CHICAGO, IL- December 27, 2011 – While most retailers love the
holidays and the increased sales of the last quarter of each year, no one looks
forward to the dreaded post-holiday gift returns. The Better Business Bureau
serving Chicago and northern Illinois (BBB) is advising businesses to make sure
that their return policies are simple and solid before tackling customer gift
returns this holiday season.
“Though returns can be a hassle, it’s important for retailers to keep their
customers in mind when it comes to their policy,” said
Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois. “While it’s important that your return policy
doesn’t hurt your business, it’s critical that it doesn’t completely discourage
and penalize the customer from making a purchase in the first place.”
The BBB recommends that businesses consider the following when creating,
solidifying or simplifying their return policy:
- Make sure the customer is aware of your policy. Display you policies at the
checkout counter and on your website.
- Provide gift receipts. Be sure to offer one at the time of purchase. This will
make the return process smoother after the holidays.
-
Encourage customers to return the merchandise unused, unworn or
unwrapped.
Everyone likes getting merchandise in its original package and by encouraging
customers to return goods this way, you better your chances that the product
can be resold.
- Make online returns easy. Lay out the return rules
clearly. Explain who pays for the return shipping, where the customer sends the
return, and any forms or mailing labels you want them to use.
- Stay calm
and helpful. The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone
and making returns is usually not high on the customer’s list of fun things to
do. When working with a customer, always go into a return with a smile. If
their experience is good, you may win over a new customer.
For more business tips you can trust, and Business Reviews
visit www.bbb.org
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As a
private, non-profit organization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau is
to promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by
means of conciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising
claims, online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs develop
and issue reviews on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encourage
people to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.