Nordstrom Return Policy Purchase
2 Apr 227 Comments
Went to Nordstrom to pick up a pair of shorts and some new sandals for summer. Nordstrom is VERY pricey, but if you are looking a few nice items for longterm use, I suggest buying from them for a few reasons:
1.) Service. Nordstrom’s legendary customer service has never failed to meet and beat my expectations.
2.) Return Policy. There is none. There is no time limit or reason for return needed to return an item. You can take a beaten up, dog-eaten pair of 10 year old jeans purchased from them and get a refund or exchange. Seriously.
Now, just remember, don’t buy EVERYTHING from them, just a select few high quality items from your wardrobe.
My excursion to Nordstrom cost me:
- J.W. Nordstrom Khaki Shorts – $32.50
- Cole Haan Leather Sandals – $145
- Shoe shining stuff - $6
- Tax - $15.14
- Total – $198.64
Eat your heart out Budgeting Babe :)
I never knew you could do that at Nordstrom… it’s like Costco! :)
Think I would buy $145 sandals if I couldn’t take them back for any reason??
It’s not the most publicized fact, or else everyone would take advantage of their policy!
Whoa, didn’t think you were the big spending type
I only spend a lot on timelessly styled, long-term use articles of clothing.
I wear sandals a lot, so I considered this a long-term use purchase. Plus I had $300 in my spending account, so I could afford it at the time!
I became a lifelong Nordstrom customer years ago when I bought a pair of Kenneth Cole shoes for I around $200ish dollars. I wore them all the time over the course of 9 months, and the sole became loose. I was on a vacation and they were my only pair of “going out” shoes. I stopped by a Nordstrom and asked for a replacement, which they gave me without any hassle except the shoe salesman explained that they weren’t “every day” shoes. That was 3 years ago and these are still my one pair of nice black shoes (I don’t wear them on a daily basis.) that I wear when I go out.
Anonymous,
Nordstrom as a store is just great. It seems a bit overpriced until you understand their return policy (or lack of).
I too love nice dress shoes, especially Kenneth Cole’s, but their price turns me off. Paying $150 – $250 for shoes which I cannot wear everyday out of fear of them getting worn or scuffed is not fun.
While I am careful about my new Cole Haan’s, I can wear them comfortably knowing that they are always “insured” by Nordstrom…even 10 years down the line!
Thanks for your comment!
-Nev
do you have to a receipt
nordstrom sucks, over priced crap for preppies.
Nordstrom really SUCKS. Their return policy is “no return policy” but having a no return policy means that it’s up to their discretion to perform a refund or exchange for you on any items purchased there. If the rep like you, they will do it, if they don’t, good luck. We tried out with different ethnicities returning the same item, same return reason given– one person who looked sloopy and young was denied with reason being that the item was used. Another, on the other hand got help and was thanked for shopping at Nordstrom. I am not saying all of their sales rep or sales managers are like that, but Nordstrom really isn’t as great as people think. I will post more examples. Costco, on the other hand, is really great.
Costco sucks because they have no return policy but still “lecture” you and at one point told my mom she won’t be able to return anything else at Costco (she was returning a treadmill that she had bought 3 yrs prior but never used and she lives 5 mins away from one so spends ALOT of money there). I mean don’t let your return policy be unlimited if you feel that a certain timeframe is too long??
3 yrs really
I worked for Nordstroms for 4 years. A sales associate is not allowed to deny you a return. If they question it you can request a manager and if the manager questions it ask for the store manager. They will never deny you a return unless you are a constant returner and you are put on a list. Even then you still can get a return.
There is a list huh?! I change my mind soooo often, I make a ton of returns, but the stuff is not used or worn. I also buy a lot of stuff that does not get returned. I have a Nordstrom card and I get calls about events, invites for Hudson fittings etc all the time. I have never had a problem making returns but I worry that I probably make too many returns… hmm how would I know if I was on a list?
marie-
There isn’t a list, but the computer keeps track of what you buy and what you return. Employees have to mark in the computer if what you return cannot be re-sold (if it is damaged, worn, altered or otherwise non-sellable). To my knowledge you are never put on a “list” per se, but I do know that the Loss Prevention department researches transactions on a very regular basis for various reasons and if it’s the case that you return almost everything you buy or if you are regularly returning merchandise that can’t be re-sold, they will notice it. I know our store manager has written some customers letters apologizing that our merchandise has consistently failed to meet their expectations and suggesting that they take their business elsewhere.
The policy is not quite as liberal as indicated:
http://www.returnpolicies.info/index.php/u-s-a/nordstrom/
So what do you say when you are returning a pair of shoes you have worn for like 5 years? I don’t like them anymore? Do you have to have a receipt in order to get a refund? If you don’t will they give you a store credit? If so, how do they know what you paid for them 5 years ago? Thanks.
You must have Nordstrom confused with Macy’s, long time Nordstrom customer and I have never experienced any discrimination…
from a nordstrom employee… we returned a pair of shoes with a maxi pad wrapped around them, i crap you not. no questions were asked and the customer walked right out of the store no hassle even though she was aware of it. so there is no discretion – it ALL gets returned. things have been returned from 13 years ago and the worst part… the employee who sold it loses the comission, no matter how long it’s been. so the next time you try and return something someone took one hour of their day to sell you, remember that you are STEALING money back from them.
I agree! I spent close to $5000 this year and I love all their merchandize. When I return an item (not used) I end up leaving with at least two more. That way I don’t feel that they lost their commission.
The way it works is the Nordstrom employee gets the commission for their sales on that day. If you return something after a 2 week period, the employee does not lose the sale. It is against federal regulation to back bill an employee for commissions made in the prior pay period (Nordstrom pays out every 2 weeks). However, if you return an item within the 2 week period to another employee, the original employee will lose the commission and the new employee will gain the commission on anything you may buy that day, unless the new employee is nice enough to use the old employees login #.
P.S. I used to work at Nordstrom as a Sales Associate then Manager.
Hi Riley, I just have a question regarding items that we’re given to me as a gift. I would like to bring it in for a smaller size, or a store credit. My worry is that I was told that if thee is no barcode sticker on it, they might not take it back. I never wore the shirt and jeans I got but would like to take it in for an exchange or a store credit. Please help, let me know if I can still return it or I’m stuck with an oversized jeans and shirt. I am closeby Nordstrom in Walnut Creek, CA. Thanks in advance.
It is not against the law (maybe in the state you worked for?), but many retailers will take away commission/sales numbers as far back as 180 days or more. Currently working as a Macy’s employee.
You are mistaken. If it is returned within a year, the salesperson loses the commission. It used to be they would lose the commission even after 5 years. It just takes it out of the salesperson’s gross sales for that day. And Curious, if you are just exchanging, it shouldn’t be an issue. The transaction can be recalled with the purchaser’s phone number, name and/or zip code.
I just recently stopped working at Nordstrom. What you are saying about commissions is not accurate anymore ~ or at least in the state of Wa. The original associate does take a hit on the sale anytime within a year of the date of purchase. If its one day after than the store eats the loss and the associate keeps all the commissions. Trust me ~ it was a big deal when the changed it from an open-ended time frame to this. With the state of the economy we had clients cleaning out their closets to help make ends meet and as you know sales weren’t rocking out like they used to be so with lower sales and high returns the employees were struggling too! As for returns ~ we know who is abusing the system and likely if your a chronic returner than you won’t get the same kind of service as others. They have become more tight on them but most likely you will be told ” we will do it this one time but..” . We understand that people over spend at times or they get something home and it doesn’t work. Its the ones who use and abuse that should be ashamed of their behavior and Nordstroms laid back return policy. These are the people who are truly in the rental business. They never keep anything!
Actually we lose the sale if the item is returned within the last year of purchasing.
Current Nordstrom Employee.
my brother worked for nordstrom for years and i have heard it all. it is true that nordstrom will take anything back… but u dont need to be animals. i am sorry but taking back shoes from 10 years ago or a handbags that u used for 7 years is not only wrong, it is nasty and i would never EVER humiliate myself (bc whether u see it or not, u are an embarrassment) make myself look like such trash that i would use such a wonderful customer service-related policy to support whatever habit u are feeding by making nordstrom your recycling bin. that is taking their name and using it bc u are disgusting. mind u, they will remember u and not in a good way and two, they have such an unbelievable security team that sees EVERYthing u do and will track ur case if u are abusing their system. they aren’t stupid or blind… and they sure arent one of the richest companies by being idiots. and dont forget those sales, whether a week old, or 3 years old, DOES get taken off the salesperson’s paycheck and they can see when u return things to other stores. so treat them like they treat u. they dont NEED u as a customer when they have so many that are loyal and treat them respectfully. the same does NOT apply for costco. there is no commission there. so comparing the two is the most idiotic thing ive heard and i have had some of the worst experiences at costco (HELLO?? they sold their company from price club so they obviously arent all that great in their business).
Please don’t return things over and over or for ridiculus reasons….especially in the cosmetics department. You don’t realize these employees have goals to make and when you return 500 bucks worth of stuff, it makes a HUGE dent in their progress. Plus the commision made from that is taken out of their paycheck. And Nordstrom will catch those of you who abuse their return policy; keep doing it and you just might find yourself in a court room. Thanks!
My MAC powder broke a week after I bought it! I went in to get an exchange and they just told me “be more careful” and wouldn’t return it!! I had my mom do it for me a few days later and they were just fine with it! It is age discrimination I swear!
That sucks…High class discrimination.
obviously the person who was helping you was a moron. Next time ask for a manager. They are told to not bother managers for returns. They always say be the hero. If you ask for a manager they will return it.
Its true that when you return something at Nordstrom the commission is taken off that salesperson’s current paycheck no matter how long ago(1yr,5 yrs…etc). So when you return something worn for years to Nordstrom that great Nordstrom return policy is actually coming off the back of the saleperson, not the company.
I currently work at Nordstrom and the return policy is absolute shit. Don’t buy two of something to have your husband try on at home….and the bring the second pair of shoes or pants back. It is rude. I had the last two days of the pay period off once and I got an 1,000 dollar return in two days. Well, obviously I couldn’t make that up. SO, I lost about 150 dollars of my paycheck.
However, the salesperson doesn’t get hit with the return if the item is returned after 1 year. An employee sued the company a couple of years ago and they had to change the policy. Now the employee only gets his commission burned if it is within the 1st year.
It is actually 2 weeks. Not one year.
riley, you dont know what your talking about. It’s a year. I sucks, but thats the rule
It is one year not 2 weeks. Employees wouldn’t complain so much if it was 2 weeks…
I received a huge Coach purse from my three daughters. I have used it for about two weeks and have found it to be a bit too cumbersome. I do not have the receipt and how would they know it was purchased from them???
I am a Nordstroms employee and the return policy really affects our paychecks. Imagine working hard all day long for only $70 a day and then someone comes and returns something with causes you to lose $40 from your paycheck, now imagine that everyone that reads this website decides to come in and return something.
Remember, it isn’t Nordstroms that pays for your returns. It is the single mom, or college student, or other real person that sold you the item in the first place.
Seriously, to recommend what this page advocates, is not only immoral and unethical, but it is also just plain mean to the poor Nordstroms worker.
Actually, the name of the store is Nordstrom. There is no “s” at the end. Normally, I’m not that nit-picky, but since you work there I just thought I’d give you that pointer to help you out on the job.
Bullcrap. They make about 20 bucks an hr there.
you’re a fukin idiot. if you got 20 bucks to work there then no one would complain. you’re a fukin moron “11″
Make sure your daughters didnt buy it at Chinatown fake.
Nordstrom will sue you for trying to bring something fake.
Thats fraud by law :)
Just a wise advice, you know how children are whenever they want to impress their mom.
You’re an idiot! Nordstrom doesn’t even prosecute shoplifters, so they certainly are not going to launch expensive civil suits to “sue” crooks attempting to bring fake junk back! Why don’t you cite an example of that happening mastermind?!
OK we need to clear things up here. You can’t take back beat up, dog eaten clothes. They actually do have a policy. The “no return policy” is just PR. Worn or altered clothes can not be returned unless there is a product defect (not caused by the customer or normal wear and tear) unless it is a special circumstance. Some salespeople may want to get a sale out of you, and thus take back clothes they shouldn’t. But this notion that you can take back ancient clothes and just exchange them for new ones, or return items from other stores is false (though people do try it every day). Bottom line is the company (like any other company) is out to make money off of you. Managers and CEO’s dont get their jollies from thinking about how happy their customers are. They get their jollies from thinking of the huge profit margins they’re making off their clothes. People need to be aware and so they can be more informed consumers. In the sales world, the salesperson who “helps” the customer best is the one taking the most money out of your pocket. Nasty, but it’s a living.
You actually can return altered items. I used to work for Nordstrom and had many people return altered items, and we couldn’t do anything about it.
To the Nordstrom employee who feels that individuals who return goods are “STEALING” from them, do you want some wHine with your cheese? Retail salespeople are often commissioned for extending little to no help to customers. They often seem more interested in chatting about the latest Idol episode than helping the customer. Is that not “STEALING” from the customer as well since they are overpaying for service that wasn’t provided? If their commissions are clawedback, so be it. It goes with the territory of being a salesperson. So forgive me if I don’t want to join your pity party, if you don’t like their policy, go work somewhere else. On a seperate note, does Nordstrom’s even require a receipt or valid proof or purchase to return goods?
