What has always helped me with my returns if doing them with someone. So early on that was my mom. Now it’s my partner. When I was single I would call a friend and that helped too. It’s generally called body doubling for neurodivergent people. Just having someone there helps me do the thing.
Wow I have never heard the term body doubling, but I totally vibe with it. I know Anne Helen Petersen has also talked about having an "errand friend," which is exactly what it sounds like. I can see these definitely helping the process!
I’ve also found useful to do a « down the middle » solution when I don’t trust myself to do the hassle of returning thing, is order via click & collect - so I will go in store to pick my package, do the trying on site and return / get refund in store immediately for what doesn’t work. I used this a couple of times for bulky items (Nike puffer coats for example) so that I didn’t have to deal with huge boxed to schlep back to the post office (was very burnt after having to return a huuugge box of puffer coats a few years back. Never. Again. 😅) Also if I do do have to do some returns and body doubling is not an option I will make a first pit stop for a nice treat (like go get coffee somewhere near the post office that I like) and then it will frame the return trip as « oh well might as well drop by the post office on my way back from the coffee shop). Oh and also I rule out any site that doesn’t have a huge return window…
Love these tips! I think another thing to consider is having all the doodads you'll need for the return in one place, like the return slip, tape, and an index card and marker to address it if it doesn't come with a label. Everyone knows the frustration of trying to get something done and realizing you're out of one thing that will hold up the whole process, like tape!! I have a boring plastic bin in my linen closet that holds all the stuff I'll need for packaging and shipping stuff and it makes it so much easier.
I appreciate your thoughtful response! The idea of going into online shopping knowing that you won't keep everything and expecting to send things back seems like the key. Lowering expectations that everything that needs to be ordered online should work out, and knowing that you WILL be returning at least sizes that don't fit, would make the returns process more like the norm instead of the exception. Great tips!
What has always helped me with my returns if doing them with someone. So early on that was my mom. Now it’s my partner. When I was single I would call a friend and that helped too. It’s generally called body doubling for neurodivergent people. Just having someone there helps me do the thing.
Yes, love body doubling!
Wow I have never heard the term body doubling, but I totally vibe with it. I know Anne Helen Petersen has also talked about having an "errand friend," which is exactly what it sounds like. I can see these definitely helping the process!
Body doubling is so useful!
I’ve also found useful to do a « down the middle » solution when I don’t trust myself to do the hassle of returning thing, is order via click & collect - so I will go in store to pick my package, do the trying on site and return / get refund in store immediately for what doesn’t work. I used this a couple of times for bulky items (Nike puffer coats for example) so that I didn’t have to deal with huge boxed to schlep back to the post office (was very burnt after having to return a huuugge box of puffer coats a few years back. Never. Again. 😅) Also if I do do have to do some returns and body doubling is not an option I will make a first pit stop for a nice treat (like go get coffee somewhere near the post office that I like) and then it will frame the return trip as « oh well might as well drop by the post office on my way back from the coffee shop). Oh and also I rule out any site that doesn’t have a huge return window…
yes! i loved that you figured out what worked best for you.
You helped me do that 😘
Love this idea!!
Love these tips! I think another thing to consider is having all the doodads you'll need for the return in one place, like the return slip, tape, and an index card and marker to address it if it doesn't come with a label. Everyone knows the frustration of trying to get something done and realizing you're out of one thing that will hold up the whole process, like tape!! I have a boring plastic bin in my linen closet that holds all the stuff I'll need for packaging and shipping stuff and it makes it so much easier.
Yes, such a good point!!
Such a useful idea!
So helpful! Great idea to think of returns as saving you a trip to the store.
So glad!
I appreciate your thoughtful response! The idea of going into online shopping knowing that you won't keep everything and expecting to send things back seems like the key. Lowering expectations that everything that needs to be ordered online should work out, and knowing that you WILL be returning at least sizes that don't fit, would make the returns process more like the norm instead of the exception. Great tips!
I'm so glad it's helpful!
This post already helped me with holding off on buying *another* white graphic tee 😂 It’s not on my list - no need to purchase :))