The Staples next to my supermarket takes Happy Returns, USPS drop offs, and UPS (if you have a label printed), and has a FedEx drop box, so I am able to bring returns before my weekly grocery shop.
I highly recommend tying your drop off to another errand you’re regularly doing anyways.
I really like how you broke this down. Shifting to a deposit mindset really helped me make peace with how little I keep from my orders. I have a shelf in my closet where I put things I need to return, so I have the visual reminder for the returns I do in person (stores have convenient locations).
Plus one thousand for putting an alert (or two) into your calendar as I recently did the thing where I delayed b/c I kept thinking I had time and then missed the return window. the 30 days often throws me off b/c I think I have a month to the date, but that's not usually the case.
Not to be a huge buzzkill, but all the packaging, shipping, etc is not eco friendly in the slightest. To buy and ship multiple items when the original plan is only to purchase a few items makes a significant carbon footprint. There has to be a better way....
Unfortunately, the better way is for retailers to agree to a standardized sizing system like we had before Reagan deregulated it. Since they won't, because they're counting on people to keep things they don't need because of the hassle of returns, the responsibility is on them. No one needs to buy in excess but women deserve to have clothes that fit. This is currently the only way to find them, even more so for disabled people and anyone who falls outside of the straight sizing system (most estimates find this to be about 60% of American women).
I hate returning things. It is so hard for me and it is so validating to see I am not alone. I sometimes have my husband help me because he doesn't find it as annoying as I do. And he obviously loves getting money back!
I'll add -- waiting to try everything on gets me in trouble with my return windows, so I shoot to try things on in groups as stuff comes in, and then I keep all the items together with their packaging & shipping slips for retries and returns.
I learned recently that the public library near me does printing for 10c a page. I much prefer having an excuse to go to the library rather than making space for and maintaining a printer.
Yes, I was going to share this suggestion as well! My public library lets you print a certain number of pages a month for free.
Now, I can see this not being as convenient as having a printer at home, and could add another step to the already arduous process (having to stop by the library), but you could also work it into the Return Errand Process: package everything up, email all labels to yourself (so you don't have to log into different store websites when you're at the library), print them, affix them, and then run it over to the post office/UPS.
The Staples next to my supermarket takes Happy Returns, USPS drop offs, and UPS (if you have a label printed), and has a FedEx drop box, so I am able to bring returns before my weekly grocery shop.
I highly recommend tying your drop off to another errand you’re regularly doing anyways.
I really like how you broke this down. Shifting to a deposit mindset really helped me make peace with how little I keep from my orders. I have a shelf in my closet where I put things I need to return, so I have the visual reminder for the returns I do in person (stores have convenient locations).
Yay! I think I was the original question-asker and I'm so honored you picked mine. This is really helpful, thank you. :)
yes! I hope it makes it a bit easier for you!
Plus one thousand for putting an alert (or two) into your calendar as I recently did the thing where I delayed b/c I kept thinking I had time and then missed the return window. the 30 days often throws me off b/c I think I have a month to the date, but that's not usually the case.
I have this printer. It was easy to set up, prints quickly, and also does double sided. It's not color, but that hasn't been an issue for me. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-HL-L2420DW-Wireless-Compact-Monochrome-Laser-Printer-with-Duplex-Mobile-Printing/5066099135?classType=VARIANT&from=/search
Not to be a huge buzzkill, but all the packaging, shipping, etc is not eco friendly in the slightest. To buy and ship multiple items when the original plan is only to purchase a few items makes a significant carbon footprint. There has to be a better way....
Unfortunately, the better way is for retailers to agree to a standardized sizing system like we had before Reagan deregulated it. Since they won't, because they're counting on people to keep things they don't need because of the hassle of returns, the responsibility is on them. No one needs to buy in excess but women deserve to have clothes that fit. This is currently the only way to find them, even more so for disabled people and anyone who falls outside of the straight sizing system (most estimates find this to be about 60% of American women).
wait, Reagan deregulated this?! wow, did not know this! do you know why?
I assume it was part of some big bill of deregulation for, you know, "growth". In this article from 1993, it says his administration decided it would save money...? (gift link) https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/31/weekinreview/one-size-fits-all-the-way-to-middle-age.html?unlocked_article_code=1.fk8.qmYM.ZtLDg8nsEvg3&smid=url-share
I would love to not go through a process like this but I have literally almost no places where I can try clothes on in person in my size.
I hate returning things. It is so hard for me and it is so validating to see I am not alone. I sometimes have my husband help me because he doesn't find it as annoying as I do. And he obviously loves getting money back!
I'll add -- waiting to try everything on gets me in trouble with my return windows, so I shoot to try things on in groups as stuff comes in, and then I keep all the items together with their packaging & shipping slips for retries and returns.
yes, great example of making it work for you!
My local UPS store will print labels for a small fee.
I learned recently that the public library near me does printing for 10c a page. I much prefer having an excuse to go to the library rather than making space for and maintaining a printer.
Yes, I was going to share this suggestion as well! My public library lets you print a certain number of pages a month for free.
Now, I can see this not being as convenient as having a printer at home, and could add another step to the already arduous process (having to stop by the library), but you could also work it into the Return Errand Process: package everything up, email all labels to yourself (so you don't have to log into different store websites when you're at the library), print them, affix them, and then run it over to the post office/UPS.
love that!