SO YOUR SAYING EVERYONE WHO WORKS AT NORDSTROMS IS JUST STUPID CLERK WHO HAVE NO FAMILIES TO SUPPORT, NO BILLS TO PAY, NO LIVES TO LIVE AND SHOULD JUST TAKE WHAT SHIT YOU DISH OUT CUZ YOUR AN ASSHOLE?? I DONT THINK SO TRY WALKING A DAY IN THEIR SHOES YOU WOULDN’T MAKE IT A MINUTE. THE PEOPLE WHO WORK THERE TRY VERY HARD AND FOR JERK-OFFS LIKE YOU WHO ABUSE THE SYSTEM TO RUIN IT FOR EVERYONE. ITS JUST YOUR WORLD AND WE ARE THE MINIONS THAT BOW DOWN TO YOU… IDIOT
Um I adore your comments. That person is a lowlife asshole that will be unhappy for the rest of life. Don’t fret about him :)
He was not saying that you are a stupid clerk or whatever. He was just saying he does not give a crap. And I support that fully. Your family, your bills, etc. are you problem. Not his and not mine.
Hi Stupid Idiot. My name is WAKE UP. Clearly, you are some rich brat or just a brat that has never EVER been in customer service. I work really hard and my customers are always happy and well taken care of. Money DOES get taken away from us when you return stuff for stupid lowlife reasons. IF you do have a legit reason to return something I will be on my knees to help remedy the situation…But, before you post such stupidity, go get a job as a server or in retail or in any other job in which you have to conduct customer service or serve someone. WE are human beings. And until you have done a job in customer service so your ego can get cut back down to size, shut your mouth.
Thank you.
You are a total and complete rude moron who has obviously never worked retail a day in their life. Rot in hell.
All I can say is their “no return policy” was not lineant to me. I tried returning a clinique moisturizer that I’ve bought 2 weeks ago. It caused allergic reactions so went to Nordstrom and tried to return it. It’s barely used and I have the receipt, nordstrom sticker and everything. I was so pissed when the same sales person who sold the same lotion told me that I cannot return the item anymore because there was a small white blank sticker on the jar of the lotion. I explained to her that I did not put the sticker on the jar but she refused to issue a refund. It was so clear that she was just finding ways so that she will not lose her commission and I have to go home with a lotion that I cannot use which was worth 50 dollars.
Should have reported her to a manager. Pretty much, Nordstrom employees are not allowed to say “No” to a customer’s request.
I TOO BELIEVE THAT NORDSTROM RETURNS AND EXCHANGES AT THEIR DESCRETION. RECEIPT OR NO RECEIPT, A SALE IS TRACKABLE…IVE WORKED RETAIL. IT MAY NOT BE TRACKABLE AFTER 3 YEARS, BUT IF YOU BOUGHT SOMETHING LAST YEAR, AND YOU CAN REMEMBER THE DATE YOU BOUGHT IT (BECAUSE IT WAS A B DAY PRESENT) AND THE PRODUCT WAS DEFECTED (BROKE), YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO RETURN IT WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED. AND COMMISSION CUTS COME WITH THE JOB. THESE SALES PEOPLE GET PAID FOR EXACTLY WHAT THEY DO…WHICH IS NOTHING. THIS IS WHY THE SALES PERSON WORKS FOR MINIMUM WAGE, TO ENSURE THAT ALL THAT STANDING AROUND AMOUNTS TO SOMETHING. I ALSO BELIEVE THE PRICES ARE A LITTLE HIGH, AND IF YOU’RE A YOUNG MAN AND “LOOK” LIKE YOU MIGHT NOT OWN A ROLLS ROYCE, CHANCES ARE, YOU’RE PROBABLY GOING TO ENCOUNTER PROBLEMS WHEN TRYING TO MAKE AN EXCHANGE OR PURCHASE. SO WHY BICKER ABOUT IT, THEY’RE THE ONES TAKING IT IN THE YOU KNOW WHAT!! HAHA!! NOW, ISN’T THAT KARMA ENOUGH!? THAT RETURN POLICY SURE WONT LAST LONG ONCE SOMEONE FIGURES OUT HOW TO SCAM IT COMEPLETELY. I JUST TAKE MY “CASH” SOMEWHERE ELSE, WHERE IM NOT “GRILLED” FOR MY PERSONAL INFORMATION, SUCH AS MY ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER. ID RATHER BUY MY GUCCI FROM GUCCI ANYWAYS…I’VE ALWAYS HATED THE MIDDLE MAN!!!
NORDSTROM SHMORDSTROM
So let me clarify, because they asked for your information you feel as though you are being grilled? You know that you don’t actually have to provide any of that information, right? Short of that, I’m sure that Erik, Blake and Peter are more than happy that you have publicly declared your preference for Gucci from Gucci. They no longer have to deal with your ignorant behavior.
To the person who believes that all salespeople make minimum wage – you need to do some fact checking. Depending upon where you work, and in the case of Nordstrom, what department you work in that is not true. Certain departments operate solely on a commission structure. If you don’t make your sales goal, yes, you’ll get paid, but it will be pathetic compared to those who actively work for their paycheck. If you continue to operate at the bare minimum, you will be reprimanded and likely fired for under performance. That being said, there are the individuals who do this, and those that are still employed likely have manipulated employee numbers to make it appear that they have actually sold. However, management isn’t stupid and they generally won’t tolerate such behavior.
As an assistant manager who had to be the M.I.C. (manager in charge) when our store manager had gone home for the day, I have heard and seen it all. Yes, I turned away people, but it was when items were clearly fraudulent, with absolutely no purchase history in the system (AMAZING, they keep track! That’s why they ask for your personal information!!!!) and the person attempting to return was hostile and at no point genial to let me work with them. So if that was you, yeah, chances are someone used his or her discretion to deny your scam.
Hey,Nordstrom employee here—
It is true that returns are counted against us no matter how long it has been since the item was purchased. In general all sales associated are 100% commissioned. This means that we only make a percentage of our sales. Returns come directly out of our paychecks. It also effects the department manager.
We can say no to anything. We also don’t take back worn clothes or shoes unless we can validate the reason. I have said no to plenty of 7 Jeans with the ass split out.
That said, most of the stuff is high quality and unique.
Please stop buying one and stealing one and trying to return both. We have excellent tracking devices now and have really vamped up security. They key is to never apprehend someone immediately. Most thieves are repeaters and we like felonies.
ok ive found a way to get any item in the store at any price i want like if i want a pair of ferragamos that are 500 i only price them at 130, but them then return them but for the full 500. then take the money and spend it at the louie store.and no i will not share on how to do this. yes, some times i price the item to low and it gets canceled but its still a great method.
Now THAT is truly stealing. Ever heard of the Golden Rule? Karma? What goes around, comes around? It all comes back, my friend.
You are a very very bad person… I hope you know that
You are loosing money in other areas and you don’t even know it.
You’re full of crap! What do you mean you “price them” at $130? Nobody will believe that Ferragamos are $130 you moron, nor will they ring up at that price!
If you are saying you put stickers on them and they then sell them for that much, you are just lying!
You must think everyone here is as stupid as you are!
HI, I have a question. When you return something does the sales person know who returned the items? I shop at Nordstroms a lot and always feel super bad when I return an item. I feel like I am taking money from the sales person that helped me. HOwever, sometimes you get home and try on the piece that you thought looked great in the store, and it does not look great and you need to return it. I always feel bad like the person knows I returned it and they think I did not like their suggestion or what they picked out for me or I took away from their commissions. AND, what if I get home and find the item way cheaper somewhere else? that has happened to me several times as well.
Hi, I’m a salesperson at Nordstrom and I appreciate this question very much. Thank you for being conscientious of and concerned about how your returning affects us sales people. The answer is, it depends. Obviously I will know if someone returned something if they return it TO me, and my co-workers will tell me when they take returns on me. But it’s usually not that big a deal…I mean a little bit of returns is pretty normal for employees during the course of the day. And we realize that sometimes things just don’t work out. If the return happens in a different department or another store, it’s a little harder to know who it was, but you can still find out. Nordstrom keeps track of people’s purchase/return history so sometimes I’ll be looking through my customer list and see that someone returned something I sold them. If you’re returning something that was very expensive (thousands of dollars) you can bet that the sales person will be researching to find out what happened. For the most part though, the sales people just want to make sure that you like what you buy before you buy it so you don’t get home and change your mind.
Also, if it’s ever the case that you find something is cheaper somewhere else, let the salesperson you worked with know and they will see what they can do.
I’m an employee of N. To the guy calling us whiners, Fuck you. We work hard and the public is gerneraly crazy and rude. I jump through hoops for assholes all day and smile while I’m getting bent over so that I can pay my bills. I hope you recieve the same amount of sympathy when you get fucked at your job. If you use something you purchased, as long as it’s not defective and you return it, alot of people loose money. It gets taken out of the sales people in more than just commision. It is stealing and your hateful comment is just gross.
AMEN
Nordstrom does suck…..they will fire you if you don’t make commission 3x in a row. And they could not care less if there aren’t any customers in the store. It’s the employees fault. I never missed a day, was never late, and worked the ever changing schedule they gave me. Now they have fired me. You would think they would appreciate a good employee, but apparently not.
It’s all about money my friend..
your job is to sell merchandise. You know your goal when you get hired. You even sign a form that says you will meet those goals. If you dont meet those goals you are not doing the job you agreed to do therefore why should they keep you around when they can find someone who will meet the goals they agree to meet.
As a former sales person, manager, and buyer I have to say that Nordstrom definitely sucks. Before I tell you why, however I do have to address the comment on the reutrns. 1st of all the “policy” has been around for a long time. So, to the person who said the policy won’t last long once it is figured out is wrong. They have it figured out and are aware of the people who abuse the policy. There are cameras and people watching all over the store. There are under cover security at all times and employees calling security at even the inkling that someone may be stealing or making a bad return.
With that being said, I will also say that this is one of the worst companies to work for. They are not compassionate or family oriented at all. You give them 100% and they give you nothing. It is over priced garbage that can be purchased at Target. They mark up their prices over 50-60% in any given instance. That means you are paying a lot for something that may not be the best, but because it is associated with the name Nordstrom you as a consumer believe you are getting what you pay for. Not the case.
Do not shop there, tell your friends and family not to shop there, and have them tell their friends and family not to shop there.
I just think mr buyer over here is bitter. Get a life nordstrom’s is great no doubt.
Gotta Agree with you ! ! ! They have lost their allure from the early days and now they are alienating their loyal customers, Long story not necessary to go into … but I am done after 15 years of loyalty…
Hi! I’m a “prospective” employee of Nordstrom’s and I am going in for my first interview next Monday for them in the “Women’s Apparell” (not designer dept.). I was just researching the company and came upon this blog which appeared first in my nordstrom’s search lol. I have got to say that some of the comments are really quite hilarious while some are just down right offensive to read.
Anyway… my question is this: Do you have to sell so many $’s in order to begin receiving commission off of your sales? Ex: At David’s Bridal, I had to sell $10,000 worth to begin gaining commission off of any sales, but then had to restart the $10,000 process all over again when the new pay period began. I really didn’t like the pay philosophy there so I am trying to avoid getting into the same situation here. Also, my second question is: What % of your sales do you get as commission? Is it worth it to sell and work your ass off at Nordstrom’s? Or would it be more worth my time to go elsewhere?
Thanks for reading!!! If you can answer my question, the sooner the better would be VERY appreciated!!! :)
- Andrea
Andrea -
Commission percentage depends on what department you work in. Some are 9% (designer usually) while others are 6.75%. Also, you get commission right away, but if you misdraw, you don’t get your commission rate, you get an hourly wage, which also depends on what department you work in for the most part. Nordstrom is very very very sell your ass off oriented, which is good for you if you sell alot, but since they take just about anything back and that goes against your sales, you can have a fabulous selling period, but if your returns are high you can end up misdrawing. That’s frustrating. Also, if your sales per hour is continuously low, they will fire you. Doesn’t matter how good of an employee you are otherwise. They’re in the business of making money and if you don’t make money for them, you’re gone.
Hi
I returned a pair of jeans to nordstrom i got as a present. I wasnt sure where I got them from, but because they were citizens of humanity, i assumed they were from there. They gave me money back.Later on, I found out they were actually bought at Saks.Ouch.:)
Did that money go from some of the salespeople then?
no, if it wasn’t actually purchased there, they “made up” a transaction. it was selected under “return: ‘non-recall’” where you can select the employee number. most cases people go with the default 0000000 so no sales person gets dingged with a return that couldn’t be proven was theirs.
that’s assuming the returner wasn’t an asshole co-worker
-nordstrom employee
no, because they couldnt track who the original sales person was because you didnt have a uii sticker. They dont take money from the associate who takes the item back, and if they cant track the original sale no one loses money.
No but believe me, if you try that again they will have you as a repeat offender. They have that return on record and know that it wasn’t purchased there.
Nordstrom is in the business of “renting” clothing, not selling it. As an employee, I resent the policy and will often tell my customers not to buy a garment if I know it was previously returned and I know it was used.
For the most part, when I’m selling to a person who looks skeptical about a purchase, I tell them if they don’t love it, they don’t need it. My resson is I don;t want them to have 2nd thoughts and then I get stuck with a return. People are abusive of the return policy and the excellent service we are more than happy to offer to customers and that’s plain simple. We can tell the customers who are there to scam us and who are not. It has nothing to do with the appearance of the customer and whether or not they look like they have $$ to burn, it has to do with their attitude about the purchase. If you’re there to complain about shopping there and how you can get it on sale at Macy’s, then why are you there wasting our time…either go buy at it Macy’s for less (but you know they don’t have your size and won’t reach out to get it at every store across the country like we will – and then send it to you free of shipping charges) or accept the fact that you are going to pay more for our work on your behalf and the civilized shopping environment and liberal return policy. But if you’re there just to bitch and demean us, you’re not going to get the same level of service. Don’t assume tha because we are there, we are working for minimum wage and only capable of holding that level of job. I make between 23 and 30 dollars an hours with the exception of a few slow weeks, I truly enjoy helping customers who will allow me to help them and I am a college grad with another full-time prosperous career. Don;t assume we are stupid and inept because you don;t know why someone chooses to work a 2nd job and uses retail to fill that desire/need.
i can’t stand those customers that abuse any return policies. seriously, if they really don’t love it, or can’t afford it, then why are they wasting our time helping them. but at least we all get a good laugh when dealing with these crazies.
