Don't get me wrong - I think one of the great things that makes WFM unique is our return policy. Didn't like? Bring it back. Wasn't what you expected? Bring it back. Feel like it didn't work well? Bring it back. But what about all of those who continuously scam us? I'm talking about people that return rotten produce, extremely out of date items (weeks to months old), and those who clean out their kitchens before their weekly shopping trip for store credit. I know it's up to your STLs discretion whether or not to accept these things, but how many of you have had STLs/ASTls that sigh and let the guest do the return? I watch out guest service team give out hundreds of dollars in store credit daily for things that most other stores would laugh at you for if you attempted to return them. Not entirely lay off related, but if we are going to cut costs by giving half of our labor force the ax then why not look at other frivolous spending that could easily be fixed. I almost cried tears of joy when I found out whole body returns need a receipt from now on. If you only knew how much money was lost on giving out store credit for straight up stolen supplements you'd be pretty furious too.
7 replies (most recent on top)
As someone who has worked the booth at multiple stores in the MA I can tell you it's not strict enough. I would estimate 65-85% of our returns are fraudulent.
:)))
It's long past time to stop customers who abuse the return policy. Some of this is just fraud and needs to be referred to law enforcement. Fun fact: I worked for a hotel chain that offered a satisfaction guarantee. They had a "five strikes" and you're dis-invited policy. I thought it should have been three. Those perpetrators were sent a letter from the CEO stating that any attempt to book a room would be considered trespassing. The computer system would not allow us to process a reservation. We need to set up our systems so that if you're found to be in violation, the guarantee is revoked and any attempt to process a refund will be prevented. Your guarantee becomes: "Stop shopping here."
This would have made an impact, oh, say maybe 15 years ago.
All Whole Body returns now require a receipt as of Jan 1st. This will be a big money saver. No longer will scammers be able to grab a handful of supplements off the shelves, walk to CS, and request store credit for hundreds of dollars.
Too many o.c.d nutjobs returning half eaten or juiced produce so they can a new head of kale everyday..
I am 1000% with you on this one, we should stop this nonsense