a gift certificate next time.
Dee
scottsdale,Arizona,
$1000 in damages??? What damages????
#11Consumer Comment
Fri, September 13, 2002
This just shows off your greed! Plus the price of the sweater? You will be laughed out of any courtroom!
The boutique owner made an effort to work with you, despite its store policy.
Suck it up, sell the sweater on ebay and tell hubby to get you a gift certificate next time.
Dee
scottsdale,Arizona,
$1000 in damages??? What damages????
#11Consumer Comment
Fri, September 13, 2002
This just shows off your greed! Plus the price of the sweater? You will be laughed out of any courtroom!
The boutique owner made an effort to work with you, despite its store policy.
Suck it up, sell the sweater on ebay and tell hubby to get you a gift certificate next time.
Grig
Cary,North Carolina,
5 day return policy is unreasonable
#11Consumer Comment
Fri, September 13, 2002
Hey Bob, why does the owner even have a return policy? If they are going to lose money on the return, what difference does it make if the return is made within the 5 days? Anyway, this is part of the cost of doing business.
As a side note I think paying 240 dollars for a sweater is ridiculous. That someone would be willing to pay that much for a piece of fabric should have been good warning of things to come. You can find nice sweaters at goodwill for 3 dollars.
Grig
Cary,North Carolina,
5 day return policy is unreasonable
#11Consumer Comment
Fri, September 13, 2002
Hey Bob, why does the owner even have a return policy? If they are going to lose money on the return, what difference does it make if the return is made within the 5 days? Anyway, this is part of the cost of doing business.
As a side note I think paying 240 dollars for a sweater is ridiculous. That someone would be willing to pay that much for a piece of fabric should have been good warning of things to come. You can find nice sweaters at goodwill for 3 dollars.
Grig
Cary,North Carolina,
5 day return policy is unreasonable
#11Consumer Comment
Fri, September 13, 2002
Hey Bob, why does the owner even have a return policy? If they are going to lose money on the return, what difference does it make if the return is made within the 5 days? Anyway, this is part of the cost of doing business.
As a side note I think paying 240 dollars for a sweater is ridiculous. That someone would be willing to pay that much for a piece of fabric should have been good warning of things to come. You can find nice sweaters at goodwill for 3 dollars.
Grig
Cary,North Carolina,
5 day return policy is unreasonable
#11Consumer Comment
Fri, September 13, 2002
Hey Bob, why does the owner even have a return policy? If they are going to lose money on the return, what difference does it make if the return is made within the 5 days? Anyway, this is part of the cost of doing business.
As a side note I think paying 240 dollars for a sweater is ridiculous. That someone would be willing to pay that much for a piece of fabric should have been good warning of things to come. You can find nice sweaters at goodwill for 3 dollars.
evelyn
Garner,North Carolina,
Who the hell is Bob?
#11Consumer Comment
Tue, June 18, 2002
Bob the rebuttal man should state what his relationship with this store is. How does he define "late in the season"? Is a 5 day return policy really fair or the norm for retailers other than the big box stores? Given the current economic climate, retailers must be more sensitive to their customers' needs and wishes. I've been in a similar situation and know that those clothes are marked up 50-100% to begin with.
Bob
Raleigh,North Carolina,
Sorry, but you also need to see the store's side
#11Consumer Suggestion
Fri, June 14, 2002
It is unfortunate that circumstances prevented you from returning the sweater within the store's return period as stated on your receipt.Certainly, a family crisis will take priority over returning a sweater.
You must also consider the store's position. If seasonal apparel is returned late in the season, it may not be saleable again except at a deep discount. It also might not sell at all and, especially in apparel, might not be in style the next season - a total loss to the store.
Although the store had no legal obligation to do anything for you, they did try to help. Remember, this isn't a megastore chain like Walmart or Target. This loss will come right out of the owner's pocket.
I'm a vigorous advocate for consumer right. In this case, it appears that the retailer made a fair offer to you. If you choose to litigate, it seems most unlikely that you'd prevail.