Hi,
I bought a pair of uggs less than a year ago at nordstrom. unfortunatly they are slightly damaged by the salt and snow. I would like to know if I can EXCHANGE, not return to nordstrom. I DO have the original box( has a nordstrom sticker on it), but not the receipt. I also have the nordstrom card I opened to buy the boots. there have not been any purchases made on the card since the boots, so it will be easy to find the purchase. Can I exchange them for new uggs????
noo because it’s your fault you damaged them with salt and snow. You should have bought the Ugg lotions and sprays to water proof and protect them after. I see so many people with nasty ass uggs with all that salt and shit and it’s because they don’t clean them properly. Get a brush and the supplies to clean them and take care of them and you’ll be all set. You can’t just get a $180 +++ per of boots and expect to not have to maintain them.
Uggs are for women who haven’t learned how to walk in heels.
Soooo, I have been reading all of those blogs, I have one thing that I do want to say and that is DON’T ABUSE THE RETURN POLICY. Some department stores and small stores don’t even have return policies, and a lot of them gives you 3 days more or less, so be appreciate that Nordstoms…an extremely over-priced store…that may get all you can give… do in fact have a fairly liberal return/exchange policy. Sales people do work really hard to meet customer needs and alot of them are fired regardless of how much they bust they bumms. However,I do want to defend the buyers and consumers of of companies that endorse commission policies, especially Nordstroms. if you guys don’t want us to return things, stop hassling us over and over again, constantly on our backs making us buy things every 5 minutes and giving us compliments that are false like “oooh you look really hot in that” when in fact I look like a damn pig with an over sized stomach. I have also noticed that when you don’t want something the first thing that the sales rep. does is change their attitude with you, all of a sudden the smiles are gone and the greetings become faces of annoyance. This causes buyer to buy things they don’t want, and they end up returning it duh!!!. Also commission is not really a big part of your pay check. Think about it, had you not made a sale to that particular person, you wouldn’t have gotten that commission anyways. I had a job on based on commission before and trust me I feel your pain. But think again you would have gotten it anyways had you not made the sale, so, so-what if they return it, they don’t like it and they have every right to return whatever they aren’t happy with and if you don’t return it, even though they have all proof of purchase because you want to keep your commission, trust me, not only will they bad mouthed you, but your company and everything else. There you have it another unhappy Nordstrom customer .
Thats all I have to say.
Take it how you want it, but this is how imma give it!! I’m just stating the facts whether you like it or not.
Sorry, no facts here. Just a lot of bad grammar, hype, and bullsh*#.
I agree. BAD Grammar! If you don’t like making low wages then go to school and get a higher paying job! Geez–Whiners. It’s not the customers fault that Nordstrom (notice the “s” not on the end of Nordstrom) pays you the way they do. You’re the one stupid enough to stick around to work for them. Given the grammar and spelling from the “nordstrom employees”, I see that this job might be your only uneducated choice.
No Name-
Get a clue. Many people who work at Nordstrom are perfectly educated, motivated people. It isn’t unheard of for a good salesperson to make six figures per year. I myself have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from a private college in Minnesota and make more money with Nordstrom than I would’ve in any entry-level chemistry position. There are plenty of people in this world who choose to whine about their jobs and how much they’re paid…it doesn’t mean that they’re uneducated, just whiners!
Actually, as a customer, I have noticed that they all have a college degree.
I don’t really shop at Nordstom’s much and the few things that I purchased from them, i’m not really satisfied with them. It has been a year and a half since I bought these $140 Ecco shoes. I’ve only worn them once because it turned out that it doesn’t fit well and I really don’t like the color (rust). I threw it in the closet and have forgotten about it until recently so I tried to sell it on eBay twice but noone wanted it :(
Then I bought several shirts from them (all same brands) in one of their Half-yearly sales. I like the shirts because of the material, kinda like silk. Unfortunately, they got worn out so fast after a couple of washings (gentle cycle). I also bought a pair of pajamas for my dad for Father’s Day. I didn’t notice that the top has a weird design and my dad never liked them and only worn it once.
So my recent purchases from Nordstrom were all disappointments. Now I want to return them all. I still have the receipt for the shoes but I have to look for the receipts on the others, I think I still have them. I did look at their return policy on their website. It only says that you can return/exchange an item but it doesn’t say until when and in what condition. Wish me good luck.
Joe — Sounds like you have several different issues.
If it’s something you don’t/didn’t like, it probably should have gone back promptly; maybe the store could have sold it again but now it’s out of style.
The items that didn’t last should DEFINITELY go back, and Nordy’s probably won’t hassle you about it. I’ve shopped at several stores since 1983 and have NEVER had a problem. Most recently, I bought one of their Nordstrom-brand dress shirts and wore it (and had it laundered) maybe a half-dozen times over the course of a couple months. It started showing signs of wearing out (too soon, I thought) so I took it back (to a different store literally on the other side of the country, and without a receipt) and they exchanged it for a new one, no questions asked.
My advice would be take the defective stuff back and make your case.
All the sales people at Nordstrom who posted here: Doesn’t the good come with the bad? Your commission is so high at times because the prices at Nordstrom are overprised. And those prices account for percentage of merchendise returned, just like your commission is. So, just assume some percentage of your commission will be decreased because of returns and go on. And if you still do not like your job, reminder: it is voluntary employment at Nordstrom.
A bit frustarting to see all the comments about how overpriced Nordstrom is. They have the same or better prices on merchandise as everywhere else, and a low price guarantee to back it up. The difference is, you can find brands there that you can’t find elsewhere…and yes, they probably are better brands, and thus cost more.
The return policy is somewhat of an ethical issue. They will take almost anything back, but as the customer, shouldn’t you have some ethics and use the policy as it’s intended. Otherwise, how is it any diferent than stealing?
I do work for them and actually make a very good living (appr. $40/hr). They actually treat employees fairly and pay better than anyone else in the industry. That is how they attract the best employees which provide the service they are known for.
To those who complain about them being focused on sales and letting people go who are ‘good’ employees, but don’t sell much. How exactly are you a good employee if you make no money for your company? The reason people have jobs is to generate value for the company. If you are worth less than your pay, you will be let go…not just at Nordstrom, but any job. That’s life people.
If you cant afford it then go to Chinatown.
Or target whatever suits you better
As an employee for Nordstrom, I must say to the person that says we’re “making ” you by stuff and “hassling” you every five minutes, you have free will to not have to buy anything from anyone, if you know you’re not going to buy, then just say so, believe me we will walk away and look for another customer who is ready to buy. You might think that our commission is high to compensate for returns, but understand that our return rate is 40%-50%, and it’s 60% before our big sales. So if you wonder why we can’t focus ALL of our attention on you, it’s because we can’t count on you to keep the merchandise, therefore we need to insure ourselves with several customers at a time, especially if you’re shopping in the shoe department, the customer wouldn’t believe how we bend over backwards for you behind the scenes, imagine us bringing out twenty pairs of shoes for you to try, and you want us to sit with you for the hour and a half babysitting you, only to either have you say, “I guess nothing works” or to wear it and then return it, this holds true especially if you knowingly do this. Like Ben Franklin says “Time is money”, and when you waste our time, we lose money. On the other hand, if you’ve become a good customer that keeps the majority of your items, you will receive the best service money can’t buy, and that’s because we trust you. But if you go back and return everything you bought because you were depressed, bored, broke and you spent an unreasonable amount of time with the salesperson, we WILL remember you, and you will not be serviced how you expect to be, and that’s your fault.
As an employee for Nordstrom, I must say to the person that says we’re “making ” you by stuff and “hassling” you every five minutes, you have free will to not have to buy anything from anyone, if you know you’re not going to buy, then just say so, believe me we will walk away and look for another customer who is ready to buy. You might think that our commission is high to compensate for returns, but understand that our return rate is 40%-50%, and it’s 60% before our big sales. So if you wonder why we can’t focus ALL of our attention on you, it’s because we can’t count on you to keep the merchandise, therefore we need to insure ourselves with several customers at a time, especially if you’re shopping in the shoe department, the customer wouldn’t believe how we bend over backwards for you behind the scenes, imagine us bringing out twenty pairs of shoes for you to try, and you want us to sit with you for the hour and a half babysitting you, only to either have you say, “I guess nothing works” or to wear it and then return it, this holds true especially if you knowingly do this. Like Ben Franklin says “Time is money”, and when you waste our time, we lose money. On the other hand, if you’ve become a good customer that keeps the majority of your items, you will receive the best service money can’t buy, and that’s because we trust you. But if you go back and return everything you bought because you were depressed, bored, broke and you spent an unreasonable amount of time with the salesperson, we WILL remember you, and you will not be serviced how you expect to be, and that’s your fault.
As an employee for Nordstrom, I must say to the person that says we’re “making ” you by stuff and “hassling” you every five minutes, you have free will to not have to buy anything from anyone, if you know you’re not going to buy, then just say so, believe me we will walk away and look for another customer who is ready to buy. You might think that our commission is high to compensate for returns, but understand that our return rate is 40%-50%, and it’s 60% before our big sales. So if you wonder why we can’t focus ALL of our attention on you, it’s because we can’t count on you to keep the merchandise, therefore we need to insure ourselves with several customers at a time, especially if you’re shopping in the shoe department, the customer wouldn’t believe how we bend over backwards for you behind the scenes, imagine us bringing out twenty pairs of shoes for you to try, and you want us to sit with you for the hour and a half babysitting you, only to either have you say, “I guess nothing works” or to wear it and then return it, this holds true especially if you knowingly do this. Like Ben Franklin says “Time is money”, and when you waste our time, we lose money. On the other hand, if you’ve become a good customer that keeps the majority of your items, you will receive the best service money can’t buy, and that’s because we trust you. But if you go back and return everything you bought because you were depressed, bored, broke and you spent an unreasonable amount of time with the salesperson, we WILL remember you, and you will not be serviced how you expect to be, and that’s your fault.
I also recently started to work at Nordstrom. Now, to put this in perspective for some of you, 5 out of the 7 people who work in my department are over the age of 25, each with families to provide for. Now, when they misdraw and don’t make commission, they’re getting what? 9 bucks per hour. Thats not enough money to provide for themselves or their families. I see them work their butts off every day upset and frustrated because they have more returns than they do sales… which is especially difficult considering the state of the economy right now. Now I’m aware that working for nordstrom is voluntary. This is a summer job for me, but not everyone has the ability to leave a job at will. Are there worse and more laborous jobs out there? Of course. But employees can’t help but feel cheated when time and time again they get hit by returns. People who return, return often. Repeat returners if you will. You sit and you help that customer for hours, often because they are lonely and just want someone to listen, when you know anything they buy is just going to go back anyway. And these people know that we make commission and in my opinion that’s stealing and wrong. And i would never waste anyone’s time if i really didn’t want what i was buying. I and my fellow employees are always honest and respectful to our customers and we expect the same respect in return. We’re the ones who get hit hard, nordstrom has already taken your money and invested it for an even greater profit.But you know what, next time a customer comes in and returns a 7$ used bar of soap from 2004, and an employee spends half an hour trying to look it up in the system… tell me how that’s fair.
I love nordstrom! I did not, until now, know that you work for commission though. I was going to return an unworn pair of shoes that I purchased last week because they don’t fit like I thought they would when my feet came down from swelling. I love the shoes, but I hate the way they fit. I am now considering keeping them becuause I would hate to take someone’s money away after the fact. I couldn’t imagine saling something and finding out later that they returned them so I get a cut in pay!
Oh please! If the shoes don’t fit well, return them! Don’t be a martyr because you feel for the sales person!
I’ve shopped at Nordstrom for years…been a very loyal customer. I’ve had some of the sweetest, most helpful sales-persons, as well as some of the most horrible snotty sales-persons (and believe me, I let them know about the latter). I’ve grown to love 3 of the sales people, who are very intelligent, as they’ve earned my repeat business over the years. I’ve never been inappropriate with any of the sales people. I’ve purchased many items from multiple areas, especially in the men’s skin care. I’ve utilized their price matching policy as well as returned some things over the years (some older items and some new). I do not feel that my returns are stealing from the employees or the co. I assure you they have made much more money off of me than they have lost. Filthy, disgusting, nasty, whatever else you’d like to call me for thinking this way, but thankfully you are not the ones receiving my business. I’ve never encountered this, but I dare one of the sales people to deny me a return or accuse me of stealing, a felony, what have you. I know the policies of the store and will take it all the way to corporate if I have to. I’m not wrong, just hard-headed. Let’s face it…the prices are ridiculously inflated and the pockets of my sales people have been lined by my purchases for years. I shop their because of the service and policies. It is within my rights to utilize such policies as I see fit as a customer and I will do so with a clear conscience. After all, it’s my money! Also, I’m shocked and offended that there are actual employees leaving posts telling people to shop other places because customers want to utilize the policies offered by Nordstrom. Whether you have to match prices or accept returns, something is better than nothing and business is always good. Keep in mind that retail is based on customer service, which is volatile, and if you can’t provide that, then maybe a career change may be something you should consider. I know there are people that make commission at times but must live off of $9/hour at times due to slow periods or returns. However, that is their choice to work with that knowing the volatility of retail, which is just the way of retail. I’ve worked retail before and found that it wasn’t for me, so I went into something else. Now, I don’t agree with abusing or actually stealing anything and those who do are wrong and karma will come back to haunt them. But don’t categorize and stereotype every person that makes a return, nor treat customers badly for it because karma will come back to haunt you.
Can you exchange pants that you’ve gotten altered by Nordstroms? and also, I’ve heard that you can return things to Nordstrom that were bought at another store, is that true??
CURRENT nordstrom employee- first off, if you help the customers and know your department/brand there should be no reason why the customer would return the item. Yor job is to find out what the customer wants/needs and make sure that they are happy with it. If they return the item than, YOU the employee, failed the customer. When the customer makes a return help them find what they should have received at the original time of purchase. If the customer made a return then maybe you should have done your job in the first place! returns happen and deal with it. i apologze to all of the customers out there who have ever had a dissappointing experience at Nordstrom. i think there is a pattern here: it seems as if every nordstrom employee on here that is complaining about returns and commissions, says “former nordstrom employee” hmmm weird!?
I love working for nordstrom and i truly do enjoy a happy customer. I love buying new clothing and love feeling great while wearing it. I want my customers to feel the same way. I would hope that the customers that have been dealing with these “shotty salespeople that dont belong in our nordstrom company” with give us another shot :) Nordstrom – NW
and btw yes you can return pants that have been previously altered
You cannot return pants that have been altered “btw”. That is literally the only thing you cannot return! That’s why I LOVE ALTERATIONS. A guaranteed no return purchase :)
Current Employee. Nordstrom does have a really open return policy, and I’m not against that. I think that what some employees are against are toward those “customers” who keep coming back to rent things instead of actually buying. We are all humans and we will change our minds, but a as an associate we get to know who is a true customer and who are the ones that steal one buy one, who buy at the racks and try to return for full price, those who shop at target or marshalls and say they bought it at Nordstrom. That’s just very dishonest. We get to know each one of you, even if you try to be slick and travel through out all Nordstroms in the country we do keep track, and this is where we give you a hard time. When we see your returns and see that you have returned more than you have bought. Really we’ll be more than happy to grant you the return if your are honest and not abusive. What I will never understand is people who are sneaky and bring back a dirty worn bra that she bought 2 years ago. I personally would never do that, that disgusting. There have been some people who have gotten banned from comming into any nordtrom for being abusive, which is totally correct. If you dont have the money save, if you cant afford it then go to target… keep in mind though im refering to those who like to buy a friday outfit each week and return it each week for a different one, to those who go shopping at last chance and then come to the store to try to get cash. We are very liniant and customer service oriented but theres a limit to everything, and franly some peopl just have guts to do what they do. But in no way am i against the return policy- its a way to give incentive to our tru customers and our potential cutomers. and to those who do some of the things mentioned above be careful to not get caught stealing, using fake credit cards, fraud returns b/c Nordstrom will cordially tresspass you or arrest you.
Yes, it does suck that a commission is taken back when an item is returned, but that’s true of every job that earns commission. It’s a risk you take when accepting a commission position. AND pretty much every store, restaurant, company is more concerned about their bottom line, profit, attendance than the well-being of their employees. Anyone who tells you different is lying or extremely fortunate to be working for a company that’s in the minority.
That said, I have to tell a true story in defense of Nordstrom and all their “big brother” security tactics.
I purchased a very expensive swimsuit for my daughter; we then left to shop in the rest of the mall. My daughter left the Nordstom bag somewhere along the way — we noticed it was gone when we were leaving the mall. After retracing our steps with no luck, we returned to Nordstrom, where they pulled up the record of the sale and flagged it in the event someone who found the bag attempted to return it. They assured us security would be notified if that happened, the person would be apprehended and the swimsuit would be returned to us.
Fortunately, a young mother found the bag in the family restroom and turned it in to mall security. When I phoned Nordstrom to let them know, I had only gotten my name out when they asked if I had found the bag. The person answering the phones at Nordstrom had the report by the phone and knew who I was before I had a chance to say anything. Pretty on the ball!! Anyway, if you lose something you purchased from Nordstrom, they WILL make sure someone else doesn’t profit from your misfortune. I was impressed!
you actually cant return anything… i worked there for a few years… and if you have anything that has been really worn or that old we are definitely allowed to tell you no on the return… usually we can make acceptions with a receipt or tag still on the item, but if your dog chewed up a shoe you have had for a over a month, its not our responsibility to return… Us managers were allowed to tell anyone no. Not to mention L.P. who is watching every return on camera as soon as you push that button on the register. plus when they take your id for cash back returns, its because your being put into a system that lets us know your returning to much.
I just bought $200 worth of MAC products after I told the salesperson that MAC cleasing products make me break out. Anyways, she was so good that she totally convinced me to buy them anyways assuring me that it’s great for my skin. Well, I hate it! My skin turned rough and red while I was on vacation. I love their makeup but their moisturizers and cleansers and face scrub suck. I’m definitely returning it and I feel bad that it comes out of her commission. You shouldn’t sell products that don’t work if you don’t want them returned!
I have two pairs of jeans that I bought from Nordstrom RACK, and their return policy is only 30 days, and I've had them longer than that. They're both in perfect condition, and they just don't fit me. Can I return them to Nordstroms, or is that considered trying to return something from another retailer?
My experience with Nordstrom in Atlanta, both the Perimeter and the Phipps stores, does not live up to their reputation.
Clearly Nordstrom has been drinking their own kool-aide.
For years they have been the cliched example of excellent customer service. Currently, however, they are the real life experience of NO SERVICE.
Being able to return a used product isn't the hallmark of service–polite employees [including managers] who use professional business practices [why would a manager brush off an employee asking for my social security number over the phone?] including calling when a special order has arrived ["It's been sittin' here for two months, I have no idea why no one called you. The reason the other person didn't tell you it was in was because it's from our previous sale."]
I spoke with a Nordstrom exec last year and asked what kind of training salespeople get. "Nothing, really," he replied.
It shows.
The pendulum is about to swing. All the laurels in the world won't cover for sales clerks who are "too tired" to go check on stock, or "don't have time before closing" to ring up a special order, or use insider jargon to explain to a customer with a ready credit card why they can't check availability at another store right now.
I used to be a Nordstrom fan.
I miss those days.
I was going to buy a new pair of slacks from Nordies for my GF. She had surgery on one of her legs and one is actually bigger than the other. I was thinking of buying from Nord because if the slacks didn't fit I could hopefully return them.
After reading the RAGE from the sales people about returns, I am scared to buy anything now.
I understand you guys dont like to have your checks deducted, but do you realize that you may just be scaring honest people with honest intentions away from Buying things from the store, which takes away from SOME employee?
I'm in no way an abusive returner but I bought a pair of Tom ford sunglasses 2 summers ago…I have several other pairs of sunglasses so I really only wear them a few times a month. Anyhow, I take very good care of my things and the lense has been falling out and it got scratched. I now cannot see thru them without a big blur…I have original recipt and packaging. I simply want to exchange them for a new pair…after reading all this I feel horrible for wanting to do this. I paid $320 for them an it makes me sick to think I cannot use them anymore. Would this be something I should even bother trying to exchange?
I am a current nordstrom employee and I really do love it! Returns can be a pain, but I have Learned to avoid them by never being too pushy with an item I know the person doesn't like! You need to figure out what exactly they DO like and build that relationship of understanding. I am not saying there are not customers who abuse our policy. But if you are aware of someone who is doing so take action! The other day I was working and a man was arested right after I rung up his return he had just stolen from upstairs. Lp was on the ball. And if you do EXCHANGE something because of a fit or color w/e you are not hurting the salespersons comission. Just make sure it's done in one transaction. P.S. To the person that said sales people at nordstrom just "stand around and aren't helpful" have you even been in one?!
With their "policy" what it is they should expect abuse. When you take back anything regardless of when it was bought and refund the purchase in ANY manner requested, well those are the terms of the contract that the seller and buyer agreed to. As such, the buyer is not a "thief" or a "repeat offender," or "nasty" or anything, he/she is simply enforcing the terms of the sales contract.
I agree with SALES CONTRACT.
When you buy something from a store, you buy under a SALES CONTRACT. So what is the contract? What are the terms of return?
If Nordstrom's HAS NO terms then then the buyer may return whenever for whatever — this is a PSYCHOLOGICAL BLACKMAIL you are calling the buyer "thief, nasty, repeat offender" or ANYTHING but a PERSON enforcing the terms of the sales contract. Any salesperson giving the person a hard time is NASTY.
I brought 7seven jean and citzen jean from Nordstrom 4 year back. AS I wash the jean is getting smaller so I wonder if I can exchange the jean. it been 4 year now.
I brought 7 seven and citzen of humanity jean 4 year ago. I want to return do u think they will accepted it. I will take exchnge
problem– Nordstrom's products are of the highest quality possible, but are very expensive. Solution–Nordstrom RACK.
Buyer Beware. In Nordstrom’s women’s clothing departments, all serviceable returns are put right back on the rack and sold as new clothing. Take a whiff of the arm pit of that new dress you’re looking at girls. If it smells like Lysol or roses, you’re holding a hand-me-down.
First of all, I love Nordstrom and I love the culture of Nordstrom. As an employee of Nordstrom, we know that customers buy items and dont necessarily keep them. Sometimes our customers just want to buy without trying on…so common sense tells us that those items might come back. I take returns gracefully and I dont judge customers who are making returns. So for those customers out there that feel guilty to return something that you dont want bc you feel bad for the salesperson…DON’T. However, if you are buying things, using them and then returning them…it isnt fair and to be honest it is stealing. If there is a defect in the garment ok, but just because you gained weight and your jeans dont fit you anymore, or you walked throught the snow all winter in your Uggs and now you want a new pair…that isnt our fault. Clothing, shoes, accessories, bras, etc dont last FOREVER. If you have worn your bra (hopefully not your only one) so much that the wire is popping out…throw it away and buy a new one or if you have a hole in your jeans…patch it. We dont put used merchandise back on the floor…we cannot resell it…it has to be taken out of stock…and we take the hit for it. Now if you buy it and try it on at home and return it in the condition in which you bought it yes it will go back on the sales floor. And I disagree that Nordstrom is OVERPRICED…we sell brand name clothing which retails at the same price (and sometimes cheaper) as our competitors. Target is not our competitor. Neiman Marcus and Saks are our competitors and if you see something there cheaper we will honor that price. We offer our customers so many options with very little restrictions…sorry a few bad apples in the batch ruined it for many of you.
I have been shopping in the same Nordstrom store for years. I have always been able to return things without a receipt with no questions asked. I have never abused the policy. A few months ago I tried to return a pair of black jeans that I had worn once. I had gotten them 5 months earlier. I didn’t have the receipt, but I wasn’t worried since I hadn’t ever needed one before. They were a brand I hadn’t tried before, and they were just a little too short for me. The salesperson gave me a really hard time. I stood at the counter for 20 minutes while she tried to find a record of the purchase on their computer system. Finally her manager came over, and informed me that if they couldn’t find a record of my purchase there would be no return, and also that if they found the purchase record, and it was more than 6 months, they wouldn’t take them back. I was totally shocked, and asked if the return policy had changed. They both said no, and acted like I was an idiot. I haven’t been back. Now I shop at Bloomingdales for the stuff I used to get at Nordstrom. They seem to take things back with more grace than Nordstrom, and you get insane deals and coupons ALL THE TIME in the mail. I’m not sure what’s happened to Nordstrom. Maybe the economy?
You definitely abused their return policy. If you don’t have the receipt I won’t refund you anyway. So the jean you brought for 5months and wore many time (once my ass) and then decide to return it. Why didn’t you return it earlier? If you decide to return it, then don’t wear it on a daily basis. You are none but a scammer!!!
Learn how to write in English before you call people names. Did anyone make it past 4th grade? The majority of the commenters here can’t properly write. It’s a bit painful to read.
Very much agreed. The grammar used here is horrible. If that is how you write, i am terrified at the thought of your verbal skills. And also, it is very common for people to purchase an item, get home and try it on or try to wear it, and discover it just doesn’t work. It then sits in their closet for a few months and they completely forget about returning it. – So yes they can wear it one time in months, dont just assume that because you deal with shady people that all people are shady.
I am sorry you stood at the counter for 20 minutes but she wasn’t being awful to you, she was doing her job by trying to recall your purchase so they could refund you the correct amount for the purchase you weren’t satisfied with. With no proof of purchase on an older style with no SKU that has been worn, surely you can understand that this is not a normal circumstance.
It’s unfair and sucks when an employee recieves comission for your purchase and they didn’t even help you or answer or ask if you have any questions. I went to Nordstorm and already knew what I was going there to buy. I wanted a juicy velour purse. It was over $200. I was waiting in line to pay and this sales person just comes up and makes me walk all the way to other side of the store to ring me up. I’m not a big person on asking questions but she sure as hell didn’t seem like she knew much about the purses. For example, she should have asked me about cleaning products or anything. She was just in a hurry to ring me up.
To all the Norstorm workers: I’m curious since this was my first time purchasing a purse there. When someone buys a purse do you automatically take out all the stuffy and throw it away and clip off the price tags and throw them away????? That caught me off guard and she already threw it all away when I realize what she was doing. So I thought why bother asking her to put it all bak in? Of course the purse went limp with all da paper stuffing out of it an then she stuck it in a nordstorm bag. Do you guys wrap it up in tissue or anything? I guess JUicy Couture doesn’t provide a bag to put it in as I’ve seen with coach purses. It would have been nice if the sales person asked me if u wanted the stuffing thrown away and also the price tag. I wasn’t going to use the purse right at that moment. Maybe the next day or so….wouldve been nice to keep the stuffing in it so the purse can maintain it’s shape. What if it was a gift for someone or something else? I’ll want the tags attached and the stuffing still in the purse. The juicy tag was clipped off as well and put in the purse but any other tags were thrown away!I just found that all a little odd. So just curious.
It’s been 2 weeks….the purse got dirty somehow. Can I return/exchange it??? It was $200 and I wasn’t given any info on the care of it.
That is odd that the salesperson would walk you “all the way across the store” to ring you up. Are you sure it wasn’t just to the other side of the cash wrap? And it is pretty standard to remove “da paper” because we recycle it. I usually like to ask because some customers like to store them. And no, velour juicy bags do not come with dust bags. Only their leather ones do. I keep a few spare ones and if a customer requests one, I’m happy to give it to her. And I’m sorry your bag got dirty. That is the nature of the material. You wouldn’t buy a white car and then take it back because it got dirty. I find that Shout on a rag and a bit of scrubbing cleans them right up. You should avoid setting it on the ground if you can. I hope this helps you.
I am thinking of returning some items at nordstroms. Can the employee trace it back to me personally. I got home and my husband hated what the salesperson helped me with. She was just so nice I don’t want her to know I returned it.
I bought a pair of expensive sunglasses at Nordstrom’s one day. I kept the original tags and the receipt just in case. For a whole year, I tried to work with the sunglasses since I loved them, but a screw kept falling out, no matter what I did. I brought them to an optometry shop who also tried to fix it, but the screw still kept falling out. The sunglasses were clearly defective. So finally, I brought them back to Nordstrom’s and described my problem. The salesperson gave me a lot of hassle, saying that it was a past season pair of sunglasses so it couldn’t be resold. But I believe if the product is defective, then it should be returned. It was way overpriced. The sunglasses looked as new as the day I bought them. There is no Nordstrom written policy to tell us the time limit for a return. I had her call her manager who reluctantly gave me the refund but told me never to wait this long again.
Nordstrom pretends it has such a wonderful return policy. If I ever hear again about the person who returned tires, I think I’ll gag. I had some clothes, which had never been worn and still had the tags on. They could tell the items had been bought there, based on the “shank.” I got one snobby customer service person who said she had seen me returning old (albeit unused) merchandise several times, which I had, based on Nordstrom’s PR machine. She took it upon herself to send me a letter, denying me future returns unless I had the original receipt. She also had the gumption to copy the manager of a neighboring store on the new “policy” for me. I plan to contact Nord’s PR department, as well as major media outlets, to let them know I don’t want broadcast and print media touting something that’s phony.
to anyone seeing Mad’s comments,
as a Nordstrom employee, I can tell you that to get a letter as they describe, and a call to a neighboring store, takes such an extraordinary level of abuse as to boggle the mind. Normal, and for that matter, even abusive customers will never deal with any of this.
So if anyone knows will the sales person know I personally made the return. Can they tie it back to me?
Yes we can! We know what item and who returns it, so we rather you return it in our department, and to us personally. At least that way you’re honest.
I can just hear some of the skeptical Nordstroms employees calling me a liar after I tell my story; but judge all you want for I’m telling the truth here and hopefully a good customer service provider can offer some advice.
Okay, my grandmother has been suffering from a mild form of dementia; she’s as sweet as can be and loves buying gifts. Problem is, she will buy something and the next day, go back into the store and buy the same exact thing, she’s even done it as much as three times in a week.
My mother took some measures in trying to curb this by closing all my grandmother’s credit cards and only allows her to have a prepaid one. However, my grandmother is not completely gone, she’s stubborn, independant, with these boughts of forgetfullness in minor areas of her daily life. Grandfather was a banker, back when most bankers were honorable good men and he worked hard and turned his hard work into a good sized nest egg. Once he passed, along with life insurance, Grandama is well off. She left a trust for her two children and 3 grandchildren but the rest is hers and she is still in control of her bank account.
So, she may not be using the charge cards as much, but now she just pays cash. We’ve even gone into the Nordstrom by her home and asked the store managers in certain sales departments that if they see her buy something, ie like a coach bag for example and the next day she tries to buy the exact same bag, if the salesperson might note to her that she bought it the day before, in a nice way, like “oh, are you buying this one for yourself or was the one yesterday a gift?” and of course Nordstrom on their part, has been helpful. But their have been the sales person who has been a bit eager and sold her the same items up to three seperate times, tell me they don’t recognize her, ha! she’s a shop-a-holic with expensive taste. Casinos would call her a “whale” if she were a gambler.
I’m getting there, now to me, she has bought me plenty of items, clothes and coach bags, etc. I don’t like Coach bags at all, but she forgets, and I usually only like about 40% of some of the clothes she buys me. Well I live in another state, yet she has no problem with remembering my address and constantly sends me things. She doesn’t always send a receipt, at times my mom will search her house for one, but one thing she always does is cuts the price of the tag and the little scanner sticker gets snipped in half at times.
I usually never have any problem exchanging anything at Nordstrom, sometimes they can find the sale because she will give her name, other times they just exchange the item and have even issued me cash back since the items were unused. Except for one day when a snotty little sales girl started giving me a hard time. She was beyond nasty and I admit I returned the attitude for a bit until I decided to rise above it and asked for a manager. Well, I did not know it but this salesgirl wrote something in Nordstrom’s Personal Book about me, saying “too many returns/exchanges, same items, needs receipt and tracking stickers on tags or no returns allowed” she noted something like that because when I went to exchange something the next time, the sales girl was nice until she put my Driver’s License into the computer and then became all hostile saying she will not return a sweater that was brand new with the tags and I even had the receipt.
I tried speaking to a department manager, telling them to even check with the Nordstrom in the state my Grandmother lives in, but it was close to closing time and the not so nice manager took down my info and said she would contact me; not returning the new sweater.
I get a letter about two weeks later saying that my returns/exchanges were “questionable” and to not return into Nordstrom, or Nordstrom Rack, or even but from Nordstrom.com!
All the items I’ve ever returned or exchanged at Nordstrom have been legitimatly purchased at Nordstrom, all items have been returned or exchanged in unused condition. I purchase stuff at Nordstrom myself. On occassion I do ask for cash back on a return because there is nothing I might want to buy at that time. I buy more and considering how much my grandmother spends at Nordstrom than is ever returned.
I have done nothing wrong, but because some little snot decides to act like she’s being vigilant or just being a bitch notes something bad about me and does nothing to actually trace the returns original transaction; some if not most all of which were cash purchases, I am banned from the store as if I were some kind of theif?! I understand, one must trust but verify, but this is a joke and now with the store manager probably adding her two cents in on the side of the snot salesgirl, that’s two unjustified accusations against me and I’m actually afraid to go into a Nordstrom for fear of being humiliated by the Loss Prevention department. I know they can’t arrestme for anything because if they did, I would have the mother of lawsuit brought up showing in discovery all the items that were Purchased! But I am afraid that I will be arrested for trepassing, and trust me, I have not so much have had a speeding ticket but two times in my life and never plan on having a mug shot taken!
So what should I do if when on the face of it due to this girl’s nasty notes already mischaracterizes me?
Should Nordstrom not have to disclose that they make such “Private” recordings of people and that they keep survailence records on customers due to returns? Here in California, I believe retail stores must disclose that information somewhere. Because, look what can happen as a result of one shitty employee!
I will shop elsewhere and am trying my hardest to get my Grandmother to shop at Bloomies, too. But I liked Nordstrom and I’m put out by this and through no fault of my own.
BTW, my Grandamother from Jan. 2010 to Today has spent close to $9k on just me from Nordstrom alone. So, a lot of sales comissions are being hurt because I tried to return a Free People sweater worth $148.00!
You should probably send your unwanted items then.
Oh, to me of course.
If your grandmother actually does have dementia and is spending so much money on multiple items at Nordstrom she should be put in a memory care facility! Yes, she may be stubborn and I’m sure she sure as hell doesn’t want to but I think it would be for both her and your own good. I’m not saying it to be mean but to be honest! If she is doing this, who knows what other harmful behavior she could be doing to herself. Seriously. She may think she can take care of herself but she needs a caregiver if there is not family close by to keep an eye on her!!!
I used to work with Alzheimer’s residents so this is sad to hear.
Sorry for your unfortunate circumstance. But how can you not understand why this is alarming to Nordstrom. If you truly returned without a receipt so often then I don’t no why you think you’ve been mistreated? That’s really abusing the system. The problem is your grandmother, not Nordstrom, or the woman who noted your abuse.
I was doing something similar except I’m a shopaholic and buy things and return it. Sometimes I don’t realize I had already bought the item before. I’m also bad at keeping receipts and my daughter sometimes takes the sticker off because they’re stickers. Now, I received the same letter and advised me not to go in any Nordstrom stores and contact them to resolve the matter. I have dug up my closet for receipts if I’m lucky and came across an item with a receipt I bought while ack and didn’t even realize I had it. Thats my problem. We’re u asked to contact them?
I tried to return a Coach purse that I had for maybe a year or two and I still had the tags, but they said I couldn’t return it, because I obviously used it already.
I always get the worse costumer service at Nordstroms…I dont like to shop there, but today i saw the CUTEST pair of flats so i just had to go inside… I sat there waiting for someone to help me (it was not busy at all) after five minutes I had to walked up to an employee to get me my size… He couldnt find it so he had his manager help him find it…after she did she just handed it over to me not taking out of the box and taking out the stuffing like i had seen them to to EVERY ONE else… not smiling or friendly AT ALLL (i’m sorry i made you look for a pair of shoes that YOU misplaced) … little did they know that I was also in the mood to buy some UGGs for my sister ,cousin and I…someone couldve easily made over 50 dollars in less than five minutes but of course i decided to walk out and take my money else where :) just because i’m young and brown doesnt mean i dont have money to spend :P
I tried to return a pair of jeans I’ve worn once and a shirt that I’ve never worn since I bought them. In the past I’ve only exchanged a couple of items, but none that have been worn or without tags. I knew that Nordstrom’s policy was that in short, they’d take back anything no matter what. A friend of mine told me her cousin returned a pair of shoes that were 10 years old! I’d even exchanged a pair of shoes that I’d had for over 3 years because one shoe was the wrong size, and I hadn’t noticed for quiet some time. So when I tried to return my shirt and jeans, I was flabergasted when the woman told me they wouldn’t accept the return. I was frustrated and angry because this was the first time I’d heard anything about this policy, and moreso because nowhere on Nordstrom’s website does it allude to such a thing. Furthermore, I called their customer service number and the woman told me I could return worn items. I’ve been a loyal Nordstrom shopper for over 8 years and I’ve always loved their selections and I’ve never had a problem with their customer service as others are saying. However, I have to admit that one of the reasons I loved the store so much was because of their return policy. I never meant to and never have abused it. Previous returns/exchanges have been for legitimate reasons. I can honestly say that I will probably never shop at Nordstrom again until they get their act together with this “new” yet not published return policy. I’m going to Lord and Taylor and Bloomingdales from now on and encouraging everyone I know to do the same!
Have you ever wondered what happens to all returned items??
Have you been at Last Chance in Phoenix, AZ? It is their only Nordstrom’s store in the U.S. where ALL these trashed-returned items are being sold. It is not advertised as Nordstrom’s just “Last Chance”
The goods are sold reasonable cheap. But just the fact that I know where this things come from and at what cost!!… make me sick.
You should see the condition of some of those items. You can get them in better shape at Goodwill!! Some are so beat up that makes me wonder about the ethics of all those who abuse the system by returning things like that!!
What’s worst!! Those who buy items in that store are just feeding the whole vicious cycle; greedy person shops at Nordstrom, decides to abuse the product then decides to return it! Next, The Rack (Nordstrom’s Rack that is)… What is not so badly abused can be sold here, OK. Then, Last Chance… Here is where the cycle of greed and lack of ethics and dignity should be cut. They have all figured out. What comes back as a return at Nordstrom they can still get revenue on the goods. I mean if there is even a store for that it means they are still getting some revenue for the goods. So, if the shoe sales person lost income when the item was returned, Nordstrom didn’t because they still have their “last chance” to get money for it.
No wonder why this country is not the same any more!!
Root of the problem: GREEDY PEOPLE
Look at the Mortgage crisis, greedy people. And cycle goes on and on…
I mean no harm but if a company establishes a return policy such as this one, I’m sure there was a plan. I keep everything I buy but sure if something is defective and does not work out, you can’t expect to keep it. After all you’re hard earned money did go into it. Why waste it. So the point is to not abuse the great policy because it is great and nice to have.
So Nordstrom employees make commission, but that commission they make should be well deserved.
I was recently in my local Nordstrom’s, and was buying a Burberry half-zip for my boyfriend. The person that was helping us had seen us in there a few times before, and we had never really bought anything, but he was still more than happy to help, fully knowing that once again, we might not purchase anything. The fact that he spent his time to make sure we received the service we deserved was very much appreciated. I was there for the longest time, I applied for the Nordstrom card, because I had decided why not, I automatically get 20$ back for making a purchase over 100$, and the sales associate, also manager was very helpful throughout the application process. I sat there and drilled him with all the questions I could think of, he answered every single one and was more than happy to do so, and the questions he didn’t know the answer to, well he didn’t make up the answer, he would call someone up that would know the answer to my question. He even told me to keep asking more questions to quiz him, now that is what you call a knowledgeable seller. I was extremely happy with the service, and I guarantee that I will continue to come back to that exact sales associate every time I need to buy a gift for my boyfriend.
The problem is when you receive terrible service from someone and you are inclined to return the item. Honestly, it’s not the customers fault in that case.
The key is making a loyal customer, and that way we will keep coming back to you, and I for one will be happy to have you make money off my purchases.
So all pushy and extremely greedy sales associates, learn a lesson or two, maybe that way you will keep your sales/commission, not lose them.
This is really stupid. I’ve returned many things at nordstroms because the I’m really picky about my makeup and everytime I get matched up it’s COMPLETeLY wrong. I’m not gonna keep that shit?! I go to nordies and spend HUNDrEDs and I don’t care of u slap me with a law suit when I show all my purchases were legitimate then the returns are too.
To that person who buy something they price low and then returns them for the full retail price; that’s stealing and if you think the people at loss prevention haven’t thought up such a scam, think again. I believe loss prevention hires reformed thieves who know evey trick in the book! When I was young (and stupid) I had a friend who worked at MayCompany. Anyways, I had a store credit card and owed a few thousand. We figured I’d go into the store and do a” return” for an expesive purse and credit it to my account. We thought we were so slick, no one knew we were friends. We were caught! The loss prevention lady was actually very nice to us as she did not press charges and the only condition was that I return the money that was credited to my charge card. I was even able to keep my account and continue to shop there. When the loss prevention manager spoke to me, she knew I wasn’t a lifelong criminal and had just made a poor decision so as a business, it was better to stop me and allow me to make restitution. It was the best and most valuable lesson I have been taught. I now return money if the cashier gives me too much change. Honesty is the best policy. They say it is always best to tell the truth, for you won’t have to memorize the details.
I do dislike being interrogated when making a legitimate return of and unworn item at Nordstrom; this has happened more times than usual and one time, when returning a gift without the tags, I had the receipt showing that a dress was paid full price for. Nordstrom uses thermal paper fir their receipts which means, do spill anything in them, keep them in a hot automobile, or basically, over time, it fades. Well the bar code for the dress wasn’t scanning so she try to tell me I would only be refunded 98.00 for a dress that was 278.00. It was not worn! I laughed at her and went to a different Nordstrom where I had no problem getting credit for the full amount of the dress.
not all returns are thefts, so don’t try ripping people off who do happen to return something!
I was recently at a nordstrom with a friend trying on shoes. We witnessed the most awful abuse of Nordstrom’s great return policy; two women came in and tried to return a pair of UGGS that looked to be a few years old and very worn, ripped and even stained, the sales person looked so uncomfortable and politely told the women that the shoes looked to be very worn (pointing out the obvious), the woman insisted that she only had them for three months and had “just worn them every single day”. she then wasn’t even able to help the sales person with the return, saying that she got them as a gift and therefore didn’t know anything about the transacting. The two women threw a ghetto fit and the sales person actually finally caved in and gave them a FULL RETURN! IN CASH! I was mortified and confused, so here I am googleing about this.
After reading every ones comments I can understand that a person has every right to return a product of it did not satisfy them or if there was a defect. I am all for the “whenever, whatever reason” return policy, but there is a point where it gets really awful and mean. I actually have a coach purse that I have had for almost two years now, but have barely worn, and it is still in good condition. If I were to return this I wouldn’t feel bad because I took care of my shit and it would still be profitable for norsdstrom. The ppl who take back shit that looks like their dog ate it though, now thats a different story.
Ok, I actually WORK at Nordstrom and can officially state their is no official return policy. HOWEVER, because this policy is so completely ridiculously abused, we (the salespeople) often try to deter people who have obviously used the items for YEARS and then try to return it for a full cash refund. People have dumped entire drinks into Fendi bags and returned them to us, returned wallet stuck together with chewed up gum, return items from over a decade ago, and an array of disgusting other items. So don’t take it personally if you’ve used an item and are now returning it. Depending on the person, thy may make it easy or may make it more difficult. But you have to realize that Macy’s or any other department store would never EVER do the returns we do. I work in handbags and about 1/2 of our merchandise gets returned. I feel like we are often renting bags. And yes, most departments are ALL commission so when you return something, we see it and it comes straight out of our paychecks. Just be courtesous. Don’t buy it if you can’t afford it. Don’t use it and return it. Don’t keep it and bring it back when you’re sick of it.
Amen!!!!! I agree with everything you say. I work in handbags too.
If I buy something at Rack can I return it to Nordstrom store (it is much closer). Hobby didn’t like shirt.
Can someone please tell me when a return is done and the salesperson accepting the returned items does not enter the original store nor the original seller number; but instead enters 0000 and the current store number, does anyone get hit on the commission of that return? If no one gets their commission clawed back, then why do salespeople interrogaite someone if the dame receipt faded rather than just do returns that way? I understand that they have to check because of frauds but seriously if an item is in brand new condition, obviously never worn, but the receipt is old but clearly states the item and price paid for the item, why do they get so hostile if CASH was used and you don’t have the name in personal book?! Aside from what I don’t like about Personal Book, a guy that worked in the shoe dept. sold me a pair of shoes, I paid with Visa, then about 3 days later, the guy starts calling me. He wasn’t just being a great service provider, no, he asked me out, and even after I politely declined he kept calling and then he was parked on my STREET! So I’m freaked out and want out of Personal Book but I highly doubt I’ll actually be removed. What should I do with that?! So as I understand about frauds committed in returnings things, can one understand why I don’t want to give out my name? If I am only doing an exchange not a cash back or credit, I don’t have to give my Drivers License correct?
It seems each Nordstrom store comes up with their own set of rules which sound more like false excuses and they are anything but Nordstrom’s esteemed customer service policy.
You need to bring a receipt that shows the item was purchased at the Store. Personal book keeps track of the real customer that doesn’t mind their purchase track for their on reminder. However there’s always the other scam artist that tries to bring things from other stores or fake items and think that the sales representatives doesn’t know about their own product. Just letting you know guys that they have a security department that looks on camera all these scam artist. Karma comes back
Liza–
I am sorry to hear about your salesperson’s abuse of Personal Book. But the problem is NOT Personal Book, it is that salesperson! You should contact the store manager immediately to let them know the salesperson was being inappropriate and abusing Personal Book.
You only need to show your driver’s license for a cash refund, or for a purchase with a credit card that is not signed.
I porked a Nordstrom’s sales chick in a changing room once. I wish I could return that. She was stinky if you know what I’m saying.
Bobby D, if you’re sitting on a computer writing about how you had sex with a stinky sales chick in a changing room, don’t think anyone out here doesn’t know that you are really a 40-something year old virgin living in your mother’s basement! Why do you think anyone would care anything about your non-existent sex life?
women loves deep colors so i think that the best womans clothing should have bright and beautiful colors ,,,
I also want to know but hasn’t been answered yet – if a return is made, will the salesperson find out which customer returned what item? Does it get traced to an individual customer or is it just reflected in paycheck?
I AM CHUCKLING READING THESE RESPONSES.
As a person who was a mgr… group mgr and designer boutique store mgr all I have to say is glad I am not doing it any more.
1. the sad but golden rule in this business is that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. So in a store with a vague/non existent return policy do not accept no for an answer go up to the next in command. while sad but true the nice ones who we tell no to get nothing.. while the firm ones get what they want. (like life no?)
while you can sit here an place blame on the customer getting over, while that is true and karma is a bitch, the stupid one is the store for haveing this return policy in the first place, and frankly they have made it tough for other dept stores because of this, they are all so afraid to say NO, as if taking back used items is good customer service! From the outside looking in the store is stupid , not the customer, If a store is dumb enough to take back a used item or one they did not sell, well sorry for them. Its like a tax loophole. kind of like life huh?
I have never worked for them nor would I, FYI for those of you who think it is high end.. its NOT. I have had my share of battles, been spit on and had clothing thrown at me, I then went to a Designer boutique and the store policy was exchange OR store credit in 10 days. (once we got your money, you never saw it again) I got in trouble as I was too nice and would bend the policy as I saw fit. (my client who spent 110k per Year I would do anything for her.) My company would back me up if I said no, and I would call security to remove abusive customers, as we would make every customer sign a slip to aknowledge the return policy.So if you work there I feel your pain, but I would suggest you either accept it or move on, if u are a bad returner kudos for you for taking advantage of a dumb return policy, but remember that Karma is a bitch, there is no need to be nasty, firm is one thing abusive is another! PS only use the “good customer” line if you are. a few thousand dollars a year is NOT a good customer 10k and more then I would say you could be, but it all depends on the stores price point.
I have shopped/wasted my money at Nordie’s for years, and have taken advantage of their foolish, but gracious return policy. I have not pulled such ridiculous scams described by the other posters; the extent of my “abuse” is exchanging a mismatched MAC foundation and concealer for the right colors! I genuinely feel for the sales reps that serve me, as I have never recieved anything but excellant service at my Nordie’s, and am curious to know if my exchange for a different foundation hurt anyone’s commision? I not only directly exchanged the foundation and concealer for the exact same, but bought something else as well (which I didn’t return and have no intention to, I feel obligated to include that for the more aggresive types :3). So in essense, they did lose product as I used both, but the money I spent never left the store and I even spent an extra $29.00. Thus the roundabout inquiry is, did my cosmetic consultant lose her lunch money?
What about a return to the store from an online purchase that just didn’t fit right? That’s not really screwing anyone over because there was no sales person, right?
I received a really nice Eileen Fisher sweater for Christmas. I have worn it two or three times, and now it has all the little balls under the arms and on other areas on the sweater. The person who bought it is telling me to take it back as it was an expensive sweater.
Does that sound like a reasonable return?
Can I just say what a bunch of whining brats that work at Nordstrom…I’ve worked retail at Macys, Dillards, all top name stores. On top of that much harder airline jobs that require a lot of bs and you Nordstrom employees are annoying. Retail has plenty of jerks that will hassle you and return things, get over it, it’s part of the job. I have a family and people to support so please get over yourselves. I will say this, I came into Nordstrom the other day, and did not get helped by one person the entire time I was there. The employees were “chatting it up” which I find disgraceful looking at the circumstances of the economy (you might want to tell your managers to hire people that actually do their jobs so that you can get a paycheck, it’s all about working together. For example if you work in shoes and help me out and sell me shoes all you have to ask is well miss, let’s find you an outfit for those shoes, or lets get you accessories, etc and hand me off to a co-worker so you both get more out of one person). I had every intention of buying products and didn’t look like a low-life grubby person after all (although one secret I learned no matter what they look like treat all customers the same because you never know what they have) I am a very well groomed/dressed person (northface, burberry, etc) and yet I was not helped possibly because I’m 25 and look 18 or because the employees were too busy being lazy and what not. So what I did is realize, I can go to Macys where someone will actually help me. So I left, I still dine at their restaurant but will not shop there anymore.
I can’t believe people would return old junk like that. unethical.
So my cousins ex boyfriend purchased a bag from nordstrom for her almost two years ago at nordstrom, she passed away and now we are trying to raise money for her. she bought the purse and I seen her use it maybe a month and never again did I see it. My aunt went through her papers and files and found mulitple receipts from several diffrent places. She also found the one with purchase of the bag that was 2000 dollars. There isnt any tags but there is a receipt with the authenticy cards. This item wasnt sentimental to her in any way and didnt really like the bag and her ex boyfriend bought it cash from nordstrom. Now after reading everyones response on returns WE DO NOT want to be accused of stealing or abusing the policy however We never really shop at Nordstrom because we cannot afford much there but this bag was purchased from Nordstrom and we were going to take it back to get cash back. But would they hassel us about it and take the sale away from the employee? Would it be better to try and sell it on ebay?
You are ABSOLUTELY abusing the return policy.
Try eBay.
I say if you have receipts, then return it. You can always explain the situation to the salesperson and see what they say. It sounds like no employee will be dinged financially since it’s > 1 year. If the bag is in salable condition, they will likely send it to a Nordstrom Rack for resale.
They might be weird about it since it is probably designer at that price point but if you have the receipt, give it a try. Especially if the money is going to a good cause, I would gladly accept that return. I’m so sorry for your loss.
You guys are forgetting…what about those of us who have brains and decided LONG ago to stop shopping retail and buy ONLINE? Then there’s no commission to be returned, no annoying salesperson following me around and no “can I talk to your manager?”. I buy, receive, wear a few times and if I don’t like it, I send it back. If I do like it, well, I still send it back and then find the same thing for a lower price at any of a countless number of online outlets.
Having high-end rental places out there like REI and Nordstrom really makes it easy to be a smart consumer these days. :)
That’s still stealing, jackass.
…and no, that’s not a typo for “retail”. I meant to say RENTAL! HAH!
If you want to rent things, try bag, borrow or steal or rent the runway. But even then, if you send it back all used and gross, they’ll bill you. Scumbag.
I am a loyal Nordstrom customer because of the great customer service I always receive and the very generous return policy.
I wanted to put this *question for Nordstrom Employees* first in hopes it might get answered:
1. I purchased a handbag from a local Nordstrom. The sales lady (let’s call her Jane) was very nice, helpful and spent a lot of time with me. I have not yet used the handbag, but have decided to exchange it for a different color, which is not available at my local Nordstrom. Another nearby Nordstrom does have the bag in the desired color. If I exchange the bag at the other location, will Jane have her paycheck dinged? Can I specifically request at the other Nordstrom that Jane be given the exchange credit? If they say no, will Jane know that I exchanged the bag (i.e. will it show up as a return on her paycheck and will she know it was me)?
When I’m unsure about buying something, I’m often encouraged by the sales person to “take it home and try it out, and if I don’t like it, bring it back.” As a result, I often do this. What this means is that about 50% of the time I keep something and 50% of the time I return it. However, if Nordstrom didn’t have this awesome policy, then I probably wouldn’t shop there (because let’s face it, Nordstrom prices are higher than other department stores and online prices). So while the returns may seem annoying, in fact, the 50% of the time that I keep things (which means commission for the salesperson) wouldn’t occur at all if I wasn’t able to return things the other 50% of the time. If I only bought things that I was certain I would never return, I’d probably spend about 25% of what I currently spend. So in the end, the sales people do come out ahead commission-wise because of the policy. That being said, I think it’s stupid and unfair that Nordstrom impose sales quotas on their employees.
As for A. regarding the $2000 bag, I say if you have receipts, then return it. You can always explain the situation to the salesperson and see what they say. It sounds like no employee will be dinged financially since it’s > 1 year. If the bag is in salable condition, they will likely send it to a Nordstrom Rack for resale.
If you just exchanged it for a color, the salesperson at the other store should’ve exchanged it for Jane, so it shouldn’t affect her sales, unless the other salesperson is a thieving shark.
When the customer makes a return help them find what they should have received at the original time of purchase. If the customer made a return then maybe you should have done your job in the first place! returns happen and deal with it.
All employees know that this is part of the job. Returns are expected and not at all a surprise. Frustrating ~ yes. Its only because we have to hit a quota. Imagine having a day off to come back to a thousand or more in returns. It takes sometimes all day to catch up.. and if it doesn’t affect your moral your lucky. If we didn’t at times struggle to make our SPH than returns would not be an issue. I understand the drive for commissions but if we had a higher hourly pay rate with a lower commission we would I believe have happier sales people and happier clients. They constant up and downs of sales is what makes this job so mentally challenging.. not to mention the hours spent on your feet with crappy but cute shoes on! You cannot judge what this job is like unless you have walked in the shoes of a retail sales person. . Its not all glamourous like people think it is!
Hi, I have a question?
I received a Dior lipgloss, charm bracelet for my Birthday. I tried it on, and minutes later got a rash. I never used the pretty colored gloss, but I know I have no use for the item. Unfortunately. There is no receipt, but it is in the original velvet bag, packaging, and box. I’m curious if Ill have problems returning it.
I received a Dior lipgloss, charm bracelet for m Birthday. I tried it on, and minutes later I got a rash. I never used the pretty-colored gloss, but I know I have no use for the item. Unfortunately. There is no receipt, but it is in the original velvet bag, packaging, and box. I’m curious if I could return it with no problems? Note: I was 17 at the time, and now 19. I at first left it on my book shelf for my mom to return. She never had the chance to, now I would like to…
I’ve recently purchased a pair of shoes at Nordstrom that cost $120. For that price I expect the shoes not to hurt my feet. I did not buy crazy 5 inch heels, everyone knows those hurt. I bought a beautiful pair of clog style chunky 3 inch heels that felt extremely comfortable in the store. I wore these once and my left foot still hurts even though it’s been 4 days since I’ve worn them. Most importanly, they rub. Otherwise, I would not think of returning them but wear them when I know I won’t have to walk too much. I am hoping I can return these even if I have worn the shoes once. I still have the box and the receipt. I am also considering exchanging these shoes for a pair of soft leather flats. If I exchange them, will the sales clerk still lose the commission? I do feel bad for the sales people, however, I can’t afford to keep a $120 pair of shoes if they hurt so much.
Well here’s something new:
I received a box from Nordstrom’s in the mail. Randomly. Now, I’m a customer, but I wouldn’t say super-regular or anything. Maybe 4x/year. I open it, and it’s about $100 worth of cosmetic items. That I didn’t order.
Here’s the fun part:
As a good and ethical person, I called Nordstrom’s to inquire whether this was a gift from someone, since I knew I hadn’t ordered it, and I obviously wanted to thank whomever it came from (sometimes my mom or boyfriend will do sweet things). The lady on the phone took 15 minutes to comprehend what I was trying desperately to explain to her (I speak plain English). Turns out, it was something that was pre-sale and the customer never picked up, so they shipped out – erroneously, to me – apparently the true customer who PAID for this stuff has a similar last name to mine. (But not THAT similar.) So instead of really checking on the customer’s address, etc. and ensuring it matched, they clicked the first couple of letters in the last name and mailed it to the first name that popped up. Their mistake. My gain, if I was a crappy person.
Then she says, “OK, what I need you to do is return it to this address…” AT MY OWN EXPENSE.
Umm, OK fine, but I get no “thank you”? No “here’s a 10% discount code”?? What kind of incentive does this give to honest people who are willing to do the right thing? I’m shipping it back, but I could’ve easily walked into the store and gotten store credit for it, which would’ve been stealing. Plus, what about this poor lady who never got her stuff she paid for?
They were totally unconcerned. FYI – I mailed everything back today. I didn’t even get a note of thanks. This is why people do shitty things like steal. It’s because when we actually do the right thing, we are totally unappreciated. I hope that lady eventually gets her stuff.
Furthermore – am I going to be “labeled” in the system as having returned $100 worth of stuff??? I NEVER return stuff?!
This is exactly why I shop online, because I don’t want to screw anyone out of their hard earned commissions if I ever return something. Plus I don’t have to feel pressured by any sales person and waste my time in line at the register or looking for parking.
I’ve learned to be a confident online shopper through cultivating awareness about what looks good on me, fabric types, descriptions, brands etc. -So I’ve gotten really good at rarely having to return something. The downside is my purchases could go to someone’s commissions but I have a pretty good excuse being that I’m a size 0 which the stores are not likely to carry (but the website does).
Hello,
I have a question ive never returned anything that i have ever worn but once, when i only wore the item for 15 mins in a fashion show. However with the nordstrom policy, you say that employees get the money taken out of their commission if the costumer returns something worn w/in a year but if you exchange it after a year not return for REFUND does that money go back into their paycheck? Im a little confused I just want to be clear before i buy something thinkng that im getting a deal because i can exchange every year for a new pair of the same item, but in the end im cheating someone out of $$$?
-from an honest shopper
typo correction: “but if you exchange WITH IN a year not return for REFUND does that money go back into their paycheck?”
no offense to any employees
Tiny – when you return or exchange, that is counted first in the transaction. If you are simply doing a size or color adjustment, the new salesperson should be counting this toward the original salesperson’s employee number and thus not altering his or her commission. If you are exchanging for something completely different and the new salesperson assists you in choosing the item, finding you a fitting room, etc. then it becomes his or her sale and the original salesperson is de-commissioned.
QUOTED
2.) Return Policy. There is none. There is no time limit or reason for return needed to return an item. You can take a beaten up, dog-eaten pair of 10 year old jeans purchased from them and get a refund or exchange. Seriously.
…
I became a lifelong Nordstrom customer years ago when I bought a pair of Kenneth Cole shoes for I around $200ish dollars. I wore them all the time over the course of 9 months, and the sole became loose. I was on a vacation and they were my only pair of “going out” shoes. I stopped by a Nordstrom and asked for a replacement, which they gave me without any hassle except the shoe salesman explained that they weren’t “every day” shoes. That was 3 years ago and these are still my one pair of nice black shoes (I don’t wear them on a daily basis.) that I wear when I go out.
I’m sorry but when you use something every day and they’re all dirty and ripped and torn, that’s your fault. You used the product. You don’t get to sprinkle fairy dust on it and get a new version. That’s utter bullshit. You don’t buy strawberries from the grocery store, eat all but two and then bring them back for a refund.
When the chain on my brand new Dior bag broke (had just owned it for about two months and had only started carrying it for about a week) I got Dior to fix it because that was a manufacturing defect. But even having spent the ridiculous amount of money on it, I’m not going to go to Dior in five years when the leather gets scratched asking for a full on reimbursement or replacement. I mean, seriously!? SERIOUSLY?
If those were my shoes, I’d go to the shoe cobbler to get them fixed. And I do get my shoes revamped by the cobbler. All the time!
Seriously wtf!?
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All I could think while reading this is how horrifide Nordstrom would be reading what thier employees say and do while at work, or not. I appreciate the great customer service and even expect it if I am going to pay for high end clothing. There does have to be a line, and one should not be made to feel guilty for returning clothing that did not work out. There is always a catch with jobs and if you work there you get paid well and returns are part of the gig, no one forces you to work anywhere and customers are paying for service which is what the company stands for so why get so upset? Yes, there are ass-holes in EVERY job, literaly, so I really can not feel too much symapthy for the complainers and I have been in customer service for over 15 years, its part of the job.
Agreed. If the returns were not personally impacting the employees paychecks than I guarantee there would be a whole lot less whining. The reason employees get upset is because of the chronic abuse of the system. . the other reason is yes we may spend hours with someone to have them promptly wear and return. It happens at the worst time of course! I for one though highly encourage my clients to return an item if it didn’t work for them and exchange for another. I myself have purchased dresses for special occasions to take home and model for my hubby or try with accessories and return the ones I chose not to wear. Or if I have something damaged or defective.. I certainly will return the item. It is part of the job and I understand ~ but goodness have some compassion, its like your saying its ok to be pooped on cause you know **it happens
I have a pair of shoes that I bought from nordstrom around 2 years ago, but I have never ever worn them. I’m planning on returning them but I can’t find the receipt that goes with them! The shoes are clean, still have the price tag and everything, and it even says Nordstrom in it! Do you think I would still be able to return them?
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Okay, so have you bought TOMS (these peasant shoes) before? Well, I did from Nordies and wore them for TWO months before the soles broke and it gave me blisters. They are so cheap and crappy.
Conversation:
“Hi, I bought these TOMS two months ago, and they were perfectly fine until the soles broke and they gave me blisters. What are my options?”
“Return them or if you want a new pair.”
“No, TOMS are basically styrofoam stuck to canvas.”
And the guy laughed. I am now in love with Nordstrom.They have a great customer service policy.
BUT BEWARE, IF YOU DID NOT BUY IT RECENTLY, YOU NEED THE RECEIPT!!! I tried to get these Jalate stretchy pants fixed because the zipper broke like two weeks after I bought it (didn’t know about their policy back then) and they wanted to charge me $16…and I said no. So you NEED the receipt if it was longer than 6 months, I think.
It was that simple! And I would suggest talking to the guys, they are much nicer :)
I think it is funny that all of the nordstrom employees on here complain about the return policy when they are the ones who use it as a selling point. I shop at the rail department quite frequently because there really isn’t much of a choice to shop for designer goods here in portland, oregon. whenever i am ponder spending $200 on seven jeans the salesperson always pitches the fact that if i am unsatisfied with the product i can return it anytime i want, and there is no timeframe attached. i buy all my seven jeans from nordstrom because its almost like insurance- if anything happens to them, nordstrom will take care of it. i know it sounds iffy, but when i pay $200 for a pair of jeans, thats what i would expect and its nordstrom’s policy to do so…… However, when my zipper broke on my seven jeans the salesperson at the downtown portland store refused to fix the zipper on them. I didnt have the original receipt but i did have the original nordstrom return sticker on it which is basically like a receipt. since the salesperson refused to do anything i wanted to talk to the store manager. but when i spoke with the manager I had to argue with her for 20 minutes just because i bought the jeans a year ago. Supposedly there is no “time frame” and just to hear her say that angered me she refused to repair/exchange the jeans greatly angered me! it’s almost as if nordstrom is quick to take your money and then when you try to repair/exchange a pair of jeans they refuse to do so. heated, i then called the corporate office, and they apologized for the mishap and told me it shouldn’t have happened and they would exchange the jeans. i never exchanged the jeans just because i felt cheated of the nordstrom return policy. i now only shop at mario’s, online and make out of town trips to bloomindales for my designer goods because i travel so frequently for business.
oh, and for all of you nordstrom employees who complain and whine on this website about your pay you should probably get a better paying reputable job. i may sound ignorant but i know a lot of people who work for nordstrom who have a college degree that their parents paid for who still work there! (4 years after they graduated) so unless you are corporate or management i suggest either furthering your education or looking elsewhere :)
If I am not happy with a purchase of course I will return it. If nordstorms is tired of having people return stuff, why don’t they add a time limit like 30 days or so. If they dont do that then of course people will take their time when returning a item. Having a open book policy like that its only their fault.
As an employee keep in mind If u come in bringing in some fourth month old super beat up shoes saying there’s a defect..I personally have no problem embarrassing u in a kind fashion by not only denying u but also making u look like a dirty sleez that has no shame…now If we do end up returning it, we will remember u, and we WILL walk away from u the next time ur in knowing ur a waste of our time since ur gonna most likely bring it back and take our commission away..if u wear something it’s gonna wear down eventually…so don’t come in after a few days, months, or years and say there’s a defect…oh and we can always look up ur purchase/return history…I probably sound disgruntled but trust me, I’ve seen people get walked out of our store eventually and told not to come in again because they abused the “return policy”
you nordstrom employees take your 8 dollar an hour job way too seriously lol.
Bottom line…the customer is purchasing from the STORE Nordstrom. The arrangement between the sales clerk and Nordstrom is not an arrangement in which the customer is willingly involved or has agree to. It is an arrangement that the SALES CLERK has agreed to. If the sales clerk/staff does not like Nordstrom’s return policy and how it affects their paycheck, find a new place to work. As a customer, it is not my responsibility to look out for how Nordstrom takes care of you or pays you. I purchase what I want, I return what I do not want, and I do not ask for a clerks assistance other than to open a dressing room on occasion. My returns are often unused as I tend to try things on at home because the lighting in the dressing rooms is usually not up to par and I like to see how an item will integrate into my wardrobe. That is MY prerogative. I do not need to cater to the desires of sales people. This is MY MONEY I am spending at Nordstrom THE STORE. If you have a problem with it, take it up with Nordstrom and/or find a new job.
Well unfortunately you didn’t read my post and understand it.. The point I was trying to make is that the shady customers who like to buy stuff, wear it, use it up until it smells and looks like hell, and then want bring it back after a few months and claim they just didn’t like it even tho it looks like they loved it by how worn out the item looks, are the customers I have issues with. I could care less how you spend your money. If you buy something and bring it back because you genuinely didnt like it, then that’s fine. But even children can spot a phony and if you’re playing dumb returning an old used item pretending it fell apart too easily or you really didn’t like it even tho you wore it a thousand times, then whether or not you want to admit it, you just have no class. go shop at Macys
Perfectly motivated and educated lol? Supposedly u have a degree in chemistry? Then why would u waste ur time working at Nordstrom lol? I know u don’t make six figures unless u are working designers ( I have friends in HR so I know the numbers). Instead of contributing to society with something meaningful you spent 4 years of your life molding yourself into a respectable Nordstrom salesperson where most college kids work…. You sound very educated lol! My guess is that u couldn’t find a job after college so you stayed there and are un-motivated, or ur simply just lying. If you are younger than 24 I can respect that, but anything else you should prob get a better career. Sincerely, mechanical engineer for Boeing who used to work at the savvy dept my sophomore year in college : )
God damn the whole fucking store is a fun house of illusions. I was too dumb to quit while I was ahead. Dog eat dog competition. It’s either me or my 50 year old coworker getting the numbers, not to mention her being a cold hearted bully but putting on a sweet face for the customers. How about when everybody was brown nosing this one woman who kept blowing her cash on stupid designer shit? Yeah turned out she was actually a criminal committing fraud against the state. But damn salespeople would screw each other over just to get a piece of her action. Fucking awful, I cried every day and I’m glad I quit. Stop filling the voids in your lives with useless overpriced items, stop feeding this heartless industry that preys on women’s self esteem.
This is going way off topic… I personally don’t shop at Nordstorms nor do I plan on at this point. But I would because of their return policy if they really honor it that is. I shop often at stores like REI who have a similar return policy IE no time limits, use or unused condition etc. I keep 90% of the stuff I buy from them, but also at the same time I also have bought things that I normally would not just try them out to see if I would like the product. For example, when these new “barefoot” shoes came out. I was skeptic about the product and didnt know if I would like it. But hey I figured I could try it, if I don’t like I’ll return it! Because thats exactly what their damn policy is “100% guaranteed satisfaction” basically now I own 4 pairs of these shoes. But I would of never purchased something that costs around 120 dollars a pair not knowing that I would even like em or not. What sold me was the option to give them a try without nothing to loose. Heck the damn employees told me “try them, use them, if you don’t like them return them”. I just dont get why some of you nordstorm employees are so pissy about a policy that the company is obviously promoting and thats in writing!
Agree completely with sdfsdf. Nordstrom is a heartless company with back-stabbing sales associates. The ones who have been there the longest are the ones to avoid: sneaky, slick, and solely concerned with selling you the most expensive shite. The clothes are ridiculously expensive and not of any particular quality you couldn’t find elsewhere for cheaper.
does they really do taht?
obviously like your web-site however you have to check the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very bothersome to tell the reality nevertheless I will certainly come back again.
Pg, get your head out of your ass. You don’t know what you’re talking about and obviously was never capable of holding a job in your life due to your poor grammar. Continue collecting your unemployment benefits from Obama and go shop at JC Penny’s or Macy’s instead of trolling you fool.
Curious,
You need the nordstrom specific sticker/barcode to return an item with ease, however Nordstrom may extend a helping hand. You should visit the Customer Service department whenever returning an item because not only will they be more lenient than a sales associate, they do not take a hit because they don’t make commission. I would most definitely stress that you just received the item as a gift and the tag fell off accidentally when opening the gift.
Also, what many people don’t know, is that when returning an item to Nordstrom, you don’t have to settle for store credit. You can actually return an item to your credit or debit card or even ask for cash. The latter is probably the least advised. Nordstrom is capable of doing this because they are associated with a Nordstrom bank unlike other department stores.
Good luck.
thanks for you post..
Thanks Riley, much appreciated! Have a nice holiday!!!
I could care less that it is tied to the employees paycheck. If i want to return something I will take advantage of the return policy. I am a paying customer, its my hard earned cash as well. If the employees don’t like the policy and are afraid of loosing commissions couple months down the road, then find another employer.
Trust me buddy. It’s 2 weeks. Employees complain about it because 100$ lost today versus a 100$ lost in a year, is still a 100$ lost.
I 100% agree with you Ap. The employees should not be complaining. It is our money and we should be able to do what we want with it, which in this case is to buy a quality product that lasts.
I don’t shop at Nordstorms. But I do shop at REI which has a very open return policy similar to Nordstorms. I don’t buy things with the intent of returning it. But I would say REI has earned a lot of my business because I can buy a expensive product with the confidence that if it doesn’t stand up to my expectations that I can return it for a full refund. Without this policy in place I would think real hard before I shell out 100s of dollars on equipment or clothing. REI like Nordstorms do not have big sales or discounts, and mostly sell things at full retail price! I probably could find the same product cheaper online or some where else. But why I shop there is because of its 100% guarantee! When paying top dollar for items I will take advantage of the policies in place. Obviously its a good business practice and they are still in business. If they were not making huge profits overall they would not have such a liberal refund policy in place. Seems like the only losers at Nordstorms are the employees who risk their commission money for up to a year. While I feel sorry for you but it is what it is. REI employees do not make commissions on any sales, they do make extra money by opening store credit card accounts and signing up new members. I was in the insurance business for a while, and as a employee I received commissions on every policy sold. However I would have to pay that commission back should the customer cancel their policy within 12 months. It did suck, but business is business.
I am a current Nordstrom employee. I think that the return policy is absolutely fine. Some people will have legitimate reasons to bring returns and others will abuse the system,, use the merchandise (especially women) and then return it. Nordstrom for sure, knew this was going to happen when they designed this business model. However, the practice of taking the return amount from the employee’s paycheck in highly immoral and unfair. The salesperson was successful in selling an item; she/he did their job and should not be liable for returns. If Nordstrom wants to continue with their liberal return policy, that’s their business decision, but they need to stop taking the return money from their employees’ sales. I don’t understand how they have gotten away with this for so long. It certainly looks like they are taking advantage of the average salesperson’s difficult financial/employment situation. Shame on them. One of these days they will be subject to a huge class action.
My whole family are loyal customers of Nordstrom and especially my mother! On occasion, I would get giftcards as a gift or other things from the store. My husband and family thinks im a shopaholic. This last year I think I made numerous returns either ecayse they were gifts or I was gifted something I already have or it was defective. Mostly, I regret buyi g it afterwards. Two weeks ago I had received a letter regards to my numerous and problematic refund transactions. It stated that I call within several business days to resolve this matter. It also said that they are conducting an investigation on my refund transactions. And until I contact them I am not allowed to go into any Nordstrom stores! My concern is that some of the gifts I had returned had no receipt nor the sticker. Other times I returned/exchange because it was defective or just changed my mind. I contacted them three times now and I still haven’t received a call. Do you know what this means?
listen HONeyyy…how long had it been since the items were purchased that you brought them back? did you have the refund put on another gift card or did you make them give you cash? WHY did you take the tags off if you weren’t sure you wanted it?! if you are returning items that are worn or otherwise unsellable, you are creating loss for nordstrom. while they will overlook this to a certain extent as a courtesy for you, if you do it often they will stop being so nice. so just try to make sure you like things before you buy them!!
i understand what you’re saying, but frankly you haven’t COMPLETELY done your job if the person decides against something after they get it home. part of your job is to help people find the things they need and help them to understand how it fits into their wardrobe (or whatever else) in such a way that they don’t WANT to return it EVERRRR!!! if you’re not successful at making a person understand that they absolutely NEED an item because it goes with this and this and this, then you should probably take a little hit when/if it comes back! i mean it’s not like you’re ever going to have a zero dollar paycheck…everyone gets draw at the very least! i am an employee there and you just have to take the returns in stride and sell the HECK out of some more stuff to get yourself out of the hole!
To the last post… It sounds like you’ve been banned! Shady behavior does come back to haunt you, after all:)
I have been working at Nordstrom for over 6yrs. I have a masters in elementary education. I work there because they allow me to always put my family needs first. I have small children and the hours are so flexible. I also can make $15-40 an hour which teaching does not pay. I had to state that info for those who believe that we are are all young and immature or dim witted and old.
Now as far as returns, I take them with a smile. Returns can be disappointmenting but expected. I feel confident in my sales. I do not pressure or hassle customers. I can cross sale with knowledge of products through out the entire store. I honestly would rather not sale an item then having it returned, no matter how much commission.
As for “Riley” please do not refer questions to her for she has no idea of what she is talking about. Employees do receive hits on returns up to one year after purchase, point blank period! January-February are the worst retail months for us. After Christmas returns really hurt and sometimes have employees working a full day only to leave in the negative.
Again, returns are never a problem. The only problem are those customers that abuse the policy. Examples are frequent returns of used and worn merchandise without any proof of purchase. Returning for legitimate reasons, even frequently is not a problem if the merchandise is unused. Trust me, we do keep track of abusers. Sales people, dept. managers store managers and loss prevention know your name, face and your children that you send in to do the returns for you. So when returns become a too little easy for you, accompanied with a smile and maybe a phone call to the register every time you approach then that is when you may receive that dreaded letter from Nordstrom, banning you from the store and may be charged with numerous counts of fraud.
Hi Elle, I am not sure who your comment was directed to, but if it was about the grammar in my post please excuse any mis- typed or spelled words. I do agree with you as far as returning “gently” used or even defective merchandise months after purchasing it. That is not a problem. We have numerous ways to track old purchases so that we can refund the customer. The problem that I stated was about customers who abuse the return policy. By abuse I mean customers who return worn out clothing items, empty bottles of cosmetic products or badly worn out shoes then expect a full refund or exchange and it becomes a habit for that particular customer. They feel ss though they are entitled to abuse our policy for what ever reason. I do not lump all returns as shady at all. But like I stated in my post employees all know the customers who are the bad apples.
The thing that some of you forget is that retail is a shitty job, Dealing with dumb, ignorant, rude people. This makes you uptight and suspicious when you spend most of your time taking returns. When 40 – 50% of everything you sell comes back you feel used. Let’s not forget that Nordstrom pays their employees commission so that they cascrew their their employees with returns. You can say whatever you like, but the point is that most take advantage of the policy. So if I worked at Nordstrom and I saw you attempting to return a worn out shoe that after a year you decided you did not like I think I would slapp you and send you home. Some people don’t belong in Nordstrom, they just keep stereotypes alive. Remember or think how you would feel if people asked for refunds or retuns at your job, just because they realized they cold or afford something or because they just wanted something else. Additionally I think that those of you who think that the return policy is a life time warranty are just stupid and ou should go fuck your self.
Nordstrom does prosecute shoplifters. We usually monitor the person or persons shoplift several times in order to build a stronger case before we have them arrested.
is it possible to return sunglasses [same design] but in different color that is not listed on receipt? lets say in the receipt, the sunglasses i purchase is listed dark gray. can i return [same design] sunglasses in light gray?
how does refund works ordering it online with bank of america debit card? will they refund back to me even though they received the wrong color from me? can i just say because they mailed me the wrong color and i want a refund? will they be strict about it? [its still the same design but just different color] will it be declined?
how does exchanges that paid with debit card works? will they charge you for the amount like a new purchase and then refund the item that is exchange?
please reply!! thank you!
…return what you want how you want…who cares about the employee, no one is holding a gun to their head to work there!! If its that big of a deal to you that someone returns a bunch of stuff because…THEY CAN! Then quit! I heard McDonalds is hiring, and if thats not enough money for you then you should have thought about going to college! Quit bitching about people returning stuff, thats the woes of customer service, DEAL WITH IT!
I love shopping at Nordstrom’s. I’ve never had an issue returning anything from them. The customer service is remarkable. I’ve heard stories of their legendary effort in satisfying customer’s needs. The thing I don’t understand is that they don’t advertise their generous return policy on their website. Several websites show their unlimited return policy, like this site http://store-return-policies.com/nordstrom-return-policy/, but the actual return policy on Nordstrom.com doesn’t even mention it. Why wouldn’t Nordstrom have their legendary return policy front and center throughout their website? That should be their main selling point.
Mike-
The point of the Nordstrom return policy is that there isn’t one. They don’t advertise ‘unlimited returns’ because they don’t do unlimited returns. They simply evaluate each situation and make a decision based on many factors. They are usually happy to accommodate the customer, but once in a while, for whatever reason, returns cannot be taken. As an example, often people bring back items that have been worn. I think sometimes customers don’t think the salespeople will notice or know, but they do. They work with that merchandise every day. Now, when this item is simply a pair of jeans or a t-shirt, we can usually give the customer the benefit of the doubt. But often times, women will buy a $1500 dress for a special event and then expect to be able to return it afterward, even if it now smells like perfume and booze and has deodorant stains. This is a situation where Nordstrom would NOT have unlimited returns.
Ultimately Nordstrom wants to provide the best customer service in the world but does not want its liberal return ‘policy’ to be something that is advertised. If the salespeople in the store are doing their jobs correctly and providing an amazing customer experience, then returns shouldn’t be such an issue that we would need to advertise how good we are about taking them. It’s different when you’re somewhere like JCPenney and helping yourself to budget merchandise.
The Nordstrom gift cards are NOT returnable:
http://www.giftcardsfor.info/gift-cards-by-country/u-s/nordstrom/
i purchased a pair of shoes at nordstrom rack about 6 months ago,never wore them. i wanted to know if i can return or exchange them for another pair of shoes?
nordstrom rack has a 30 day return policy.